There are several "players" in the educational process. However many of these players seem to have "dropped the ball."

With this combination we have made it to last place in the nation in college completion and haven't got a vocational program that even seems to be aligned with the workforce needs of this "high tech" community.

In the next few columns, I will outline the significant players, apologies if I miss one, and what I think each of these players could do to improve the education in this state.

For a start, I don't think more money will cause much improvement if the players are not better focused on the goal.

I want to start with parents.

There is no more powerful group that could change the quality of education in this state than this group who, unfortunately, seem to be unwilling to shoulder the responsibility.

Having taught in some of the best public and private schools in this nation, I have seen the dramatic effect that determined parents can have upon the quality of the local schools.

In this state a very significant number of schools cannot even muster a PTA.

To me this indicates a very significant lack of concern about the schools their children attend.

I have observed that parents fall into several categories. In the next two articles I will try to cover my observations of the parents I have met.

The concerned and informed parent

These parents, and unfortunately there aren't enough of them, either enroll their children in a private school or seek out the exceptional programs of a school district.

Federal Way has three outstanding high achievement programs located at five different sites.

These parents are often found to be discussing the merits of each of these programs. They are full participants in the District's School Choice Program.

They understand that the reputation of some high schools is not one that enhances their children's chances of admission to most colleges.

Their home address doesn't influence where their children attend school.

These parents also understand that their children are children, and they see that they are making the right decisions about education.

The child's friends are not criteria for selecting an educational program. Teachers are some of the highest users of private schools and these programs. Could it be that "they know?"

Robertson Davies wrote, "Education is hard work, not play, and its rewards are a seriously informed, wide ranging attitude towards real life, and the beginning of a great adventure." These parents believe this and are not tolerant of "slackers."

Sadly, they do not lobby board members for more of these programs.

Federal Way Schools have three of the finest academic programs in the nation, but not many students are taking full advantage of them.

Our Advanced Placement program has lots of kids taking the classes, but only about 10 percent of them pass the AP tests and get the credit for the courses.

It is not taking the course that counts. One must pass the AP test.

The concerned, but not informed, parent

Unfortunately, we seem to have lots of these. They seem to think the school district knows what is best for their children's education.

With the staff these schools have this means that you will go to the school that is in your attendance area, irrespective of the quality of outcome of that school, and irrespective of the curriculum that might be best for children.

We have several programs in this school district that are only offered at one location. However these parents are probably not aware of this offering.

They want the best for their children, but haven't taken the time to research what is offered.

Sadly, many of these kids will not derive the benefits of some of the outstanding programs the district offers.

Remember that Washington State is 50th in the nation in college completion.

The concerns of these parents are not addressed mostly due to their inaction. You can get a great education in the Federal Way School District. That doesn't mean that you will get a great education if you are not making the right choices.

Most of this group of children is left on their own to make decisions that will have very long-term implications.

In the next article I will cover two more categories of parents.

Charlie Hoff is a former member of the Board of Education for Federal Way Public Schools. His weekly column will appear in upcoming issues of the Federal Way News and online at www.federalwaynews.net.