Education of our youngsters in years past was a much simpler task. To be successful, you merely had to (1) know what to stuff; (2) know who to stuff it into; and (3) be able to stuff it elegantly. Those individuals unable to fit into this model could always find employment and enjoy a rather successful life. How times have changed!

Today's world is vastly different from the one experienced by the Baby Boomers and their predecessors. In a world abundant with ATMs, beepers, car phones, computers, talking cars, Internet, remote controllers, dishes (the ones on top of buildings), answering machines and all the other technological devices, how can we expect schools and our children to not be affected? We cannot. Schools, and education in general, are affected greatly.

We are bombarded by statistics relating such things as:

• Fifty percent of the jobs available in 2001 have not been created;

• Children in school in 1996 will change jobs seven or eight times in their working careers;

• By 2010, most households will not have a married couple;

• Information doubles every 900 days;

• Fifty-eight percent of four-year college entrants drop out; and

• By 2010, there will be one worker supporting each person on Social Security.

That last statistic should make everyone 45 years and older support a good public education system!

All of this leads us to an understanding for the need to address this changing world in our schools. And we are! Many people, including our parents and other community members, are working diligently to meet the needs of our young people. We must strive to provide our children with support and encouragement. They need to understand the importance of effort and, above all else, we must be positive with our youngsters.

This poem by Vivian Morriman illustrates how a parent can be positive and enhance a child's life. In celebrating education this week, let us work toward increasing those positive interactions with our children - in the home and in the school.

"I got two A's," the small boy cried.

His voice was filled with glee.

His father very bluntly asked,

"Why didn't you get three?"

"Mom, I've got the dishes done!"

The girl called from the door.

Her mother very calmly asked,

"And did you sweep the floor?"

"I've mowed the grass," the youngster said,

"and put the mower away."

His father asked him with a shrug,

"Did you clean it up today?"

The children in the house next door

seemed happy and content.

The same things happened over there

but this is how it went.

"I got two A's," the small boy cried.

His voice was filled with glee.

His father proudly said, "That's great!

I'm glad you live with me!

"Mom, I've got the dishes done!"

The girl called from the door.

Her mother smiled and softly said,

"Each day I love you more."

"I've mowed the grass," the youngster said,

"and put the mower away."

His father answered with great joy,

"You've made my happy day!"

Children deserve a little praise

for tasks they're asked to do.

If they're to lead a happy life

so much depends on you. [[In-content Ad]]