Time changes many things.

I started teaching 6th grade in 1988.  It was a school with an open design (an experiment in learning and cheaper to build in the 1970s).  Four classrooms, one enclosed, three separated by bookcases and small partitions, were located in each wing.  It was a new experience for me, and even though I had already taught for 10 years I learned a great deal.  I was working with some fabulous teachers and it was nice to be able to hear them work with students.  We planned together because we needed to be doing quiet activities or noisier activities at the same times.  We all felt responsible for the learning and behavior of all the 6th graders and they accomplished amazing things.

Unfortunately, since that first few years I have watched the mostly continuous deterioration of reading level and vocabulary among 6th graders.  There are bright exceptions, but my students in 2006 were nowhere near as comfortable with language as those I had in 1990.  I believe the lifestyle changes are responsible. Too many things, too much TV, not enough time with adults or conversation;  it can be changed, but not without effort, persistence, and lots of time.