Teach material that is not racially or culturally biased. Go back to grammar drills and spelling tests. Make sure teachers know what they are teaching. There were several incidents in which my child brought home spelling lists that contained misspelled words. Explain concepts more than just one way.
All kids learn differently.
Phonics, I think, has done more harm that good to our kids. Challenge classes are supposed to challenge, not just double the homework. I know it isn't easy to teach kids who don't want to learn. We need teachers who are genuinely interested in teaching and not just there to collect a paycheck. Less TAAS preparation.