PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Many solutions are being tried today to increase academic performance of kids— relevant curriculum, better teachers, smaller schools, longer school days and summer sessions among them.

Joseph Gauld, founder of the Hyde Schools— a network of schools and programs in Washington DC, suggests in Education Week that parents are the critical factors in improving their kids’ achievement. He cites the academic performance of Asian American students and their parents’ involvement, beginning with a strong foundation at home.

Gauld recalls mobilization in World War II, when men went to war and women worked in factories to further our cause. He calls for that kind of commitment today.

Training parents as mentors for their kids to create expectation, purpose and motivation, Gauld’s schools, serving 2300 kids, 89% minority, improved achievement with 80% matriculating in college. It’s not just telling parents to help; it’s giving them the resources and strategies to develop a household where excellence is valued.

We have conferences for everything else. Suppose every state gathered people to report on best practices for engaging parents—and then we used them.

Reported By Dr. Marciene Mattleman, KYW Newsradio