There never seems to be a shortage of rhetoric about improving education, whether it’s from local, state, or national politicians.

Every politician embraces the idea of improving education and our legislators do play an important role in the educational system.

However, if improvements to our schools are to be accomplished the parents and the community must be actively involved.

A number of factors limit the involvement of parents and the community in the school system, but these factors, legitimate or not, cannot be used as excuses to turn our backs on our schools.

A school community includes parents, students, professional educators, political legislators, religious leaders and business leaders.

Some of these people actively participate in the school system. Unfortunately, parents and others in the community usually play a passive role in the school system.

Traditionally, some education experts viewed parents and others in the community as peripheral in the decision-making process.

However, parents play a key role and are an important component in the school system.

Parents should take an active role in their child’s education. Parents have unique expertise and insight a teacher may not possess. If parents play a more active role and learn classroom activities, they will be able to provide additional instruction at home.

Parents and community members should also volunteer in schools when possible.

Education research shows that family and community involvement in young people’s education makes a significant difference in their learning. Parental and community participation helps to develop positive attitudes about the schools.

To improve student academic performance, parents and the community must share responsibility with educators. Parents and community members must actively participate in decision making and its implementation. They also need to contribute and share responsibility with educators.

Building awareness and support for family and community involvement in education should be an ongoing process.

New ideas are constantly needed, especially to keep young people engaged and excited about learning. The community is a great resource for potential new ideas and helping create curriculum that is relevant.

Reach out to your schools, whether you have children in the school system or not.

The opportunity for every young person in this country to receive an education is vital.

Join the teachers and school administrators in the community in achieving the goal of improving the quality of education for our children.