Americas massive labor crisis started in the classroom, not the workplace

America has nearly 7 million unfilled jobs.Some of those positions remain open because employers can't find workers with the right technical skills.

But ask business owners directly and you'll hear something different.Too many candidates can't show up on time; struggle to take initiative or accept constructive criticism.They can’t solve problems without detailed instructions, nor can they handle an ordinary setback without falling apart.Politicians and pundits might blame globalization, automation or data centers.

They're looking in the wrong buildings.I WORRY LESS ABOUT SCREENS THAN ABOUT THE CHALLENGES TODAY’S TEENS NEVER FACEThis crisis didn't begin in the workplace.It began in the classroom.President Donald Trump is reining in student visas that have been abused by foreign students.

(Photo: iStock/Getty Images Plus)  I spent years as a teacher and as a school administrator before I ever ran an education nonprofit.I watched this happen from the inside.

Schools gradually abandoned one of their most important responsibilities: to build character.JONATHAN TURLEY: CHICAGO SCHOOLS REWARD PROTEST WHILE STUDENTS CAN'T READToo many schools stopped teaching reading, writing and arithmetic, sure.But they also stopped teaching resilience, responsibility, perseverance and initiative.

The idea that a child's feelings matter more than her performance became a paramount concern in schools.The "child-centered" classroom sounds compassionate.Who wouldn't want children to come first? But there is a real difference between putting a child first and teaching her she is the center of the universe.HARVARD STUDENTS REVOLT OVER NEW GRADING POLICY THEY CALL ‘RACIST’Educators like me were increasingly discouraged from giving failing grades, from delivering honest criticism or from enforcing meaningful consequences.

Participation trophies replaced accomplishment.Inflated grades replaced excellence.

Protecting self-esteem became more important than preparing students for adu...