by Deborah Nies

Created on: April 16, 2009

The President Promotes Parental Involvement in Education...and So Do I
President Obama's speech recently for education reform was a rallying cry to teachers, parents and students. This proposal to improve our educational system is going to require billions of investment dollars and lots of buy-in from many parties. In the long-term, however, investing in education could prove to be far more lucrative than the zillions of dollars going into the stimulus plan.

In summary, the President's plan has five key objectives:
1. Enhance and improve early learning programs. 2. Encourage better standards and assessments. 3. Find, support and reward excellent teachers.
4. Expect excellence in America's schools. 5. Provide every American with the opportunity for higher education
Every one of the above objectives are worthy and important goals. But, the part of the President's speech that made my ears perk up, was the emphasis he put on accountability from both students and parents. Too often, teachers are unfairly expected to be the be-all, end-all in children's education. They are asked not only to be educators, but also to fill the daily roles of guidance counselors, parental figures, mediators, nurses, motivators, chaperones, coaches, etc. The President promoted in his speech that the whole team - teacher, parent and student - must all be committed to achieving success in school. I'm sure that there were teachers nodding their heads in agreement, too.
"Of course, no matter how innovative our schools or how effective our teachers, America
cannot succeed unless our students take responsibility for their own education. That means showing up for school on time, paying attention in class, seeking out extra tutoring if it's needed, and staying out of trouble."
"The bottom line is that no government policies will make any difference unless we also hold ourselves more accountable as parents. Because government, no matter how wise or efficient, cannot turn off the TV or put away the video games. Teachers, no matter how dedicated or effective, cannot make sure your children leave for school on time and do their homework when they get back at night. These are things only a parent can do. These are things that our parents must do. " - President Obama (insert the sounds of cheering teachers here)

Increasing parental involvement in the education process is not an easy task. My child is fortunate to attend a a school ranked in Wisconsin's Top 10 best, but that high ranking has not insulated

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