ABSTRACT
The Promising Readers program focused on improving literacy skills for students in grades K–3, but it had more important purpose—to create opportunities. As one rural high school teacher shared: Consistent and regular communication with our rural parents and caregivers is what builds trust. All families have important insights to offer about their child, and all have contributions they can make to our classroom. As one rural kindergarten teacher shared, It’s really important to learn about students’ cultural, religious, family, intellectual, and personal experiences and resources for use in the instruction. A high-trust environment also needs to be cultivated and sustained. There are three key factors that will help the people to nurture foundation of trust with rural families and community members over time: purpose, integrity, and shared responsibility. In rural community, it can be common for adults to serve in variety of community roles and so our positive relationships with students’ families will extend to our relationships with the community.
