Parents are our first teachers as a child.  They teach us the foundations of reading, math, science, art and all sorts of other subjects.  As a child goes to preschool, their teachers at school continue building that learning skill to a higher level along with their parents.  The demographics and culture vary from area to area and with the level of academic achievements, there seems to be a lack of parental support in education.  In some cities, there is a district that has the highest level of parental support and in the next city, it just isn't even there.   Every family has their own situation at which it makes it hard for a parent or parents to get involved in their children's education.  It could be that they work late and having financial hardships or they may not be interested in helping a child learn. Different factors take into play with this situation and yes, some parents might forget about certain things, but even just 20 minutes a day reading a book helps to stimulate their minds and creates a bonding relationship that every child needs.
   
     Improving schools comes from parents helping their children in their academic studies.  With research studies being conducted around the country, specialists have found that students who have parental guidance and support have succeeded regardless of income or background. According to the National Education Association, "a synthesis of research on parent involvement over the past decade, also found that, regardless of family income or background, students with involved parents are more likely to:
Earn higher grades and test scores, and enroll in higher-level programs
Be promoted, pass their classes, and earn credits
Attend school regularly
Have better social skills, show improved behavior, and adapt well to school
Graduate and go on to post-secondary education..."

     As a mother, student, and educator, my children and their education are first and foremost among all other activities that go on in life.  Educating and taking part of their academic achievement also becomes an achievement for me, as I see them progress knowing that I have helped shaped their minds to focus on school.  As a child growing up, my father always told me to learn everything you can because it never stops. Everyday we learn something new.

Daisy Quitugua


Reference: http://www.nea.org/tools/17360.htm