3 Reasons You Shouldn’t Ignore Your Child’s Progress Report

It feels like school just started, but a quarter of the school year is already behind us. Has your child’s progress report already arrived? You may be tempted to dismiss a progress report because it doesn’t count on your child’s final transcript, but progress reports can help you understand more than just grades.

Common areas of feedback touch on your child’s foundational skills, reading skill level, comprehension, presentation of knowledge, vocabulary, math skills, study skills, and attention to detail.

1. A grade drop in a foundational subject area is a red flag.

If your child has always done well in math classes, but their grade has dropped, it’s important to find out why. Math curriculum builds upon itself, so if your child is struggling with fundamental concepts, they will continue to fall behind. Are they completing their homework? Are they building good study habits? Identifying why your child’s grade has slipped in math is critical to their future academic success.

Reading skills are also a critical foundational area. If your child struggles with reading or writing, they will be at a disadvantage in every single subject. They will struggle with word problems in math, they will have trouble with their science report, and they will miss key points in their history reading. Even if your child is reading at their current grade level, stronger reading and analytical skills will help to give them a competitive advantage.

2. Teacher feedback can help you understand your child’s mindset.

Did you know that students spend an average of 1,195 hours in the classroom per year? Teachers may have insight into your child’s behavior and mindset that you have not observed at home. Open communication with your child, as well as their teachers, is important to get a better understanding of your child’s mindset.

Teacher commentary on your child’s progress report can provide a deeper understanding of your child’s social and emotional learning. Commentary on behavioral patterns include feedback on self awareness, self management, mindset, and relationship skills. Does your child get frustrated and give up on tough academic concepts? Do they have a hard time paying attention in class? Try not to think of this commentary as judgement, but rather as an opportunity to have a dialogue with your child. Getting ahead of negative patterns as early as possible, and helping to build a growth mindset in your child will go a long way toward their happiness and well-being.

3. Create a plan of action.

In order to make the most of the feedback from your child’s progress report, you’ll need to create a plan. For example, if your child is falling behind in reading skills, try to find a book about a subject they are passionate about to read together and analyze.

Tutoring is also a great option to ensure your child is building a strong academic foundation. At Revolution Prep, our tutors go beyond homework help. They can identify foundational concepts that your child is struggling with, and help them to develop their mindset, self-management, and subject mastery.

If you’re not sure how to interpret your child’s progress report, or would like support in creating a plan for your child, our Academic Advisors can help. Academic Advisors understand how school work, testing, college applications, and other learning goals come together.