There is a famous quote “knowledge is power” and I believe it is powerful, even more than money. Using knowledge appropriately will lead a person to opportunities to gain more money. Whereas, money will run out unless it is treated with appropriate knowledge. According to a Time article, “…83% of parents report their kids get As or Bs on their report cards. In reality, 26% are performing at grade level with math.” If parent’s knowledge informs them that their children are performing well in school, they will not seek outside assistance (tutoring, summer school, or community) for help.1
There will always be exemptions to the rule, but parents are the most important advocates for their children. Most parents would sacrifice all of their money or wealth, and maybe even their health or their lives for their children. Imagine how parents would feel if they could have done even more for their children, but weren’t educated or informed. Their lack of knowledge could cost their children significant consequences.
Most parents are given or have access to, the curriculum being taught to their children. At the same time, most parents have a difficult time keeping up with the amount of content provided by the school and teachers. Busy work schedules, elderly parent care, extensive business travel, afterschool sports activities and managing hectic households are all valid reasons why parents struggle to read weekly emails or day-to-day updates. Many parents also trust that the content being taught is appropriate and never think to request specific details.1
During the pandemic, parents became the teachers and had the opportunity to learn more specifically what was being taught to their children and this created some concerns about content and pushback in schools. In addition to the required curriculum, most schools offer elective classes that teach students about a variety of other topics helpful to children’s growth and development. Whenever these elective classes are offered, parents are notified and have the right to opt out if they don’t approve of the content. Yet, in many cases, parents miss this important notification.1
Although Erin’s Law, established in 38 states, requires ‘body safety’ education for all children in grades K-12, parents have the right to opt their children out of these classes. Parents also have the right to see specific information about the content taught at each grade level to ensure it’s age-appropriate.1 Whether parents decide to allow their children to be taught some ‘body safety’ education, all or none of it… the important thing to remember is that parents are their children’s most important advocates. Parents have the right to decide what information they want their children to be taught and should exercise their authority to implement those decisions. If you are interested in becoming a member and gaining access to our Resource Center ($10/month or $99/annually), visit https://advocatefortheinnocent.org/memberships/ to learn more.
1 – https://time.com/6308834/american-parents-how-their-kids-doing-in-school/