EVERY day, teachers are trying their hardest to prepare your children for life. Not for work, university, TAFE or college - for LIFE. They are trying to equip them with the skills they will need to survive in the big bad world - so much more then reading, writing and arithmetic. Setting aside the fact that teachers are doing this in understaffed, under funded, under resourced environment, and how they are forced to meet benchmarks from a curriculum which does not fully encompass the developmental needs of children, lets look at something more serious. It is the most powerful contributor to the socialisation process. It is a teacher’s greatest assets and can also be their greatest threat. This of course is the parent(s).

Example One: Billy isn’t that bright. His parents are ordinary, working class people, who have placed Billy in state education. Whilst he isn’t the brightest star, he is certainly one of the warmest. Billy receives extra support at school from learning support programs. His parents assist by reading with Billy at home.

This example is positive. Parents who support their child(s) are rewarded with well socialised, contributing members of society.

Example Two: James isn’t that bright. His parents are ordinary, working class people, who have placed James in state education. Whilst he isn’t the brightest star, he is certainly a loud one. Billy receives extra support at school from learning support programs. James missed the bus to school this morning, and mum couldn’t be bothered getting up, so James arrived late, missing the entire first session and a lot of his learning support time - but this doesn’t matter. James is hard to control in the class and is very disruptive, especially to quiet children like Billy.

Now, before this comment is shot down with screams of “exaggeration”, this event actually took place. There is a “Billy” and there is a “James” and they are hiding in state education.

Teachers, and schools, can only do so much. I am appalled by the number of parents who complain about the quality of education and large class sizes. It is the best that can be provided for the moment and faculty members are trying their hardest to keep educating in between a rock and a hard place, whilst campaigning for changes. Yet parents complain when teachers resort to industrial action to draw to attention the disastrous state of our education system.

On top of this, we have the small number of parents who honestly don’t care about their children’s education. They make sure they are at school and have lunch or money for the canteen, but they aren’t actively participating in their child’s education. Yes, they may be busy, working parents, however children are a commitment, and they deserve to be socialised to the best of their parents ability. So what? These children will turn out okay. They are loved, and they have a warm place to call home. My argument is that every single child has the right to be educated and nurtured beyond the realms of the necessary, and many parents abuse this right.

It does not take a masters PHD in education or psychology to go into any class room and pick out the students who are being nurtured by their parents. Do not confuse this with being spoilt - nurturing references to parents taking an active role in their children’s education. Taking the time to answer questions, ask them how their day was, reading with them… all these little things which do take time are so valuable to a child’s education and socialisation.

Parents need to understand that education is more then school. Please take the time to answer that question and the subsequent nine million “But…. Why?” responses. And for every working class parent who juggles kids, work and a house hold, I thank you. Your dedication to ensuring that your child has every opportunity to develop as a human is commendable. Every time you sit down and read with your child. Every time you explain how something works. Every time you enforce a norm or taboo. Every time you set an example for your child, you are giving one of the greatest gifts to every person on this planet. If you give your child the opportunity, it may amaze you when it changes the world - an ability we all have, if we are properly educated.

Cam is a student, a proud member of the Tasmanian Greens and an energetic community advocate. He is an active campaigner, addressing issues ranging from the environment to human rights, equality and education.  http://www.camparsons.wordpress.com

Cameron Parsons

Now, before this comment is shot down with screams of “exaggeration”, this event actually took place. There is a “Billy” and there is a “James” and they are hiding in state education.