Woodson believes involvement equals success.

Senator Jamie Woodson (R) from Knoxville believes in the power of the parent when it comes to education.

Senator Woodson is the Chair of the Education Committee. She stands by the notion that parents should be actively involved in their child's education.

"Parents are a vital and necessary part of the educational community throughout their children's school career. I believe that students' achievements increase when parents are actively involved in the learning process," Woodson said in a recent written statement.

Being involved could mean simply asking your child what they learned that day, or asking to see completed work. There is a feeling of pride gained when showing off a gold star on a homework assignment, which encourages your child that knowledge is power.

It could also be helping with homework, getting your child extra help when needed and paying attention to bulletins that are sent home in the ever-expanding backpack. It could even stretch to attending parent-teacher conferences or going to meetings at your child's school, like the PTA.

The Parent Teacher Association, or PTA, at your local elementary or middle school can help interested parents get involved in the "learning process," as senator Woodson described.

Unfamililar with the PTA?

According to pta.org , "PTAs serve as a type of forum where parents, teachers, administrators, and other concerned adults discuss ways to promote quality education, strive to expand the arts, encourage community involvement, and work for a healthy environment and safe neighborhoods."

In other words: keeping your kid in school and out of trouble.

"Parents and educators have a joint responsibility to make informed decisions related to all aspects of the student's education. Schools and parents will build relationships with many members of the community in order to promote efficiency and educational opportunities for children in the community," Woodson said.

The parent's responsibility in their child's education does not stop when they drop little Susie or Johnny off at school, it ends when little Susie or Johnny graduates.

"Studies have shown that when parents are involved in their child's education, attitudes, behaviors, and achievements of students are positively enhanced," Woodson said. "Capitalizing on the expertise and skill of the parents strengthens the school, community, partnership, and family. I believe that a good PTA is one that will promote more parental involvement in the early stages of a child's educational career."