What to Do About a Bad Report Card
Tips for Helping a Student Bring Grades Up in School
Low grades bring a nagging loss of hope in both parents and children alike. Instead of sinking into the anger stage of grief, it would be wise to go into problem-solving mode. The frustration is real, but looking around for who to blame or chiding the student may not be enough. Since most parenting tasks occur when bodies and minds have already been taxed to their limits, caution is advised.
Gather Data About the Bad Grades
Ignoring may be tempting, but won't help the problems go away, and neither will getting stuck in grief and anger. Avoid becoming philosophical by concluding the child just wasn't blessed with the "right stuff."
Collect information, both to define the problem and to create a picture on paper of contributing factors. Talk to teachers, the child, and the school counselor or administrator. Check into testing and previous school records. A careful look may aid in filling the spaces about why the grades are disappointing. Take notes to keep your frustration level from getting in the way of objective thinking.
Look at strengths and weaknesses. Also research how this student learns best. Some respond better with visual, some with listening, yet some require multisensory and active involvement.
Identify motivational patterns. Find what has worked in the past. What reward might the student be willing to work to earn?
Seek Counsel of Professionals
This could be both this and last year's teacher, diagnostician, psychologist, physician, and even the student. However, remember that you are the team captain and temper any advice offered to you with your own best judgment. After all, in the final analysis you will be the one experiencing the consequences. (If you disagree with some of your advisers, do so in a business-like manner, not in anger. They are there to be part of the solution, so don't view them as part of the problem.)
Make a Realistic and Positive Plan
After a thorough review of all the information, plot some possible choices. Then set up a clear plan and establish priorities and choose only one or two primary goals to work toward. Make them small and specific enough so chance for success will be high. For example, don't plan to bring all grades up, or even a D to a B. Instead, aim for D- to D, or D to C. Choose target areas and set realistic goals, leaving some room for surprising positives.
Stick to the Plan to Bring Grades Up
First, psych yourself and your child like an Olympic athlete: a) for success, and b) for ignoring hurdles not charted on the course. A strong resolve is needed daily to "stick to the subject" of the one or two areas you selected to improve.
Secondly, don't drop the ball. Any plan takes time to carry out. Just six weeks of ardent efforts can get you started in a new direction. Even if the stated goal has not yet been reached, it is progress when a change in direction is achieved. One step at a time will get you there, not a giant leap.
Isn't this a good time to charge ahead? Give it a try. Go easy, and compliment every chance you get, as this is the yeast for improvement. Keep the hope reasonable and the goal reachable.
Maybe the next report card will find you and yours celebrating one more step toward success.
Bad Report Cards Hurt
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