What students say Ask a teacher what she thinks is the biggest obstacle to improved student achievement, and she'll likely say unsupportive parents. Lack of parent support also was the big complaint four years ago when the U.S. Department of Education surveyed teachers nationwide and two years ago when the Phi Delta Kappan educational journal surveyed teachers. These are just some of the ways that parents can help not only teachers but also their children.
Research also shows that schools themselves can have an impact on parent support.
Essentially, schools that give, get. Saucedo is a prime example. The local school council chair, for example, greets and gets to know parents as they drop off and pick up their children. Then she invites them to check out the many activities Saucedo offers to help both children and adults learn. Principal Karen Morris even holds formal sessions where parents can register concerns or complaints about their children's education.