blog




  • Essay / Lean on Me: Parental Responsibility for School Failure

    In the film “Lean on Me,” the common social problems depicted are resolved in strange ways. The new principal, Joe Clark, was asked to transform the entire school; he did just that, but in a way that would be forbidden in today's society. Mr. Clark was self-centered, demanding, and cruel, but he had the student's best interest at heart. Students of film absolutely need structure and a sense of direction; the high school was made up of minority students who were exposed and confronted with the problems of drugs, gangs, violence and poverty. Joe Clark accepted this position because he was the only one who could make a strong comeback within the school and the students. The school system has failed to educate these students; as a result, students cannot pass the national basic skills exam, drop out of school, and/or get involved in criminal activities. The underlying problem is that students lack inspiration and motivation, dignity, morality and values, and therefore have nothing to look forward to. They must be taught to aim high and reach their full potential, which starts with effective education. Students will not know what is out there unless they are taught and exposed to it. Say no to plagiarism. Get a Custom Essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”?Get the original essayJoe Clark implemented changes by calling student assemblies, teacher meetings, parent-teacher conferences and school board meetings. At the teachers' meeting, Mr. Clark takes action by reassigning the teachers' positions, regardless of their feelings. The last few years have been chaotic, which is why he persists in turning the school around in an efficient and beneficial way for the students. Joe Clark has zero tolerance for nonsense; therefore, he does not refrain from talking and acting crazy towards teachers or students. He demands that the school be cleared of graffiti, cages and other factors such as delinquents and drug dealers, which contribute to the destruction of the school. I think Mr. Clark is taking the right approach, because you have to impose change to see change. While addressing teachers, he says: “You have tried your method for years and your students cannot even pass a minimum test of basic skills; that means they can barely read. It informs every teacher and administrator that they have failed in their job of educating students, which is why they are in this predicament. Teachers, like parents, are a reflection of the students. If teachers do not take pride in their work motivating students, preparing effective lesson plans, or staying out of hours for students who need help, students will not strive to excel at school; in fact, they will take other paths that could cost them their lives due to lack of support and motivation. After the teachers' meeting, the student assembly takes place during which Joe Clark expelled all the troublemaking students and enforced new rules. Although it may seem a bit harsh, he intends to make his students disciplined and educated individuals. He then goes on to tell the students, “If you don't succeed in life, I don't want you to blame your parents. I don't want you to blame the white man. The responsibility lies with you… You are here to learn; work for what you want. The alternative is to waste your time and.