The function of the school is to continue and compliment other social systems (family, community, religious congregations, etc.) in the socialization of a child preparing him or her for life and further studies.

Schools are to be praised when teachers or staff make up for deficiencies in the family and other social systems. Efforts in athletics, drama, music, the arts, community service projects, and other extra-curricular activities that go beyond what teachers and administration are paid to perform should also be lauded. When merited, teachers should be treated as true "professionals" in their community.

School problems include lack of support from parents and community, budget restrictions, lack of text books, computers and other educational resources, ill-prepared or unmotivated teachers, protective unions, overload of bureaucratic paper work, or lack of administrative support for teachers, unruly and disinterested students.

The many different kinds of schools, each with various strengths and limitations, should be noted: public and private schools, boys or girls schools, alternative schools, schools for special needs including extreme learning disabilities, special interest schools (schools for music or the performing arts), home schools, wilderness and experiential schools, charter schools, faith-based schools and others.

Finally, we should be asking: "What are the main challenges and crises facing the education of students today?"