Do you have an “A” child who’s getting “B’s, C’s or D’s?”
Understanding report cards today has become more difficult as many schools have left A, B, and C grades in favor of 1 to 4, or other descriptions such as meets grade level standards, progressing toward grade level, experiencing difficulty, proficient, satisfactory etc. Nevertheless, it is important to understand your child’s grading system in order that you may ask appropriate questions at report card conferences.
In addition, many schools are using standards based assessments rather than comparing students with each other. It is important to understand the performance indicators and the standards being measured. Furthermore parents should question how teachers arrived at a specific grade based on test scores, quizzes, oral assessments, worksheets, portfolio items etc. Report cards are an important way for teachers to communicate with parents regarding their child’s progress, but they are only effective if everyone knows what the numbers, letters, and descriptors mean.
If the report card suggests a need for improvement, communicate with you child’s teacher and develop a plan to get your child back on track. You may want to consider a tutor to help fill the learning void. Tutors can help determine what key concepts a child might be missing, and take the necessary steps to provide corrective instruction. Not only can tutoring strengthen subject comprehension, but it can build confidence and assist in developing important study skills.
The tutors at Mount Lebanon Academy use diagnostic teaching techniques when providing support in math, reading, and other content areas. To prevent your “A” child from getting “B’s, C’s or D’s?”, begin strengthening future report card performance by providing a one on one unique learning experience for your child, and then watch those grades go up! We also recommend the website understood.org. This is a site that “helps parents help students” with some additional information and resources.
If you would like to discuss your child’s report card or consider a tutorial for enrichment or maintenance, call the Academy today at (412) 563-1413.