I agree with every point that Mr. Ruskovich made in his article on tips for parents, but the way he started the column made me apprehensive to read it.

What I do not understand is how his tips have anything to do with my politics. If teachers see how I raise my child as politics instead of common sense that explains the way some push their views on local, state or federal politics. The use of scare tactics in the classroom for levies and bonds are shameful; the students can't even vote. I do not believe the problem comes from parents' political views.

There is a huge disconnect in what is expected of our teachers. Sometimes a little tough love is necessary to get the point across. What would happen if the student did not know how to behave in class, they were kicked out, and not given multiple chances to waste the teachers time and failed the class? If they do not show up or do the work - they do not pass! Self discipline.

Mr. R talks about the use of cell phones in the classroom. There is a rule for that! However, all students know which teacher will enforce it and which one will not. I understand that the cell phone is a distraction; kick the kid out of class if it's distracting the class. If it's not they don't listen and chances are they fail the class. Is that what we really need to burden the teachers with?

The simplest rules are not even enforced in most cases. What if the student got in trouble for cussing? A little self-respect. Your family may not find the use of the "F word" offensive, but it is not appropriate in every situation. If there are so many rules to enforce, the teachers have to choose which ones to enforce and which battles they are willing to fight, or they would spend the whole day enforcing rules and never teaching.

This is just the tip of the iceberg. And honestly, if the school had followed what I just wrote, one of my children would not have graduated on time. Nevertheless, the school district is not going to let him fail that easy, it looks bad. One of his greatest lessons in life would have been if you do not do what is expected of you, you do not succeed. So they put him on a computer and he did a semester's work in a week! As parents we would have been disappointed, but with him, not the school or teachers.

This is where the problem lies; it's not politics, it is just simple common sense. Rules are good. Failure is not always bad. There are consequences for your action, good and bad. Evaluate a teacher on their ability to do the job, pay them what they are worth and have the ability to fire the bad ones. The best teachers have high expectations and rules in the classroom! Parents, you have to do your part and stop blaming the teachers. Be real! The child I let walk out my door is not always the student that sits in the classroom, our kids need to learn to be accountable for their actions. The truth is the school district makes money on every student that shows up, and it looks good if the graduation rate is high, but what is the cost to the student? There is fine balance of helping those in need and - this is where politics enter - how much is enough and when is there too much help, as people stop doing for themselves and start depending on others.

Becky Hocking is a Coeur d'Alene resident