When I've written about education, I've focused on the school system more than I have the responsibility of parents and the children themselves. That doesn't mean parents and children don't shoulder the burden of getting a proper education, they do. However, right now, what touches me more is the irresponsibility, neglect, and incompetence of the school system.
When I was a teenager, after taking the SAT, I saw a girl I knew from Jr. High School. I went to her to speak and ask how she did. She, literally, broke down crying about the test. She said she received good grades in high school and was taking "advanced" classes at the school, but had never seen much of the material on the SAT or the format of the SAT. That has left a strong impression on me. What good is a child performing well in school and being studious if the school doesn't provide the opportunity for a good education?
That is at the core of the reason why I support vouchers and charter schools. Both provide wider options for children to be able to take advantage of a better education. But that doesn't absolve parents of their responsibilities, which include:
- Prenatal care when the woman first finds out she is pregnant
- Reading to children
- Encouraging children to read
- Taking children to places and events where they can learn and expand their world view
- Taking an active part in the child's eduction
- Making sure children do their homework
- Helping children review material that is causing them trouble
- Encouraging children to explore
- Being a member of the PTA
- Going to school board meetings to make sure the board is acting properly
- Turning off the boob-tube
- Making sure children get plenty of rest
- Making sure children get to school on time
- Making sure children understand what is required of them
- Setting high and reasonable goals for your children.
So, is that clear now?
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