Parents have a responsibility to direct their children’s education, yet they aren’t key decision makers when it comes to what is taught in the classroom. Families should come first, and schools and curriculum should not be used as a wedge between parent and child. In order for our students to reach their highest potential, education needs to become a family value, not something that is “someone else’s job.” Parents need to be involved in selecting curriculum, and their input should be valued by school and district administrators.
We have great people living here in North Dakota. People that can serve as role models, supports, and even sponsors to students. It’s one thing to give advice and guidance, it’s something else to launch someone to new heights using your influence. By not just inspiring kids, but by being connected to them we can help them succeed beyond GPAs, test scores, and college admissions.
One thing I hear parents say is, “I could never teach my children.” It is my hope that everyone who graduates from the public school system feels empowered to teach others, to continue learning, and to instill their values in the next generation. In the future, parents and educators will need to work together to train students to be responsible and self-directed, so they can pursue their own paths. It will be up to the student to determine how far they can take their education, and they will need excellent role models, supports, and sponsors to do so.
