Help students learn how to use their report card as a tool to improve academic performance.
The end of the first report period signals the arrival of the first report card. Many students look forward to receiving their report card. They enjoy seeing the tangible evidence of their efforts, and showing off their achievements.
For many students, however, the issuing of report cards is a stressful time. They worry about how their parents will react to less than stellar grades. They realize their grades are low, yet they may have no idea how to go about making improvements. For some kids, receiving low grades reinforces their self-concept as a “poor student”, creating an excuse for them to continue along with the same poor study habits.
How can you help kids turn things around? Keep the following points in mind when talking to kids about their report cards.
Utilize the Feedback
One of the main purposes of a report card is to provide information about how well a student is mastering the content of a course. Without the ability to analyze this feedback, it may be meaningless to the student. Direct students to look beyond letter grades to the comment area. This is often where teachers provide clues to what may be holding the student back from being successful. Are they having trouble with organizational or study skills? Difficulty taking tests? Is homework missing or incomplete? Are students putting forth poor effort? Is school attendance an issue? Look for patterns among different classes. Help the student make a list of a few key areas for improvement, and then use these notes to develop academic goals.
Play on Strengths
Hopefully, there are positive comments listed as well. Not only does the presence of these comments help students develop confidence, but they also give students key information about the areas they need to capitalize on. Perhaps the student has great class participation, or offers good comments to class discussions. Talk to the student about ways he might further use information about these strengths to improve his classroom performance.
Get Some Help
Teachers encourage students to come to them for extra help when concepts are challenging. Students may have a difficult time asking for help, and may need some practice in making these requests. Too often, students believe that asking for help makes them appear “stupid”: reinforce to kids that it’s the smart student who recognizes when they need help and makes the effort to get it.
Check Placement
If students are truly putting forth their best effort and are still struggling, they may want to make sure the class is an appropriate fit for them. Talking to a teacher or guidance counselor can help. Counselors have access to student records, which can provide clues to a student’s ability, and they can make schedule changes if coursework is more than a student can reasonably manage.
You may also be interested in After School Homework Clubs.
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