How Parents Help Kids Succeed in School

By Maureen Cavanaugh / KPBS Midday Edition Co-Host

Published January 29, 2009 at 5:40 AM PST

This story was published more than 15 years ago.

How do we measure student success today? And what role can parents play to ensure their kids get the most out of their education so that they graduate as academically and socially knowledgeable citiz

How do we measure student success today? And what role can parents play to ensure their kids get the most out of their education so that they graduate as academically and socially knowledgeable citizens ready to face the world? We'll talk about educating our kids in a competitive, fast-paced world and the tensions that arise.

Maureen Cavanaugh: The pressure on students and parents to make sure kids are successful in school is perhaps greater than ever before. In an age where students start preparing for college in the sixth grade, some parents wonder exactly when encouragement turns into pushing their kids too hard.

That's on one side of the spectrum. The other is kids whose parents are too busy or too reluctant to get involved, they face the prospect of failing in a school environment that is more competitive than ever.

Become a KPBS sponsor

Earlier this year, I spoke with two San Diegans about how to strike the right balance in helping your child get the most out of school, and out of childhood.

Guests

Theodosia Ballard, a fifth grade teacher at Porter Elementary School in Lincoln Park and one of the San Diego Unified School District's 2008 Teachers of the Year.

Ruth McKinnie Braun, is a former reporter at The San Diego Union-Tribune and creator of the new web site SuchASmartMom.com.