They’re Here! Oxford Learning Helps Parents And Students Decipher Report Cards

The report card can be a helpful tool to guide both parents and students in setting an action plan to achieve success. It can also help to identify learning issues quickly, so that students can gain confidence and make the most out of their school year. But what’s the key to breaking the code? How can a parent read between the lines to get the most information possible from the report card? The experts at Oxford Learning � Canada’s leading expert in preparing children for lifelong success � help reduce stress levels of both students and parents by providing advice on how to decipher report cards and make valuable use of the information to help advance your child’s love of learning. Making the Grade “Parents can play an integral role in the success of their child’s education by taking the time to review the report card,” says Kelley McGregor, Director of Training and Operation, Oxford Learning. “Report cards measure how well our children are doing in school, but are only effective if they are used to inspire and encourage action and improvements.” Students Dread Them. Parents Don’t Understand Them.

The experts at Oxford Learning recommend that before evaluating the most recent report card, parents should review report cards from previous periods and past years. If your child is currently in grade four, review the report cards from grades two and three before reading the most current report card. Look for academic strengths and challenges. Check for common problems, consistent comments and most of all, improvements or new challenges.

“When reviewing past report cards, look for common threads such as homework completion, interest in participating in school activities and organization,” says Ms. McGregor. “Once you have done this comparative analysis, it is much easier to evaluate the current report card and address key areas that your child has either improved or still requires improvement.” Reviewing the Report Card is a Family Affair Oxford Learning recommends that parents and children examine the report card together. This can help open lines of communication about the child’s achievements and needs for improvement. Be positive, and avoid arguments. This is the time to begin developing goals and an action plan that can lead to strengthened skills, improved grades, self-confidence and motivation. “Sit down with your child after dinner when the household is quiet and review the report card together,” says Ms. McGregor. “Always start with empathetic and positive comments such as: This is a big year. I know it’s harder this year. We are really pleased with your spelling; or, you are showing great improvement in science. Next, review learning strengths. Children need praise. Congratulate them and tell them how well they are doing. Now is the time to address challenges and set the plan for the rest of the year. Children quickly sense if you are on their side. By telling them how proud you are, you give them the confidence and support they need to manage difficulties and strive for improvements. Only after you have accentuated the positive should you address the key areas that need improvement.” When the News Isn’t Positive: Your Child is Not Alone Most children have at least one subject that could benefit from special attention, and it is often the same one as the year before. Chances are that if a student had trouble with a subject last year and didn’t work on it over the summer, the challenges are even more overwhelming and demoralizing in the new school year. If the child had difficulty with reading comprehension or problem-solving, it is crucial that it be addressed as soon as possible.

“Don’t be surprised or disappointed if the comments are similar to the previous year, this is a clear signal that your child needs help,” says Ms. McGregor. “Look for common themes and quickly recognize the symptoms of academic challenges. If your child complains about or is very unhappy about a particular teacher or course, take it seriously.” Traditionally, children who are doing well in class and achieving their potential, do not complain very much. It’s usually those students who are struggling who are most vocal. Their complaints are often a call for help. Listen carefully without interruption. Parents are often amazed by how much they can learn about their child through the process of reviewing a report card, and listening to their explanations.

Once parents have reviewed “the facts” of their child’s report card, the most important section to look at is the teacher’s personal comments. Teachers will usually provide their insights into learning strengths and identify areas that require improvement. Some reports also provide a comparative analysis between your child and the rest of the class. This will help parents gauge whether or not their child is picking up as easily as most of the other children in the class.

A child’s approach to homework, assignments and studying, is often a good indication of their comfort with their school work. Study skills are often a child’s biggest problem and too often students are never taught how to study and how to learn. This basic skill will help every child improve their success. “Spend a few moments watching how your child does homework,” recommends Ms. McGregor. “You will be surprised at how much you can discern from this little task, and be optimistic, because new and better study skills can be learned at any age.” Planning for Parent-Teacher Interviews When parents receive their child’s report card, they are usually invited to a parent-teacher interview to discuss their child’s academic achievements and areas for improvement. It is critical to be prepared for this meeting. Ask your child a few basic questions: What do you think your teacher is going to say about your work? What do you think the teacher will say about you? Is there anything you want me to ask the teacher? Equally as important, is for parents to ensure that they leave the Interview with a follow-up action plan and next steps in place that have been agreed to by both them and the teacher. This will help keep the momentum moving forward and, if combined with regular check-ins, will allow parents to measure their child’s success along the way.

“At Oxford Learning we provide parents with helpful hints for parent-teacher interviews so they can have productive discussions with teachers and engage their children to make the most out of every school year,” concludes Ms. McGregor. “For more than 20 years, we’ve been helping parents and students know that it’s never too early or too late to focus on the fundamentals. Through our broad experience and our curriculum-based programs, we have helped thousands of children develop the right habits and skills so that they can achieve their goals with confidence and success.” About Oxford Learning Established in 1984, Oxford Learning has grown to include more than 100 learning locations across Canada and the United States. Oxford Learning goes beyond tutoring to help students reach their learning potential, not just for one grade or one year but for a lifetime. The unique programs teach children to learn how to learn. Just one or two hours a week can make a world of difference in developing the right skills and habits to succeed, no matter what the subject or grade level, and breaking the cycle of hiring tutors year-after-year.

Dr. Nick Whitehead, co-founder and President, Oxford Learning and Ms. Kelley McGregor, Director of Training and Operation, Oxford Learning are available for interviews.

For More Infromation Please contact:
Penelope Savoie
Strategic Objectives Inc
Phone: (416) 366-7735
Email: [email protected]

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