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At Cross Keys, conquering Spanish language barrier key to success

Students in a Cross Keys High School classroom listen to their teacher on Nov. 4. DeKalb County’s Cross Keys High School returned the largest graduation rate increase in metro Atlanta. HYOSUB SHIN / HSHIN@AJC.COM
Students in a Cross Keys High School classroom listen to their teacher on Nov. 4. DeKalb County’s Cross Keys High School returned the largest graduation rate increase in metro Atlanta. HYOSUB SHIN / HSHIN@AJC.COM
By Marlon A. Walker
Nov 8, 2016

Principal Jason Heard couldn’t reach his parents.

It wasn't just that they weren't involved in their child's education. They didn't understand it. At Cross Keys High School, 86 percent of the student population is Hispanic or Latino. Many of their parents speak English as a second language, if at all.

An A — or an F — was just a letter on a piece of paper.

Heard, who became Cross Keys’ principal in 2014, felt reaching the parents would boost student achievement. A recent state report showing the school’s graduation rate increased nearly 33 percent was proof that parent outreach is working, he said.

ExploreRead more at myAJC.com.

About the Author

Marlon A. Walker is an education reporter covering DeKalb County.

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