Today’s public education system essentially tells parents: “This is the school your child will attend. This is when we teach, what we teach and who will teach.” In short, it puts the system ahead of the child.

We need an education environment that listens and responds when a parent says: “This is my child; these are my hopes and dreams for my child, his needs and interests, his strengths and weaknesses. Why should I entrust my child to your care?” We need educational opportunities that put the child first…

To move us in the right direction, we need to toss aside certain assumptions. First, we must not confuse education with schooling. Education takes place long before a child enters school and lasts a lifetime. Schooling is about institutions and infrastructure. We need to focus on education in America, not just schooling…

Gradually, families might begin to take back ownership of their children’s education. Ownership is essential, giving a sense of authority that could drive ongoing improvement in education. The relationship of family, child and education is direct and tangible, rather than distorted by the demands of a system.

Source: Washington Post
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