Gates: Better data will lead to better schools

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates says the U.S. needs better ways to measure performance by students and teachers in order to improve its schools.
He says the country has fallen behind other nations in terms of education because of old beliefs and bad habits.
Gates is speaking Tuesday to the National Conference of State Legislatures in Philadelphia. He is telling state lawmakers how they can use federal stimulus money to improve teaching and learning.
Gates, who is one of the world’s richest men, has used philanthropy to advocate for better schools to help Americans compete globally.
The Seattle-based Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has given away nearly $20 billion in the past decade to fund programs in world health, global development and U.S. education.
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So the question of the day is: Do you think Gates is right?

One significant key to a child's success? An involved parent

Research tells us that being involved in your child’s life will help them be more successful. Children can perform well in school if their parents aren't involved. But they have a better shot at success if their parents are involved.
Some area parents are finding a variety of ways to be involved - from making sure their children have breakfast before school to helping with homework to helping the classroom. The result? Their children bloom.
Yet too many parents aren’t taking the time - when we know it works.
You can find more details in my story.
So what about you? What do you do with your children? Do you have any ideas about how parents can get more involved involved?