Many lose quite a bit of schooling over the course of a year, and benefit from the careful guidance teachers can provide. Teachers must invite students to talk about things they know and make connections with their prior knowledge. If students can be empowered to take responsibility for their own learning, they are learning how to learn. Use technology to help students learn in an active way. At one Texas school, which uses Computer Assisted Instruction to drill on skills, test scores have gone up every year.
Teachers can use cognitive coaching to help cultivate critical thinking skills.
Teachers then become liaisons with the home. Use translators when necessary. Educating parents about their role in their child's education is also part of the mission. For immigrant parents, you need to go that extra mile. Be attuned to the proportion of minority students.