No thinking or caring person would ever disagree with the concept of
“no child left behind.” It is a wonderful phrase and speaks both to my
philosophy and values.

However I am dismayed by what has been perpetrated on our already
overworked public educators in the name of leaving no child behind.
Everyone has a hand in telling teachers what to do, how they want it
done, and how the results will be measured.

Teachers have to deal with way too many folks putting their oars in the
educators’ waters. No other profession has to put up with such scrutiny
by so many. Can one imagine the hue and cry from the medical profession
with a dictate of “no patient left behind?”

Well-intended bureaucratic measures have once again made the school
teachers job infinitely more difficult, frustrating and nearly
impossible. It amazes me that public education is able to keep
qualified, wonderful teachers.

To be effective, a federal program such as “no child left behind” must
first involve the parent as an ally with the teacher in the education and
academic success of the child.

Far too many children arrive at school ill-prepared, fatigued, improperly
nourished, unkempt, and, worst of all, with an attitude that it is the
teacher’s responsibility to deliver their education.

Education does not and will not work that way. Parents must be partners
in the academic success of their children. Parents need to take back the
responsibility of educating their children.

It is the parent who first needs to ensure no child is left
behind! Read to them, listen to them, give them responsibilities and
age-appropriate chores. Play games with them. Model responsibility and
accountability. Finally, and most importantly, expect your child to do
what he/she is supposed to do in school when it is supposed to be done
whether she/he wants to or not.

That is the best definition of maturity and self-discipline, and too
often it is not modeled in the home.

Teachers simply cannot do their job without the parents’ involvement.