They should maintain contact with teachers, be involved in the life of their children, and be active partners with the school. Parents who stress the truth, hold their children accountable, reward them for a job well done, and make them face the music when they don't, are being responsible and accountable. And students should be responsible and know what is expected of them and be accountable for their own progress and achievement. They should come to school prepared with books, homework, and a proper attitude to listen, cooperate and learn. Those who meet standards should be recognized and rewarded and those who choose to fail should be required to attend after school tutoring, mandatory summer school, or other alternative learning programs.
Social promotion is history.
Superintendents have the highest responsibility because they set the moral tone, ethical standard, and leadership direction by which a district is managed and measured. Their attitude toward teaching and student success and their honesty toward their board and community play a vital part in school reform and student success. Whether it is the building engineer, principal, school secretary, or bus driver, every one has a role and responsibility in the accountability equation. But here again, when it comes to teaching and learning, it is the good teacher in the classroom that spells success for students, makes the difference in their achievement, gives meaning to school reform, and makes this land the great country that it is.