<p>If we do not improve k-12 here, we are in trouble. Many foreign proffessionals are leaving USA, going back, we will need replacements. Many departments that involve technology are facing very old work force. People around me were much younger when I started working, we all got very old, some approaching close to 70. I have taken Computer class later in my proffessional life, prof. has mentioned that academic quality of kids coming to his class from HS went down considerably. At the end we had 3 people n our class (summer session), I was assigned by prof. to assist one, prof took care of another. He just needed to get some work out of them to give them some reasonable grades. It was very sad. If we do not face up to that, we are in trouble. </p>
<p>It does not take anything but hard work to get straingt 'A’s, including the most regorous programs and most rigorous programs at most colleges. Yes, I heard that it is hard at MIT, but other than that, hard work will always win. If you tell your kids otherwise, you set them for failure. Even in worst moments of despair, I always tell this to my D. Others have connections, special status, tons of talent… but at the end hard worker will be a winner.</p>