I chose to write a text response about this carton shown on page 326 in our book. The author of this cartoon is Gary Varvel and this cartoon first appeared on unionleader.com in May 2006. I think that the point the artist is trying to make about schools today is very clear. Varvel’s argument is that schools are more focused on athletics than academics. He supports this argument by first showing the joy on the teachers face when he is talking about all the school’s sport facilities. Then on the other side of the cartoon he shows the not joyous faces of the concerned parents asking about why their child is failing. The cartoon then wraps up with the puzzled face of the teacher who has nothing to add about the child educational progress. The carton expresses that schools are spending too much time and resources focusing on athletic programs rather than spending the resources and time on educating the students like they are supposed to be doing. This is happening at schools all around the nation. Instead of purchasing the newest books and learning aids the schools spend money on updating the football field and expanding their gymnasium. With the main emphasis of most schools being sports it puts into the student’s minds that education is not as important as being a good athlete. Therefore students will not focus hard during school and will not do their homework or study because they are busy at practice or busy completing in a game. This carton makes you think back to your high school experience. What were you most concerned about: getting a good grade or making the team?