I agree with Michael Goodwin completely that the “No Child Left Behind Act”, which was initially created to help students who fall behind in their studies succeed in academia, has unconsciously crippled lots of high school students entering college because they have gained a false sense of security. Although I agree with Michael Goodwin on the subject of the “No Child Left Behind Act”, I don’t believe the act is the sole culprit. The deterioration of these pupils can also be attributed to their teachers and the institutions that they attend. The students that have been affected aren’t ready for the tough social realities of the next level nor have they been adequately prepared for the rigorous courses that await them.

Ironically, I know an array of people (i.e. athletes and regular students) who are currently dealing with the affects of the “crippling process”.  As an All-State athlete, I believe the athletes have been crippled the most in every side of the spectrum. I say this because they are afforded additional privileges that regular students can’t imagine. For example, two star basketball players on academic probation, with F’s in various classes, were allowed to participate in the State Playoffs. These same two players were also allowed to graduate in order to acquire athletic scholarships.

This is an instance where one could not blame the “No Child Left Behind” act, but is the perfect example of when to blame teachers, coaches, and administrators for allowing this ridiculous feat to occur. It is instances like this one that turns “student athletes” into prima donnas and encourages “student athletes” to totally disregard academics to excel in their athletic ventures. It is instances like this one that facilitate a false sense of security that misleads an athlete to believe that he/she will be able to get away with the same stuff in college. It is in instances like this where  the students freedom to fail should be exercised completely.

-Demetrius Carter