What are our schools teaching?

I have suspected for quite some time that the education our kids are receiving is something less than adequate, that morals are certainly not up to par, and that the younger generation tends to the lazy side. A recent column in the newspaper seems to confirm my fears.

The Dallas County Sheriff's Department advertised for deputies. Applications were accepted from 206 individuals. Those applicants were required to take a test covering things they should have learned before graduating high school -- reading comprehension, grammar, and analytical ability. Out of 206 people, 39, fewer than 20% passed the test.

The next phase was a physical fitness test -- nothing too strenuous for young, healthy people. It consisted of 21 push-ups, 29 sit-ups, a vertical leap of 15.5 inches, and a 1.5 mile run. This test eliminated 23 of the 39 applicants left.

Next was the background check. Another 6 people were eliminated. A polygraph eliminated another. Two more went down after a psychological evaluation.

After two people voluntarily dropped out, only 5 people out of 206 made it to the academy. As an aging American, I fear for my health and safety.

"Two discouraging snapshots of society." The Dallas Morning News; February 7, 2010; p. 1B.