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Whatever screening or diagnostic tests you have given (any type of assessment that will render a grade equivalency or a score--but not just an assignment) such as the Slosson Oral Reading Survey that will give you a grade equivalency, a Timed-Reading of gradelevel passage that will render both accuracy and fluency score for one minute reading, a benchmark test, etc. Chart the results (I use Excel in Microsoft), using numbers for student names rather than their names. I use vertical bar graphs, one for each assessment, with the student numbers running along the bottom axis and scores running along the vertical axis. I then show the parent which of the students is their child. This visual makes a huge impact without divulging any of the other student's confidential information. I've also used time lines, showing at what point in the year certain levels of mastery (words per minute, timed math facts, etc.) are expected to be accomplished and then plot on the time line where their child is in relation to where he should be. Once parents see the need, they are usually more than willing to work with their children. Be prepared with a printout of good websites, workbook titles and where to purchase them, a handout of instructions for activities and games they can play at home, and/or materials that you can loan the parent to address the particular needs of the child. Remember that that parent cares about their child, but just may not know what or how to help or even that help was needed. Very few parents who undestand the problem and who know what to do really won't try to help.
