If your son or daughter is like most kids, then they’re probably hoping to end the year long academic race with a don’t-look-back sprint to the finish line. This is understandable, but the end of the school year is the perfect time to set up meetings with teachers and guidance counselors who can assess your child’s academic status in preparation for the fall semester. To make the most of these “academic check-ups,” Huntington Learning Center, a test preparation center located in Cave Creek, Arizona, suggests you ask five key questions.
- Looking at the subjects that gave my child the most trouble, what particular learning skills need work? For most students, the first sign of trouble may be less-than-satisfactory grades. Sometimes a lack of effort is to blame. Often, however, problems with basic skills also may play a role. If your child never quite mastered multiplication tables, for example, then higher-level mathematics would be especially difficult. Unexamined problems in reading may have led to significant challenges with spelling, comprehension, and retention of lessons in courses across the academic spectrum. Asking teachers for insight on the skills your child is lacking can provide useful guidance on the most productive type of remedial work over the summer.
- Are there hidden talents that can be tapped and nurtured? Most young people have special aptitudes and interests that can lead to higher achievement and opportunities. Teachers who have spent a lot of time with your child can have significant insight into his academic gifts and potential to excel with additional support.
- What learning habits should we work on over the summer? Listening skills, time management, the ability to stay on task, and developing respect for teachers and peers are just a few habits that impact a student’s ability to complete classwork and homework and to master subject matter. Teachers who have spent an entire school year with your child are usually aware of any chronic problems your child may be facing with developing one or more of these good habits. During the summer, you and your child can work together to address these problems in preparation for the year to come.
- What summertime learning opportunities are offered at the school or in the community? With the implementation of the No Child Left Behind education act, many school leaders are feeling increasing pressure to ensure that all students meet rigorous standards for learning and achievement. In many districts, this concern has led to broader and more intensive summer school offerings. Ask your child’s counselor or teacher what summer courses they would recommend for your child.
- What can we do as a family to foster achievement in the coming year? Learning is a year-long process that takes place both in and out of the classroom. In addition to encouraging visits to the library, museums and historical destinations, many teachers can also recommend good summertime reading lists, summer learning camps, and clubs geared to students with like-minded academic interests. In addition, parents should set academic expectations with their child, and define in advance rewards and negative consequences for not working toward those goals.
It is best to schedule these meetings with your child’s teacher or counselor so that meetings are not rushed and you have time to discuss the questions as needed. If schedules are too hectic, then these conversations also can take place by phone or e-mail. What’s most important is that you take the time to make contact. At the very least, these meetings offer a good opportunity to say thanks to teachers and others in the school community
