"Valerie Iverson is an involved parent. Being president of the Scottsdale Parent Council paves the way for being involved in the affairs of the local school district. It also lets her keep up with school and districtwide student achievement.

"Yet the idea of No Child Left Behind and Adequate Yearly Progress, and what they mean to local schools is still hard for her to comprehend. … Before parents can help schools meet guidelines, Iverson said, they should ask school officials what those guidelines are."

"In Scottsdale, Iverson said her group tries to educate parents by holding monthly sessions, such as their meeting on Monday that focused on the No Child Left Behind provision that requires teachers must work toward being highly qualified. Iverson said parents are also encouraged to meet regularly with school principals and teachers for updates on local standards and ask how they relate to federal and state guidelines."

"Susan Presler, president of the Paradise Valley United Parent Council, said parents should seek out their local parent-teacher organization or school site council for help and create community forums that feature school officials. The community meetings should help parents connect to what's going on in their child's classroom and see what the school or district is doing to fulfill federal guidelines, she said."