Posted: Wednesday, September 9, 2009 --- 4:15 a.m.

A week into the new school year, we're hoping to help parents who struggle with their kids communication about the classroom.

We just spoke with Dr. Daniel Nerad Madison school district superintendent about what to do if you can't get your child to open up.

His advice is to make a phone call and go directly to the teacher involved.

Most of the time things can be worked out this way.

He also encourages parents to work with teachers early on.

"Try to learn as much as you can about what kids are learning in school, try to be support to that learning. It does not mean that everyone has to be an expert in the curriculum But it does mean you have to create a supportive environment that is reinforcing what kids need at home. "

Dr. Nerad asks parents to keep in mind that teachers have multiple students and families to work with and that they need your help with encouraging them and working with them on homework too.

He says it helps when parents can keep in mind that they are still a child's primary teacher.