Reaching Out to Families Improves Student Performance in Oklahoma

In Putnam City West High School in Oklahoma City, OK,  the fastest growing segment of the student population is Hispanics. Two years ago, the NEA’s Public Engagement Project and the Oklahoma Education Association initiated a series of community conversations focusing on closing achievement gaps and meeting the needs of Hispanic parents and students.

The Compadres program shows parents how to help their children academically.

Called “Compadres in Education,” the conversations addressed topics such as the importance of higher education, required course work for entering college, and the economic value of higher education. In addition, hands-on help was provided for completing financial aid forms.

The pass rate for Hispanic students on the end-of-instruction test in English II, a graduation requirement, rose from 55 percent in 2007 to 77 percent in 2008. And Hispanic students’ Academic Performance Index—a measure of both reading and math scores—rose from 839 to 1065 on a scale of 1500. Student attendance has also improved dramatically since Compadres was launched.

To read an information bulletin from NEA that focuses on Putnam City West and other programs that have resulted in achievement gains for Hispanic students, click here.

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1. Closing Gaps in Oklahoma
2. Challenge Day Aims to Boost Achievement, Reduce Dropouts
3. How the Union Helps Build a Better School
4. Case Studies on the Collaborative Path to School Success
5. Eskelsen Joins CA Rep. Judy Chu and AFT’s Weingarten in Plan to Strengthen Schools