Editor, Gazette-Journal:

Recent articles in the Gazette-Journal point to continuing problems with SOL scores and accreditation woes. I understand that these problems exist in other counties in the Middle Peninsula/Northern Neck, and parents, administrators and faculty struggle to improve these scores and see their local schools move into “fully accredited” status. The focus is usually on compensatory educational programming and mentoring; however, something important is overlooked.

I do not believe that mentoring and modified teaching techniques will accomplish much until students are better motivated to perform well. Well-intentioned but misguided welfare programs, charities and lax grading standards have weakened the link between enhanced quality of life that results from a good job. An awareness that a good job often follows a good education and good work habits has been lost on much of the current cohort of students. In short, many students conclude that they can negl...