READ 180 provides exciting books with related computer activities that build reading comprehension and vocabulary. One of the keys to encouraging students to improve is the support of their parents, according to Robbin Faulkner, an eighth-grade social studies teacher who is a grade team leader and also works as an Accelerated Learning teacher. We get it from one end of the spectrum to the other. Unfortunately, we have parents who say that I can't do anything with them. If their parents aren't involved, holding them accountable and expecting good things from them, then its very hard for us to get them to do good things.
Parent involvement is a big key.
Teachers work hard to communicate with parents. Progress reports are sent home mid-quarter. For students in danger of not being promoted, teachers have been writing home, calling parents and offering to meet with them to discuss the student's needs. You're contacting the same parents that you've contacted all year. Just thinking back over my list, I don't think there's a parent that we haven't already contacted twice this year.