Been reading "How Children Succeed" by Paul Tough. The first chapter suggests that academic success is determined not by school, teachers, extra tuition or peer pressure, although those things do matter. The largest factors are actually how attentive parents are (during infancy and preschool) and how attached children feel towards parents. If children feel emotionally secure, this actually boosts their short term memory. The opposite was also true. Children who come from disadvantaged or dysfunctional homes are repeatedly exposed to stress hormones in the body. They not only fall behind academically but also act out and have behavioural issues. As an educator and a mother. This knowledge is not new to me. What is interesting though is that the book suggests that we can aid or reverse poor academic results by changing brain chemicals and to do that means changing the family dynamic (not the school environment). I've often wondered what is the use of PTM. Parents meeting with teachers and together they "discuss"; more like a shared complaining (sometimes blaming) session. Or is it group therapy where both parties unload frustration? Perhaps we need less emphasis on academics and more on nuturing the family. Maybe it is whole families that need help rather than more detention and suspension. Can't wait to read the rest of this book.

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