317 Words
How to Read a Report Card

Report cards are an important indicator of a child's performance in school. But parents need to look at them as more than just a list of marks. Reading between the lines of a report card is as important as reading what appears on it.

When reviewing your child’s report card, keep these tips in mind:

 Look for significant grade level changes -- A full grade level drop is indicative of a significant change in performance and should not be ignored. Talk to your child and the teacher to uncover the problem. Has the subject content changed since the last report? What do these changes mean for the semester ahead?

 Note declining performance across the board -- A general decline in marks among a variety of subjects may signal a core problem such as poor study skills, lack of organization or weak language skills. Many skills are important to all classes.

 Identify missed assignments and deadlines -- Marks will fall when assignments are not completed on time. This could flag problems with motivation or time management.

 Look for achievements as well as problems -- Report cards should reveal a student’s areas of strength as well as weakness. They offer an opportunity to congratulate a child on their achievements, and can highlight their strengths and interests.

 Speak with the teacher -- Report cards only provide a limited amount of space. Schedule and participate in parent-teacher meetings to fully understand your child's performance and challenges. If anything on the report card is unclear and doesn't match your impression of your child's progress, always be sure to ask!

Sylvan Learning Centre offers a free report card guide available at www.educate.com/tips to help parents eliminate report card surprises and set the stage for their child’s year-round academic success. For more information about Sylvan Learning Centre, go to www. educate.com or phone 1-800-31-SUCCESS.