Christina Escamilla is a young, single mom of 6, and a student herself. Though she has a lot on her plate, she makes sure to be a big part of her kids' education.
"I develop a good relationship with the school," she said. She is active with the PTA and makes frequent visits to campus.
Experts say parents like Christina are key to pulling Waco ISD out of its current hole. A quarter of its schools may be deemed 'academically unacceptable' after recent TAKS test scores.
"The most important part of a child's education is the relationship that they have with a nurturing and supportive adult," said education consultant Dr. Rita Pierson.
Pierson is in town to teach hundreds of Waco ISD teachers how to make the biggest impact by teaching children on a fast track toward success.
Her main message? Get parents heavily involved.
"We're gonna let the parents know what's going on in our classroom," she said to more than 50 teachers in a lecturer on Tuesday.
The workshop was one of the first plans new superintendent Dr. Bonnie Cain put in place. But in light of last week's score results, the school district acknowledges Dr. Pierson has come just in time.
"We realize that we have some shortcomings in the TAKS scores this year. We believe that this is going to help immensely," said WISD spokesperson Dale Caffey.
Teachers say after just two days she's opening their eyes.
"The old cliché of it takes a village to raise a child...well it really does," said AJ Moore Academy teacher Dan Pfleging.
And after attending her first parent workshop, Christina came home with a lesson she says every parent can use.
"She made the statement clear: you have the power, you are the parent."
Another point Dr. Pierson made in addition to parental involvement was be creative with your child at home. Activities like reading a book should lead you to ask them engaging questions. That way, children can associate learning with fun.
The final parent workshop is Tuesday 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Sacred Heart Church. Childcare is available for kids 3-12.
Reporter: Rebecca Schleicher/Photographer: Thuan Nguyen
Become a fan of Rebecca on Facebook
Follow Rebecca on Twitter
