Florida state FCAT scores and the FCAT network and the improvements students are making continue to be a hot topic of discussion. One of the most important points I think seem to be missing from those discussions is “PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT.” Or the lack thereof when it comes to students who continually seem to miss the mark in school. It seems to be the popular trend to blame the schools and the teachers for lackluster performance when really the parents are the ones responsible for the success or progress their children attain in education.

I have a fundamental belief that any child can achieve a good, well grounded, and solid education in the public system. The problems seem to me to be systemic and run parallel to the very same issues we experience in society. Accountability, that’s the real issue. Society and people want to hold systems responsible where really they should be looking inward at their own lives and priorities and making their kids their top priority with education and the importance thereof falling squarely on the shoulders of parents.

Sure we are making strides in education here in Florida, we had no where to go but up! If you want to call teaching kids how to take and pass a standardized test education, then you are probably one of those who is also teaching your kids that it’s ok not to do well…at least you will be well adjusted and your self esteem will not be broken when you get out into the real world. Then your employer and your boss can be the bad guy when they expect you to perform and get it right the first time! If you ask me, all the FCAT is doing is setting our school system and the future leaders it produces for failure and ineptness.