Thousands of parents, grandparents, children, and teachers have called the hotline in the past, asking about a variety of topics. Top concerns often relate to school readiness, communication difficulties, special education, discipline, homework, and violence in school. The majority of callers are parents, with mothers and fathers asking an equal number of questions. They are not worried about repercussions against their children. They can be totally open, which is the strength of the hotline.
Principals offer very specific advice and strategies to parents, along with encouragement.
I think it gets them connected as they listen to parents all over the country. The booklet describes the characteristics of a good elementary school. Highlights of the convention include several guest speakers. Mae Jemison was the first woman of color to fly aboard a space shuttle, Endeavor, and teaches environmental studies at Dartmouth College. Jonathan Kozol is the author of several books regarding inequities in education, including the recently published Ordinary Resurrections.