Supporting Families of Struggling Students

How can you enlist families in the effort to improve struggling students' performance? One Florida school presented data from their program that shows increased parental involvement and improved student test scores.

Participants in one conference session learned how a Florida elementary school linked parents into the effort to raise student achievement by hosting well-publicized monthly dinner gatherings that included the children. There was also a topic-focused activity or presentation (child care was provided) designed to support student learning and strengthen families.

The data the presenters gathered showed not only increased parental involvement and interest in their children's academic performance as the year went on but also improved test scores among the children of parents who regularly attended--especially children who were considered struggling learners.

What has your school done to help struggling learners? Join the discussion; post a comment.

At conference, Dennis Littky said. "We enroll families, not just kids." Read about Littky's session.