There is no doubt that our public school systems are in dire need of improvements and repair. I'm not here to argue that factor.

We as a society expect teachers to perform miracles, and they do in their own right; but they can't do it alone. Parental involvement is a very big part of a child's development and learning. It makes me sick to my stomach when I hear this excuse, "My parents don't care so why should I." More often than not, I've heard that as an excuse for not turning in homework, low test scores, or bad behavior. What's worse, some parents are in so much denial that they feel their child is always right. Or they will laugh off a child's poor behavior and work record. If these parents were really involved they would not have this attitude.

I understand that there are other factors such as language barriers and economic pressure and I am by no means demeaning their struggle; but as a parent they have no excuse. They are the adult and they should act like one. I work in an area where the families are of middle to low middle income. I know that many of the children have both parents working, come from single parent families, or foster families.

No matter the circumstance, if you have a child in your care, shouldn't you be responsible for that child. How difficult can it be to take 5 or 10 minutes out of your day to ask your child what and how they are doing in school. Is it too much to ask, to take half an hour out of your weekend to spend time with your child; read a book, play outside, take them to a park or a museum? Little things like this make the biggest difference. Language barriers can be very difficult, but they can be overcome. Find community members or religious members to help. Or self practice. The resources are out there.

One of the mother's of one of my students is a great example. Mrs. Parra speaks predominantly Spanish, but that hasn't stopped her from being an active member of the PTA at her daughter's elementary school. My own mother did the same. When I was young my mother's English skills were minimal and she was shy, but that did not stop her from being a room mother. These two women are shining examples.

We've blamed everybody from the governor, to the state, to the president; but maybe we should look at what we are doing as well. Inactivity makes us just as guilty.

Learn more about this author, Aileen Yao.
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