But teachers can never replace parents whose task it is to ensure that children understand from an early age both the importance of education and the joy of learning. It is now a proved fact that when young children experience this parental direction at home, they arrive at school ready to learn. While parents are at the heart of education far too often they are viewed by the education community and thus view themselves as secondary players in the learning process. We have done far too little to ensure that parents are involved, truly involved, in the education system. In a world characterized by rapid changes, it is all the more important that parents understand that they need to be participants in every aspect of their children s schooling.
True involvement goes well beyond bake sales and special occasions.
It requires that parents know what is being taught, monitor their children s progress and play a role in the governance of their local school. Just as parents must recognize their responsibility as partners in educational process, so too must teachers and particularly their unions understand that demands for greater professionalism and real accountability will continue and will increase. I spent more than 30 years of my life as an active practising physician. I know that accountability and professionalism are not mutually exclusive. Indeed professionalism is enhanced by accountability each is improved by the other.