[Luke Skyfreeper]

let's say you can and do turn out a classroom full of Bill Gates every year. Let's just pretend there is a teacher who can do that. Well -- so what? Does that teacher ever share in .01% of the mega-bucks a Bill Gates will then make? No, you do everything out of "the goodness of your heart."

Actually...

Let's say my wife and I do manage to "turn out" a Bill Gates or two (which is possible as business and personal success are a definite and important part of the curriculum). It's likely that we will share in that success - as our students happen to be the same people who are likely to be responsible for our care in our old age. (Assuming we need any care, that is. :-) )

[summer]

It's likely that we will share in that success - as our students happen to be the same people who are likely to be responsible for our care in our old age.

Very good points throughout your post! :)

And, I bet most parents would say the same -- but how do all teachers succeed in motivating all parents to ACT upon those beliefs? That parental attitude by more parents would help, considerably, in the world of public education!