Research shows that parents who take an active role in their child's education tend to do better in school.

In light of this, there is a national effort to have parents drive their kids to school on the very first day—in an effort to show support and break the cycle of poor educational performance. The experts say that is important, not just for younger kids, but the older ones as well.

Most parents wouldn't miss a chance to meet their child's kindergarten teacher and be close on that first day of school. But by the time kids get to the upper grades, parents are often nowhere to be found. That is something that West High School principal Rick Stone says is really too bad.

"I would like to see parent involvement throughout

the whole four years, because we know that when parents are involved with their children's education, the more successful their kids are going to be," said Stone.

And that is one of the reasons behind a national event called the Million Father's March. Gwen Alexander is organizing the march in Anchorage. She says it isn't exactly a march and it's not just for dads. She wants families to drive their kids on that first day and pledge to stay involved.

"Not just fathers...aunts, mothers, brothers, sisters, take the initiative to take the child to school and give them a nice positive start on the school year," said Alexander of the Million Father March.

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Alexander says parents can break the cycle of poor school performance by keeping in touch with teachers, being available to answer kids' questions and even taking a hands-on approach to helping with homework

"Sit down with your child. If you don't do a whole hour, do 15 minutes. It's called quality time. And even that would help the child be more enthused about school because you're taking

an interest," said Alexander.

It's something that John Winn already does with his 11-year-old daughter; and he sees the difference that it makes.

"The difference that it makes for me and my wife is that she is more talkative. She asks more questions. She gets better grades, for sure," said Winn who is taking his daughter to school.

Winn will be among those driving his daughter on that very first day; and hoping for a good start to the school year.

Organizers want to stress that the message behind the Million Father March is for parental involvement in school. It's for anyone, of any race who wants to be involved with a child's education.

To contact Lauren, call 907-273-3186.