We also need to expand our drug education efforts in the early grades, and strictly enforce laws concerning the purchase or possession of alcohol by minors. Enhance parent and community involvement. We know from research and experience that kids do better when parents are involved with their school. Schools need to be integrated into the community. They need to reflect and express the values of that community.
Local businesses can also play a valuable role.
Mentoring programs, after school jobs and inservice presentations all help kids stay connected to their communities, and less likely to have problems. But our schools are not and cannot be isolated from the social issues which face children in today's world. We will do better if the schools confront and address these issues head on and help kids figure out how to deal with real life problems. In addition, we need to broaden our definition of education. We need to educate kids for life, not just for test taking, college admissions or future employment.