Bad Report Card? Here Are Your Next Steps

Early Intervention, Elementary, Grades, Tutoring

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If you blinked, you may have missed it. Another grading term has come to an end, and report cards have been issued. Many school divisions have moved to electronic grade reporting, so gone are the days of a closely-guarded, marked envelope tucked in your child’s backpack signalling that grades have arrived. Gone are the days of a signature returning to school to acknowledge your receipt and review of the paper document.

Now more than ever, it is critical that parents are plugged in and aware of when grading periods end, especially if your child is teetering on the edge of passing and failing grades. So now you’ve reviewed the online grading report. What should your next steps be if your child’s grades suggest they are struggling in their classes?

Stay Calm

It’s easier said than done. The grading term is over, so the grades you see are in the past. Getting upset with your child can be counterproductive to moving forward and working on the issues. Now is the time for constructive reflection and making a plan

Analyze

Take a deeper look at the gradebook for each class. Are there missing assignments? If so, have a conversation with your child about why assignments were missed. Is there confusion on due dates? Are assignments done, but the all-important “submit” button not clicked?

Understanding WHY assignments are missed or not completed is a critical element to making a plan for this quarter. Are there big-point tests that didn’t go well? Again, taking a look at the “why” will help you know what to do next. Did they not understand the material, or do they struggle with study skills to prepare for the tests?

Take Action

If your child is failing one or more classes, or finds themselves right on the edge of doing so, the very first step you should take is to contact the teacher and schedule a face-to-face conference (either virtually or in person) to talk through the issues and come up with some strategies for moving forward.

What Next?

Once you’ve completed a thorough review of the grade report, you’ll better know how to help your child going forward. A conference with your child’s teacher is a great way to start if there are areas of concern.

If you find that your child needs more concentrated support in building time management skills, keeping track of assignments across subjects, or help with a subject or two, contact Tutor A Team to learn more about us and our approach!

Our tutors are certified teachers and experts in their subjects! We offer one-on-one tutoring in your home, so your child will get individualized attention at every session.

Tutor A Team is here to help!

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