"99% of the learning problems that I saw in my time as a teacher were as a result of parental shortcomings, or the fact that the kid just wasn't academically inclined."
Dust, whilst I agree with most of what you have said, I find it difficult to accept the above statement. I have two wonderfully natured children who would do anything for my and their teachers' approval. However, they both have learning difficulties. I have spent so much time with them trying to improve their understanding of their schoolwork, reading and writing, as well as physical therapy, OT, speech therapy and the like. They both appear to have low levels of dyspraxia which seems to make getting tasks finished on time that much harder. I do not believe I am the 1% exception by the way as so many children these days seem to struggle at school and come from well adjusted families.
I think the new system will be great for my children. Whilst they have weaknesses in some respects, their strengths are many and varied and if these are reflected in their 'grades', all the better. I have come across many people who received top grades throughout their schooling but struggled to hold down a job. The new system will also pin point problem areas for the acedemically inclined students that may have social deficits.
