Understanding Underachievers: Learning from Last Semester

Make the Most of the Next Semester

By Dr. Raymond J. Huntington

For many students and their families, the winter holiday break is a long-awaited opportunity to simply relax. But it should also be a time to reflect on the progress students have made so far in the school year—and consider some changes if they’re not living up to their potential. Here are some recommendations for assessing your child’s readiness for the months ahead: Take stock of progress so far Report cards are obviously one of the best indicators of your child’s academic success. Good grades that are consistent with your child’s abilities and past performance tend to be a good predictor of future performance if students continue putting forth enough effort. Poor grades—and grades that dropped noticeably from the first quarter to the second—are a certain sign that your son or daughter is heading toward trouble, particularly since future assignments will build on the knowledge and skills your child is supposed to have already gained. 

Test scores are another good indicator. Most schools and school systems today begin the year with diagnostic tests to gauge students’ reading levels, mathematics, reasoning and critical thinking skills. While it’s natural for parents to simply look at the scores for the assurance that students are “measuring up,” it can be helpful to look more closely at the areas in which your child excelled or faltered. If your child has scored at the top percentile in reading or mathematics, this should encourage you—and your child’s teachers—to consider Advanced Placement or Merit courses that will make the most of these skills. Poor scores obviously call for extra attention to ensure that your child catches up before the work gets much more difficult.

Adjust attitude and study habits: You should also pay attention to the other factors that impact learning and achievement. One of the most important is your child’s attitude. Sometimes, bright students get bad grades for behavior-related activities. Does your child hand in his or her homework? Is it correct and on time? Is your child bored with schoolwork, and not paying enough attention? These are not excuses; they are symptoms of different problems. Parents must identify these issues before they can remedy the problems. For more insights on helping your child adjust his or her attitude, see read the sidebar, “4 Types of Underachievers.”

Another important factor is your child’s study habits—and the studying environment in your home. Many parents kick off the school year by talking with teachers about homework and then set up firm schedules for “homework time” after school and in the evenings. But by mid-year, many of these schedules become a bit more flexible. When children are self-motivated and showing strong progress, flexibility can be a good thing, but if they’re faltering, it’s time to put that schedule back in place, and stick to it. 

Broaden the lines of communication The mid-point of the school year is also a good time for a verbal check-up with your child, and his or her teachers. If your son or daughter received poor grades, have a frank discussion about why. Does he or she take the situation seriously? How does he or she plan to improve? It's important that your child knows you take the situation seriously. Let your child know you’re supportive—and that you believe in his or her abilities. Avoid extreme punishments or simply lecturing kids who are struggling. Instead, try calmly posing open-ended questions in a way that might engage them, questions like, “How might you have handled that differently?” or “Your attendance is good, so I wonder why that Math grade is slipping.” Without raising tensions, try to make them see their performance as a choice, one they have the power (and responsibility) to change. These same questions should be posed to teachers and counselors. Which specific skills is your child struggling to master? Is attitude affecting his or her achievement, and if so, how? What resources does the school offer for students who need help catching up—or getting ahead? Help your child set goals A mid-year check-up is also a chance to get your child more engaged in the learning process. Keep in mind that children, like all of us, feel successful when they accomplish goals, and work with your child to determine learning and achievement objectives that are attainable with a reasonable amount of time and effort. Whether your child strives to master the multiplication tables, get A’s and B’s in core academic subjects, or read several works of classic literature, it’s important to determine, together, how to reach these goals. Remember the power of praise. 

Finally, make sure your son or daughter knows that you’re watching for both problems and progress. Acknowledge your child’s special skills and talents. Being a good reader or writer, having a knack for math or strong reasoning abilities, these are qualities that can help your child achieve his or her goals. Being a good listener, feeling concern for others and being passionate about hobbies or extra-curricular interests are qualities that will also enhance your child’s self-esteem and happiness. Recognizing and nurturing all of these qualities will give your child solid footing for years to come.

Dr. Raymond J. Huntington and Eileen Huntington are co-founders of Huntington Learning Center, helping children achieve succeed in school for 30 years. www.HuntingtonLearning.com.