To help your student do his or her best in school, find out all you
can about how he or she is doing now. Final course grades give you
a general sense of your student's progress. However, they come too
late in the year for you to do anything in case your student needs
help. You also need to actively monitor interim grades and scores.
Important decisions will be made about your student's program based
upon scores and grades. Should he be advanced, or held back? Would
she benefit from a special program? Is he eligible for a scholarship?
What courses should she take next year?
Find out how your student is doing on tests, papers and other assignments.
By doing so, you not only put yourself in a position to help your
student, but you also can be an informed part of the decision-making
process. Ask your teen when he or she has papers due, tests, and
other assignments in each course. Follow up to see if the student
is preparing for the test or assignment, and has completed it. Then
check the results. Encourage the student to log or chart the results.
Ask to see the work. Not just the grade, but also the kinds of items
missed or errors made. Read the teacher's comments carefully. They
will provide important clues regarding improvement. Balance your
comments. If your teen has done his or her best, offer praise and
encouragement first. Provide feedback as to what you perceive as
the strengths of his or her work. This lays the groundwork for any
tough work ahead. When there are problems, provide appropriate feedback.
Most students do want to do their best and parents do make a difference.
Terry Small
Learning Services
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