Checking in on school progress

Now that the school year is back in session, it is important for parents to begin checking in on student progress and achievement in their child’s school.

In the midst of the hustle and bustle of morning routines, getting to work, cooking dinner, completing homework, and running to soccer practice, it is often a challenge for parents to check in on the progress of their kids in school.

The first thing parents must consider is to be sure you maintain a constant line of open communication between yourself and your child’s teacher right from the beginning of the school year. If you are able to maintain in this relationship, you will have fewer surprises pop up on report card day and fewer surprise notes in your child’s backpack each day.

Remember that good communication between school and home allows both teachers and schools do their jobs more effectively. Also, maintaining strong communication helps parents better understand teachers’ expectations for academic work and behavior.

If academic assistance is necessary, strong communications can facilitate support from home. Similarly, if behavior issues arise, good communication can help deal with or eliminate the inappropriate behavior. In addition, strong communication is beneficial to the student as well.

Parents who communicate effectively with the teacher are able to support their child with whatever they’re learning.

Plus, getting involved communicates respect for education and the value it adds to your child’s future. Your child, meanwhile, understands that you’ll follow up and check on her progress and work.

So, just how can parents go about checking in on student work? Below are some helpful tips for parents of children of all ages:

• First, be sure you physically see your child’s work coming home on a weekly basis. While some assignments may be kept in class in your child’s file or portfolio, you should definitely see some items come home. When looking at your child’s work, consider the following:
  • Is your child’s work neat and legible?
  • What is the grade your child received? What does this mean?
  • Is there a rubric on the assignment? If so, be sure you understand how your child’s work was assessed.
  • What were the expectations of the assignment? What standards was your child supposed to meet?
  • Is your child afraid to show you his/her work? If so, why? (frustration, embarrassment, lack of knowledge or understanding, etc)
• Does your child’s teacher write comments on his/her work or attempt to update you on a regular basis?
• Does your child’s teacher communicate via e-mail? If so, check in every other week with the teacher to see how your child is progressing.
• Don’t go behind your child’s back: Always be up front and honest with your child, but refrain from threatening them. Be sure you respect and understand your child as a school student, and let them know in a positive manner that you maintain a relationship with his/her teacher.
• One pitfall parents should avoid is accusing the teacher of something they aren’t sure has actually happened. Remember that there are two sides to every story, and the best way to deal with situations that you question is to talk directly with the teacher.
• Don’t put the teacher in a situation where you are making unrealistic demands, such as by asking for special treatment for your child or for information that doesn’t pertain to your child. Trust teachers to use their best professional judgment, and approach problematic situations with openness and a genuine willingness to listen and work through the situation.”

Always remember to be proactive rather than reactive when it comes to anything in your child’s life, especially their education. School years are a once in a lifetime opportunity, and it is important that parents understand the criticality of this.

Don’t wait until report card day to communicate with your child’s teacher, be involved at all times, every day, whatever it takes!