text: what can we do to improve children's access to primary education, and improve the quality of education? how can we affect change in school systems around the world so that our children are prepared to succeed in the 21st century? the quality of education is hampered because teachers are now being asked to teach children the social skills that families used to promote.  unfortunately, as a teacher, all too many times i have to deal with issues that have absolutely nothing to do with what i want to teach my kids.  children's behavior stymies the amount and quality of teaching that goes on every day.  when reflecting upon what the major cause for this, i always go back to the lack of caring many parents have towards their child's education.  our society has fallen into the "it's all about me" syndrome, and parents aren't doing their part.  our government is now working at holding the schools accountable for what is taught and the academic success of the students attending, but until parents are held just as accountable, then our schools (especially those in the urban arenas) are going to continue to struggle.  thanks for the question joe.