[stickey]

Education is where it is at, and it is at or needs to be initiated at the elementary level. I have a very racially diverse group of students, more than half on free or reduced, and all average about a 4-5th grade reading level. These are 9th graders.

Parent involvement with a sense of reality is imperative for success. Once parents are willing to sacrifice themselves for the betterment of their kids and their future, the more likely the kid will succeed in school and life. The more the parent understands the need of an education the more they will demand at the elementary level that standards and quality of education be present, regardless of color. Give me a nagging parent who fills my inbox or voicemail everyday or week than one i can never get a hold of or is only concerned, upset, or confused at the end of the year or grading period.

It is my opinion through my experiences that if you miss setting up a child with discipline and instilling the importance for education in the early years, it is much harder for them once they get to the high school level.