Retired teacher’s honest words to parents go viral

The Role of Parents in the Education System: A Debate Sparked by Lisa Roberson’s Letter

In 2017, retired teacher Lisa Roberson wrote an open letter to the Augusta Chronicle that sparked a significant debate on the state of the education system in the United States. In her letter, Roberson argued that the problem with education does not lie with teachers, as is often claimed, but rather with parents. She criticized many parents for failing to instill values such as respect, responsibility, and discipline in their children. According to Roberson, while some students arrive at school wearing expensive brand-name shoes, they often lack even the most basic school supplies, such as pencils and notebooks. Teachers, in turn, must take on the added burden of providing these essential materials.

The Role of Parents in Education

Roberson’s letter raised an important question: how much responsibility do parents have in ensuring their child’s academic success? Many educators agree that parental involvement is a key factor in a child’s ability to thrive in school. Studies have consistently shown that children whose parents are actively involved in their education tend to perform better academically, have higher self-esteem, and exhibit fewer behavioral problems. However, in many cases, parents either lack the time, resources, or understanding necessary to contribute effectively to their child’s education.

Challenges Facing Parents

There are several reasons why parents may struggle to be actively involved in their child’s education.

1. Economic Struggles: Many parents work multiple jobs or long hours to provide for their families, leaving them with little time or energy to engage in their child’s education. For some, financial difficulties also make it challenging to afford school supplies or support extracurricular activities.
2. Lack of Education: Some parents may not have received a strong education themselves, making it difficult for them to assist their children with schoolwork or navigate the complexities of the education system.
3. Single-Parent Households: Single parents often bear the full burden of both caregiving and providing financially, which can make it difficult to stay actively involved in school-related matters.
4. Cultural and Language Barriers: Immigrant families or those from non-English-speaking backgrounds may struggle to communicate with teachers, access resources, or understand school expectations.

The Expectations of Teachers

Teachers already have a challenging job, as they are responsible for not only educating students but also managing behavior, addressing social-emotional needs, and often working with limited resources. Many educators, like Roberson, argue that they should not have to take on responsibilities that traditionally belong to parents, such as teaching children basic manners and responsibility. While schools can certainly reinforce these values, teachers believe that a child’s primary moral and social development should begin at home.

Possible Solutions

Improving parental involvement in education is crucial for better student outcomes. Here are some potential solutions:

1. Parent Education Programs: Schools can offer workshops to teach parents how to support their child’s learning at home, help with homework, and communicate with teachers effectively.
2. Flexible Engagement Options: Schools can provide various ways for parents to be involved, such as virtual meetings, newsletters, or apps that keep them updated on their child’s progress.
3. Stronger Community Support: Schools and local organizations can work together to provide families with the necessary resources, such as school supplies, transportation assistance, or after-school programs.
4. Encouraging a Culture of Accountability: Schools should continue to emphasize the importance of parental involvement and set clear expectations for parents, encouraging them to take an active role in their child’s education.

Conclusion

Lisa Roberson’s letter brought much-needed attention to the issue of parental involvement in education. While teachers play a vital role in shaping students’ futures, the responsibility of teaching values, discipline, and responsibility should not fall solely on their shoulders. A successful education system requires collaboration between parents, teachers, and the community to ensure that children receive the support they need both at school and at home. By acknowledging the challenges parents face and working to provide them with the tools necessary to be more engaged, society can take an important step toward improving education for future generations.