Call it Parenting: Unplugged. Parents need to turn off their children's televisions and video game systems and plug into their schoolwork and extracurricular activities.

Researchers repeatedly conclude that parent involvement positively affects academic performance, school improvement efforts, fosters higher educational aspirations, and motivates students. That holds true for students in both elementary and secondary schools, regardless of their parents' education level and family income. It improves minority students' achievement across all races.

The National Education Association has long advocated for parents to play a greater role in their child's development-a message now resoundingly echoed by pro-public education political candidates. The Association supports funding for parent resource centers in their communities, professional development programs that help educators learn to better communicate with parents, and development of comprehensive parent-community-school partnerships to improve schools. Also, there must be better outreach to families of diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds. Finally, employers must be given incentives to allow parents a reasonable amount of leave to participate in school activities.