Faling Children: Who's to blame?

What do President Bush, the American Federation of Teachers, The National Education Association, business leaders, community organizations, educators, parents, and the clergy have in common? Each of these groups or individuals believe they can improve American education. Though their broad plans may differ in some areas, there is agreement on certain issues. However, none of their proposals address the single, most important reason our students fail to live up to their potential. Oddly enough, I know the answer. Having served for two years as a cadet teacher while in high school, the reason students fail to succeed in school is glaringly apparent to anyone who has ever visited a kindergarten or first grade classroom. It is the parent’s fault.
Nobody, of course, will admit to that. Politicians would not dream of alienating parents who are, after all, nothing more than voters with children. Business leaders fear being called elitists. Educators know they stand a far better ...