Dr. Dobson

Question:  What can we as parents do to improve public schools in our area?

Dr Dobson:  Most educators know that parental involvement is absolutely critical to what public schools are trying to do.  Others (fortunately not the majority,) see themselves as the professionals who resent parental interference.  We should never accede to that idea.  Parents are ultimately responsible for the education of their kids and they should not surrender that authority.  Educators are their employees, paid with tax dollars, and are accountable to the school board members who parents elect.  The best schools are those with the greatest parental involvement and support.  With that understanding, let me urge you to visit your childs school to answer questions of interest to you.  Does the staff understand the necessity for structure, respect, and discipline in the classroom?  If so, why dont you call your childs teacher and the principal and express you appreciation to them.  They could use a pat on the back.  Tell them you stand ready to assist in carrying out their important mission.  If your school is not so oriented, get involved to help turn the tide.  Meet with parent groups.  Join the PTA.  Review the textbooks.  Work for the election of school board members who believe in traditional values and academic excellence.  Let me say it again: schools function best when the time-honored principles of local control by parents prevails.  I believe it is making a comeback!  Dr. Dobson is president of the nonprofit organization Focus on the Family, P.O. Box 444, Colorado Springs, CO 80903; or www.family.org or 1-800-A FAMILY. Questions and answers are excerpted from Solid Answers, Published by Tyndale House.  Copyright1999 JAMES DOBSON INC.