Back to work: Schools need community to make education work

It would be great if there were some magic class that teachers could take that would make them absolutely certain that every child they come across would learn, grow and succeed.

But there isn't.

Some public officials like to point to teachers as the key to improving education. And they are, to a point.

But as a new school year begins, we have to remember something else, too. We are all in this together.

A school that does not have a strong community, interested parents, engaged and disciplined learners and creative and determined staff will not make it -- no matter how wonderful the principal is or how many times the school board and superintendent will it to be so.

Education is a partnership -- and depends on many factors, not the least of which is a community that broadcasts the message at every opportunity: Schools and learning matter and they are top priority here.

And that is the truth.

Cooperation between social organizations, volunteers who offer support and extra help, all those factors matter.

It might not really take a village to raise a child, but it sure helps to "raise" a good school.

Published in Editorials on August 26, 2013 10:50 AM