Adams 14 teachers visiting students at home to improve parent involvement

ADAMS COUNTY, Colo.-- The Adams 14 School District is in the middle of a complete overhaul to prevent a state takeover of schools. One of the ways they hope to improve the district is by increasing parent involvement.

As Adams 14 Schools head into testing season, teachers are making home visits.

Fifth grader Gerardo Flores and his parents were visited by two of his teachers and the Adams 14 Superintendent Wednesday.

Gerardo used the opportunity to talk about his goal of becoming a doctor.

“You know that he wants to be a doctor. It’s very important that you sit down with the counselor and start making sure he has the right course so he can get to where he’s going,” explained superintendent Dr. Javier Abrego.

Half the students in Adams 14 and even more parents don't speak English and many live in poverty, but Adams 14 teachers are making sure that's not a barrier.

“We just want to get into the homes. Let the parents see us in a different light. It’s not scary and academic. It’s more personal and relationship based,” said Gerardo’s teacher, Leona Leckie.

Teachers say together they can work on goals in an area where the family is comfortable.

“The positive thing about this is that he will continue to be engaged in school. I think that’s going to be good for him,” said Gerardo’s mother, Rosaura Aguilar.

Gerardo said it’s a little weird to have his teachers in his home, but he thinks it will help him at school.

“It’s nice because they can meet my family,” said Gerardo.

In addition to this program, Adams 14 is presenting a plan to the state school board in May to hire an outside company to make improvements to their district.

If the board approves the plans, Adams 14 will have two years to meet standards or the state will take over.