I totally agree with Ryan. Many students do begin to read and write at home, and educators have proven that young children who are read to extensively in the pre-school years tend to get off to a good start in first-grade reading. I do believe that it is the teacher's responsibility to help those students who are struggling and are behind, but some of it does lie in the hands of the parents. Part of being a teacher is stressing to parents and the community the value of education and what they can do to help. It is really good when teachers get parents involved and have them value the education of their child as much as the they do.