Crossing Borders...

Where do we draw the line, as educators, for students with a lack of what should be arguably already instilled "mannerisms?"  For example, I can recount numerous times where I had to directly teach several students how to act appropriately in public, how to speak to an individual of authority and adults, how to properly introduce oneself with a handshake, and even how to sit in the classroom... Needless to say, either I am justifiably compulsive with management in the classroom, or many of our students lack the ability to carry out "basic" functions in society!  Please, fill me in on this subject and enlighten me with what can be proposed to fix this dilemma, is it the teachers responsibility or the parents job?  Are we crossing over borders "illegally" so to speak when we correct and train students with what we, as educators, deem "appropriate behaviors."  One could justify that teachers have the right away because, "after all, they're teachers!"  But I counter that by testing this statement with what teachers find acceptable and unacceptable.  I've witnessed many varying opinions with teachers when it comes to, say, what our students can or cannot say in the classroom.  Curse words may be acceptable with Mr. A, but to Mrs. Z it might mean a week long detention!  Or what about uniformed schools who require students to tuck in their shirts, but many teachers fail to remain consistent with formal discipline by not enforcing it till the end or at all?

What path do we travel?

Yesterday was day one of the freshman boys basketball tryouts.  Unfortunately, it is accurate to say, and nearly expected every where, that there are many struggling learners in urban areas - hence the blog entitled, "Educational Inequity."  It's not the fact that athletes are "incompetent," or live up to the title of being "jocks," but it seems in many cases that these academically-struggling students thrive for a sense of belonging and a feeling of adequacy, similarly an outlet to be able to showcase what they are "good" at outside the four walls of the classroom setting.  A fellow coach and I discussed a rather interesting observation... What paths do these students, who are longing for acceptance and have a mindset of never-ending unsuccessful opportunities, travel upon once they are "cut" from tryouts and when self-profecy kicks in and they fail to succeed once again?  Is there still hope and a chance from these students to connect with someone who can guide them and point them in the right direction?  Or do these students inevitably follow along the path of destruction (self and societal)?  Considering this is the high school level and age group where there are high drop-out rates as well as very few graduates who attend a rigorous 4-year university.  What are your thoughts, opinions, expertise, or questions regarding this topic?