The decline of the family is well documented and probably irreversible. Parents are using more elective time for self-pursuits that compete for the time and energy needed for child rearing. Parents' reduced accountability to children challenges schools to assimilate a new personal form of responsibility. Schools must support, not supplant,…

Children are becoming a luxury (or an economic liability) for postmodern parents. For some parents, child rearing is a recreational activity ranking low on the priority list. As parents abrogate more responsibilities to the schools, society will have to allocate more funds for education. Even teens and college students need more adult-organized…

Argues that because research finds that families have greater influence on student achievement than schools, proposes that families enter into metaphorical contracts to enhance the education of their children. Makes specific suggests for the terms of the contract. (PKP)