Middle-class families know education begins at birth.

When kids know that you refuse to let them fail ... they don't give up as easy. So sometimes they don't have it inside, [but] they're like,'You know, I don't want to do this, but I know my mother's going to be mad.'That matters to kids, and it helps get them through.

Many schools today are sacrificing social studies, the arts and physical education so children can cover basic subjects like math, English and science.

Over the past five years, I've met several presidents, several secretaries of education ... and there is no plan. If you want to save your children, you're going to have to do it yourself. It's just us.

Middle-class families know education begins at birth.

Movies portray men as tough guys.

An extended school day gives administrators the ability to ensure children get a well-rounded education.