Education has been a controversial issue in Bermuda for quite some time, and despite input from overseas experts, along with home grown expertise, it remains a complex subject with numerous challenges that unresolved, could hamper efforts to provide our children with the best tools, to meet a new world of international competitiveness.So much has changed over the past five or six decades, that finding solutions to some problems that create greater challenges for teachers, might require a closer review of the entire system, in order to know what is really working, and just where the weak spots are.Most would agree there is always room for improvement.Technology and techniques for teaching have become a part of the modern world of education, yet there are countless problems with some students who would rather disrupt a class, than be a part of orderly constructive learning. While we have many successful students who make their families and the community proud, there are those who choose to behave outside of acceptable standards of conduct.Not all incidents teachers are confronted with, wind up on the front page. Nevertheless it is an area that needs close attention since one unruly student can detract from the learning experience of others.Schools have wrestled with behavioural problems for years, and with each new generation there are new challenges. Some us have witnessed the period when discipline was keystone in most schools and also the home. In the old days, back talking or sulking to a teacher or even a parent, usually resulted in something more than just words.The break down in discipline did not happen over night. The real cause could be traced to the most important class room of all, the home.It is in the home, where the foundation for order and respect, should be taught, as young minds experience early human interaction which involves learning that no one can have their own way every time.It is in the home where young minds should be taught how to handle disappointment as a part of life.It is also the place where a young mind should learn about sharing and caring and treating others with respect.This is not to say the family unit has collapsed. However over the years with many parents hard pressed to keep a roof, and food on the table for their children, it is not easy to focus on discipline and respect, especially when peer pressure can push in another direction.This is a subject some parents would rather not discuss, because they feel they are being blamed when a child steps out of line with expected codes of conduct. In fact some parents blame the system, instead of trying to find out more about the problem. The system may not be perfect, but it can only improve with full cooperation between parents and teachers, supported by the Education Ministry.Even with the best of cooperation, teachers will still have to cope with children who somehow missed out in learning important values in the very first class room, the home.Despite setbacks, even these children today can succeed. However there is no substitute for good early home training.What we learn in the home will usually last a life time.Any student who attended the Central School, which has been renamed after the former Principal, the late Victor Scott, will recall the paramount importance that the school placed on discipline and respect.Mr Scott was a small man in statue, but a giant in the role of demanding the best from students. He was well supported by excellent teachers along with parents of those days in keeping discipline a part of school life.All the technology in the world can never replace sound values for living, which should be taught in the home. Let’s hope the new school year will be a new beginning in restoring discipline and respect. These are the values that will keep Bermuda moving forward.