STUDENTS' success in school is not magical, nor does it happen by children merely showing up in a school uniform. It is the result of careful planning on the part of parents, working in tandem with school authorities. It is a partnership between the home and the school, with each party performing its role in a diligent and responsible manner.

Unfortunately, many parents seem to think that the education of their children is the unilateral domain of the school, with little or no input from the home. Indeed, many see the wisdom of challenging the school authorities when their children's behaviour fails to conform to the demands of the school.

Such conflicts almost always redound to the academic detriment of the child for it only serves to reinforce negative behaviours that later cause many people to run afoul of the law.

Success in school begins in the home with parents instilling in their children a passion and value for education. The concept of education being "free" has caused its value to be cheapened by many citizens who seem to think that "free" means they are no longer required to make any significant inputs in the process.

The fact that education is a costly undertaking by the State is lost on many of our current generation of parents and children, taking it for granted as rather an entitlement. Assigning value to educational opportunity is the first step in understanding that it requires investments of time, effort and money.

This would imply huge sacrifice, especially from people who hail from the lower socio-economic brackets. While the State, in its quest to level the playing field and ensure some semblance of equity in the system, has gone to great lengths to assist disadvantaged students, that support in no way absolves parents from the need to make huge sacrifices/investments to ensure their children's success at school.

Success has and never will be easy. Generations of the past who have succeeded will proudly testify that they could have only done so through significant investments of time, effort and oftentimes very scarce financial resources. Its pursuit was driven by sheer will and a determination to succeed, even against the odds.

Essentially, success in schooling begins in the mind; acknowledging that while opportunity is available it is up to the individual to make the necessary adjustments to their lifestyles and mental attitudes to take advantage of such opportunities.

It would then define the level of sacrifice both parent and child must be prepared to make, working with available resources rather that lament deficits and using such shortfalls as excuses for failing to try or blaming others from a mind-set of victimhood.

Unfortunately, the literature shows a strong correlation between academic success and socio-economic background. It also conversely shows many exceptions to the general rule, enough to inspire others to persevere against the odds to succeed.

Parents must be prepared to ensure their children are students at home - duplicating the disciplined enviro