A very sincere question : Why are the kids worse now than they were in the past?

I have been a teacher for 9 years, but have worked in schools for over 20 years. I have seen a massive decline in the behavior and work ethic of students. It seems like schools are constantly making it easier and easier for kids to pass and succeed, yet they are not motivated and want everything given to them.<br><br>I am not someone who says "Kids these days..." and I was not one of those kids who was like "These young whippersnappers won't get off my lawn". I have always been aware that there is a generational divide, and that is just how it is.<br><br>I have tried everything to make school interesting and engaging. I am to the point where I am just confused. I am baffled by the attitudes of kids and parents alike. <br><br>So this is my question: What am I (we) doing wrong? I have tried literacy based, project based, skills based, technology, no technology, strict discipline and being their friend. I am having trouble figuring out what to do. <br><br>I am not trying to be negative I am just trying to figure out how to reach kids in todays class.<br><br>EDIT: I want to start by saying thank you. Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to read and comment on this. Thank you to those who have sent their stories via direct message.<br><br>I have never seen this many people comment on one of my posts before so I am trying to keep up. I have been teaching for 9 years and to answer a few questions that have popped up. <br><br>1) I teach Jr HS and HS students from about the middle to lower 25%. <br><br>2) I have taught special needs students most of my career but have recently switched to general Ed.<br><br>3) I teach English, Science, and Social Studies. I absolutely love teaching and I would not trade this job for the world. I love kids and being in the class room. I am just having trouble connecting and reaching students and I am trying to figure out why and how to make it better.<br><br>4) I have read through the comments and I appreciate all the suggestions. I have tried most of them, but that does not mean that I will not try them again.<br><br>5) I have tried Post Secondary Enrollment Options. Our district offers this for students who want to leave campus and attend university classes for free. Most students don't want to take this route because it is actual college level coursework. <br><br>6) I have tried to connect with students parents, but I have had problems with parents who argue over everything. Including whether or not their child should have a detention. I have also had parents tell me that I am "making their kid stupid". I have tried to make connections with parents, but it is difficult when those types of parents are in the minority.<br><br>7) I do know that there are a lot of good students and good parents, and I am thankful for them. I want to make sure that I can reach the kids who need me most.<br><br>Now, I am going to read through some of the comments and see if there is anything I can do to increase engagement and motivation. As one person said, if I can help one student it is worth it.<br><br>EDIT: Well... I am blown away. I made this post on a Tuesday afternoon and thought maybe 2-3 people would answer. I was wrong. I have been trying to go through all the comments, but there are a lot of them. I am trying to keep up and read as many as I can. Thank you all for the suggestions and for the discussions that are going on.