with my reply let me let you know i am a public middle school teacher in an urban area. I love teaching and wish more people could actually go into schools and see the good things that are happening there.

Quality of Schools:
While it is true that No Child Left Behind has altered the way things are done, the reality is you get out of education what you put into it. If you do the bare minimum, like simply go to class, do assignments, and take assessments, expect the minimum education. Taking advanced classes, doing extracurricular projects and activities which are available in most high schools, or asking for extra projects that you can do under supervision or a teacher are all ways to enhance your education. If you need ideas, pick a teacher that you feel will listen to you or go see your guidance councilor and ask for help. Some schools even have opportunities for top students to attend local colleges for free for a course or two.

Teaching Morality:
As for the thinking activity proposed with the boat - activities like that are not necessarily to teach morality, they are to encourage students to work and talk together to solve a problem with many - and differing-solutions - the reality of the world. The skills from activities such as these often not able to be taught at home, since it requires the presence of equal peers. We are not allowed to teach them morality or values. Aren't compromising, negotiating, and problem solving skills things this world could use a bit more of?

Honestly, the programs i have seen get replaced the most were the ones with social goals in order to clear the time for academics. Being in the inner city, I always miss these programs. They provided the best lessons my kids could ever use.

Why can't things get taught at home?
1: sometimes kids don't listen to their parents (I know that is surprising)

2: some parents don't have the skills themselves - who will teach those children?

3: Schools can't run smoothly without a certain amount of social skills in its students. There is no teaching going on if students can't keep from arguing, yelling, fighting etc. or if they feel threatened or are on drugs or are on house arrest or are more interested in the baby they are expecting. Teaching or reinforcing social skills makes teaching academics possible.