UnSubRocky wrote on Nov 16^th, 2016 at 8:27pm:

I don't think you realise the effect being spoiled has on the work ethic of students. The number of times I see richer students do poorly because they are too comfortable with their lifestyle. Those that do well are the result of the parents expecting that their children do well with studies.

In the past, students would attend bare foot to school, and do their darndest to achieve some good grades. The paddle would do wonders for them. Normally, you would not see a rich student among them. These days (1970s onwards), students are required to come to school with proper uniform and dress codes. They are expected to bring their textbooks and writing equipment for study. What they are not expected to worry about is their grades. If they do well, they do well. If not, tough.

Cutting funding to schools would only be considered if the teachers are basically forced to do that job due to lack of other employment opportunities. There won't be a funding cut if other work opportunities are available. But I bet the teachers would want to compete with other teachers, if they wanted to get out of the teaching profession. The students would realise that they need to lift their game, if they understand that life is tough after school finishes.

Perhaps you guys are too far removed from school life to know the psychology behind a student's motivation to learn and do well.