If your kid is having difficulties in school, getting to the bottom of the problem should be a priority. Although most school systems do their best to help kids who have learning difficulties or need special help, some students can get overlooked. PBS explains that a child could have a learning disability, a visual or hearing disability or simply not understand a new subject in the classroom. Struggling in school affects grades and also damages a child's self-esteem. Implement ways for your child to get the help he deserves.
Step 1
Talk to your child about his grades. Start tackling the problem by gaining an understanding about why he thinks he is struggling in school. Examine his report card, progress report card, standardized tests, homework and any related teachers notes. Highlight his struggles and ask him how he thinks he's doing and where he thinks he needs extra help. Compare his grades with last year's grades. If they are slowly declining overall, it may be time to test for a learning disability. If you see a sudden change in one particular subject, it could be isolated to the classroom, and he may need more assistance from his teacher.
Step 2
Set up an appointment with your child's homeroom teacher. If you cannot resolve the entire problem by helping your child with her homework or by problem solving a particular issue, contact her teacher. Most teachers will take the time to talk to you as a parent and collaborate on improving your child's grades. Most teachers rely on parents' support and input to make a child successful in school.
Step 3
Schedule psychological and aptitude testing. This is only done if the teacher believes that your child may have a learning disability or other problem affecting her ability to listen and learn effectively. A school psychologist generally conducts a series of tests that will tell her if the student displays signs of a learning disability. Help Guide shares some of the most common types, including sensory disorder, dyslexia, auditory or visual processing disorder, dyscalculia and dysgraphia. If a problem is found, your child will qualify for special education services so she can get assistance and work at a level in which she understands.
Step 4
Arrange for after school help. Sometimes a child only needs help with one particular subject or learns better with one-on-one attention. Sylvan suggests some tips when choosing a tutor for your child. Make sure the tutor is educated and qualified in the subjects your child struggles in. It is also important that the tutor gives you regular progress notes on your child and is willing to work on new issues as they come up.
Step 5
Follow up regularly with your child's teacher and school. This means attending all parent-teacher conferences and going over your child's report cards and progress reports carefully. Education World explains that parent-teacher conferences are important to your child's successes in school. Your school should have an open door policy where you are welcome to sit in on a class or come in at any time to talk to staff members.
Tips and Warnings
- You can also have your child tested for a learning disability outside of the school to get a second opinion. Be patient with your child because it can take time for some kids to grasp concepts or get caught up in class. Be an involved parent by volunteering your time in the classroom. This will help you become closer to your child's teacher and the school staff.
- If you see a sudden but drastic decline in your child's school work or mental status, seek medical help as soon as possible.
