Cate Reed, seasoned administrator, current Senior Vice President of Teach For America, and Possip Reporter, presents ways school leaders and educators can help families understand academic expectations and course placement.
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Codify Academic Expectations, Criteria, and Guidelines
As students get older, the requirements for placement in classes must be clear to students and families alike. For instance, what does it take to be put into Honors English? What grades might land you in a lunch tutoring program? Do you need to take Ceramics 1 before you can take Ceramics 2? Ensure families have access to written guidelines explaining retention, acceleration, and placement criteria in all classes. Here are some tips:
Create Flowcharts and Guides for Academic Expectations
Provide visual aids like flowcharts or guides that outline the decision-making process for academic interventions. Additionally, you can post those in the hallways, review them with students, and email them to families.
Develop Informational Sessions and Brochures
Create workshops or informational meetings about how grading works and the criteria for retention, acceleration, or placement into any electives.
For High Schools, Consult Local Colleges
Talk to local colleges about academic expectations they have for students to inform how you develop the pathways to certain classes or supports.
Communicate, Communicate, Communicate!
No one should be surprised when students are placed in a class or surprised to learn how their previous performance informed that placement. In fact, those surprises can feel unfair and damage trust. Be upfront early and often so students understand academic expectations and can plan their time and schedule in a way that gives them the best chance to succeed. Here are some tips:.
Progress Reports
Send out frequent progress reports in addition to regular report cards to keep parents updated on their child’s academic performance.
Online Portals
Utilize online platforms where parents can regularly check grades, attendance, and other academic indicators.
Grade Breakdown
Provide detailed explanations of what each grade means, including a breakdown of assessments, assignments, and participation.
Hold Q&A Sessions
Offer opportunities for parents to ask questions and understand the details behind educational decisions.
Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs)
Work closely with PTAs to disseminate information about anything related to class placement.
Parent Representatives
Involve parent representatives in decision-making committees to ensure parental perspectives are considered. They likely have insights you have not yet thought about.
Social Media
Is it time to schedule for next year? Therefore, post it on Facebook and Instagram! Maintain active social media profiles to share general updates and reminders.
Early Alerts
Implement an early alert system to inform parents if a student is at risk of falling behind or needs additional support.
Keep Equity Top of Mind for Academic Expectations
Keeping families informed is half the battle; helping students take advantage of opportunities is another. Here are strategies to help all students stretch and grow.
Regularly Look at the Data
Who takes AP Calculus? Who is being referred for summer school? What students are in the chorus? Take the time to disaggregate your data by race, gender, language, grade, and other factors to ensure that students access everything you have available equally.
As Much As Possible, Make Challenging Classes both “Opt-In” AND “Opt Out”
Let kids try harder classes, even for a trial week if they are open to the challenge (Opt In), and don’t let kids who you know can manage challenging classes sign up for take an easier path (force them to “Opt Out.”)
Ensure English Language Learners Have the Information They Need In Their Native Language
Families for whom English is not their first language face even more significant challenges in ensuring their students get what they need academically. Translate all communications in the languages spoken by parents in the community.
Overall, by integrating these strategies, schools can ensure that parents are informed about their child’s academic performance and understand the implications of grades and the processes behind important educational decisions. All in all, this transparency fosters trust and collaboration between parents and educators, ultimately supporting student success.
