Increasing advocacy efforts with parents along with other groups at both state and local levels can by a. forcing politicians into a teacher's way of thinking. b. giving teachers some time away from the classroom. c. improving funding for services that need expanding. d. giving parents something to do.

C. improving funding for services that need expanding.

Explanation:

This is how increasing advocacy efforts with parents along with other groups at both state and local levels can help schools. By having different groups collaborate in their efforts, it is more likely that the expansion of funding of different services would take place. This would benefit both parents and students, and would improve the learning process in schools.

the narrator is saying that the old lady made her feel uncomfortable. you know this because they say "i found that rather irksome", "perhaps it was her being so upright and trim", and "i don't think it was that, because i thought that quaintly pleasant." hope this !