Kids Caught in the Middle: Schools & Education

I have observed for many years that the children at the top of the class and the children at the bottom of any given classroom setting are getting the best education in the public schools.

Why is that?  I think there are a number of factors involved.  An article, written by Janelle Martin, a retired math and special education and children's books author,  in the State Newspaper this week shared data from the annual Kids Count on children's well being which reveals the following:
24% of SC children are born to mothers with less than a high school education
45% of births are to single mothers, increasing the likelihood of a child living in poverty
20% of children tested "not ready" for school at age 5
64% of children living in poverty are never ready to by the parent

Startling statistic compiled for our state.   What are we to do?  From my perspective, there are several things that can be done.  First is to get the parents involved in children's lives.  It takes a village to raise a child.  That village consists of school, parent and the community.  Parents need to read to their children, take interest in what they are learning in school and if they are not able to help their children with their homework engage this people that can help their children have the best education possible.

Secondly, let's start teaching parenting and family life skills in churches and non-profit organizations focusing on giving young parents the necessary resources needed to teach themselves and their children finance and family life.  Family life skills, according to Jannelle Martin, are both taught and caught.  Many of these parents have never been taught these skills and cannot pass along that valuable information to their children.

Last but not least, educate families on where they can go to get help in mentoring and motivating their children to do their best in school.  In Jannelle's article she mentioned former US Education Secretary and Gov. Dick Riley noted education reform is not just a moral imperative but an economic imperative and becoming more and more a national security imperative.  He notes that under current conditions, only 10% of children in poverty will ever rise above that status.

We can't loose these children.  They are caught in the middle.  How do we take the next generation out of poverty and show them they can do anything they want with education and information in their lives?

I certainly don't have the answers but I do know as a parent, engaging in your children's education, reading to them and teaching basic life skills, many hugs and kisses, tough love and discipline will give your children the very fundamental skills of being an independent adult.

What's your take on the situation?