What About Student Responsibility?

The intent of this research based inquiry is to consider whether student responsibility and/or motivation predicate a comparable of academic performance. Within the change of societal views in regards to parent expectation of educators, teachers are to ensure the academic success of all students. Sometimes unrealistic responsibilities are placed upon the educator, the school, and the school district to ensure that "no child is left behind." Has this mentality shifted the responsibility, as well as the burden of education solely upon the shoulders of unsuspecting teachers who long for students who "want to learn", thereby relieving students of their personal responsibility to participate, perform, and produce within the classroom? Will this lack of personal responsibility and self-motivation come back to haunt this society when these same students become adults with poor, non-viable work ethics in this global marketplace?

While investigating this possible correlation, the following questions will be examined:

1. Are high levels of self-motivation and/or personal responsibility prerequisites for better academic performance?
2. Do family and/or societal views effect student attitudes towards personal responsibility and/or self-motivation?
3. Are student attitudes towards personal responsibility and self-motivation learned behaviors? If so, how do we as educators affect change in these areas?

I welcome feedback from parents, teachers, and students.