I wholeheartedly agree with your first two points, Ross. I've taught for eight years and the importance of parental involvement cannot be overstated. Sadly, I think many parents need lessons as to what constitutes good parenting. We need to have a highly visible and sustained national discussion regarding this. I would demand that Public Service Announcements air frequently. The importance of delayed gratification has to also be communicated. President Obama is uniquely qualified to lead such a discussion and I believe he has largely been absent in this area.

Your second point regarding one parent opting out of work to better raise the child resonated with me. I took off eight years to stay home with my daughter. During that time I went to graduate school at night to get the M.Ed. Many people will say they don't have that option. Well, here's where I will probably get some flack but what the hell. I think sometimes parents need to lower their standard of living for the benefit of serving their children. If it means buying a smaller home so you can get by on one income, so be it. If it means renting versus buying that smaller home, so be it. One's ego needs to be put on hold if there's a higher purpose. Children are often not the priority that they should be. I see it all the time and it's heartbreaking.

I am conflicted regarding giving principals the sole discretion to fire teachers. I certainly agree that it should be a lot easier to terminate poor performers. The proper balance of interests eludes me but it's something I've pondered over these eight years.

Peter T.