What can parents do to help children reach their potential in school?

Show interest in their education, even if the subject they are studying was difficult for you, and be consistent in your adoration as well as your discipline. Be an active parent; one of the most important jobs on the planet.

I think a lot of parents need to get more involved in their children education and help them show their potential. Some parents just tell their kids to go do their homework, but never ask if they need help. Just sit down with your children, get involved in what they are learning, act interested and let them know you are proud of them for their accompolishments. As far as improving public schools, I think they should bring the paddle back in and stop letting the kids run the school. Teachers seem to have less and less authority over our children everyday, and let's face it, a lot of the kids are going wild. If you can't get a child to look up to you and respect you, then you've lost the battle. Overall, I think children need better disciplinary action, more attention both from teachers and parents. And always let them know how loved they are.