by Kim Saylors

Created on: January 14, 2009

Parents should have a open line of communication with their child in order to know their child needs more attention in the way of education. A parents role in their child's education can only go so far. Making sure homework is being done and helping with homework when necessary. Making sure a child knows how to behave at school. Making sure their child's school is practicing good work ethics and talking with the school board if necessary when a child's education is in jeopardy.

I had to teach spelling to one of my children because at the time, the state of Texas did not require spelling as part of the curriculum in our schools system. Now everyone knows, if a person cannot spell, how can they possibly read? Well, I am here to tell you, my son did not know how to read. They taught reading but not spelling. This was so backwards to me. I talked with the teachers, I talked with the principle, and the school board and I wrote a letter to my congressman. All while I taught my son how to spell. Throughout all his elementary years, they did not teach spelling in school. When my son got into high school, it was hard on him even though I did the best I could to teach him. I had a hard time getting him to let me know he had homework, much less make sure he got it done. I was really happy when he graduated. I was glad that educational nightmare was over.

As a parent, I took an active role in my children's education, and I still do. However, I do not have a degree in education. I am not qualified to teach my children. I pay a lot of money out in school taxes to have to hire a tutor because I do not know the information my child is learning in Pre-Cal, Chemisty, or Physics in order to help him with his homework. I should not have to call the school to talk to a teacher about how he talks to my son. I should not have to remind an adult that has taken child development and child psychology that he should not call a child names. I should not have to teach my son how to spell. I should not have to hire a tutor when the teachers are required to stay after school for an hour to help students that need it, but they leave early instead because they want to. I wish I could leave my job early when ever I felt like it.

I thank God for the teachers out there that do care because there are so many that don't care. School boards and government entities should be more responsible in seeing that our teachers are better educated and have good work ethics. When it comes to public schools, a parent better have an active role, or their child is liable to not get the necessary education in order to make it into any college. Why you ask? Because the school boards and most teachers do not care about your child or mine. Don't let them off the hook when it comes to your child.

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