It needs to be a team effort.
This was the emphasis last Thursday evening when Cainhoy Elementary staff met with parents to discuss ways to help raise math and reading scores at school.
Following the end of a Title I meeting for visiting families, Principal LaWanda Glears and Reading Coach Jennifer Rutledge segued into what the school called Data Date Night, a chance for parents to learn about ways they need to be helping out at home to set their students up for success at school.
Glears and Rutledge presented on their students' iReady and SC Ready data, and how the data relates to grade level expectations. They broke down understanding reading and math scores, and how they know what areas students need to work on.
Teachers were also available to sit down with parents who came out to Data Date Night and talk about what their students are currently working on at school.
Staff covered the different assessments students take in addition to iReady and SC Ready, and gave tips on what parents can do at home to help out – such as getting students to read at least 15-20 minutes each night, followed by a discussion about what they are reading to promote engagement.
"We, as parents, need to ensure that our children are focused on their education," Glears said. "That should be their priority."
In addition to providing dinner, Cainhoy Elementary staff created a spread of free books for children to select and take home; a few took the opportunity to sit down with their parents and practice reading aloud.
There will be another Data Date Night for families to attend later on in the school year.
