02-23-2022
Respond to a Poor Report Card With a Positive Plan
A poor report card at mid-year is a signal that your child is struggling. It also means your child may not be developing important skills needed for future learning. But it does not mean that things can't improve.
If your student's report card is disappointing, experts recommend that you:
- Speak with your child. Ask, "Why do you think you got this grade? Do you think the grade reflects your understanding of the topic? What do you think you could do to improve?"
- Pinpoint the problem. Has your child been absent too much to learn well? Is the format of instruction a challenge? Does your child complete and turn in schoolwork on time? Are attention or behavior issues involved?
- Share your expectations with your child. Explain that you take learning seriously, and you want your child to, too. Say that you don't expect only top marks. But make it clear that you do expect your child's best effort, and that includes asking for help when things are confusing.
- Talk with the teacher. Ask if your student is working up to ability. If not, what does the teacher think keeps your child from doing so? What can you, your child and the teacher do to overcome difficulties?
- Plan for improvement. Set a realistic goal for improvement in each area that is needed—like turning a C into a B- or improving study skills by doing assignments at a regular time.
- Monitor your child's progress. Talk with your child every day about schoolwork. Ask what's difficult or unclear. Also ask the teacher to let you know whether or not things are going well.
- Praise your child's progress and successes. Don't focus only on weaknesses. Notice what your child does well, even if it's in an extracurricular activity, rather than in school.
Brought to you by:
West Point Consolidated School District
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