LOW GRADES: A CRY FOR HELP, NOT PUNISHMENT

TIPS FROM EDUCATORS, HELP YOUR CHILD MAKE THE GRADE

TEANECK, NJ (Tuesday, January 11, 2005) - As report cards begin to arrive in the mail, how parents respond to these grades can affect their child's self esteem and future academic success. Excellent or passing marks don't always translate into proficiency. This is a good time to see if a child is on track for the school year.
Andrea Pastorok, Ph.D., education specialist with Kumon Math & Reading Centers recommends the following tips to help parents interpret a child's report card.
Pay attention to teacher comments, as they can be more revealing than the grade itself. If any comments seem unclear, follow up with the teacher and ask for more feedback. A grade often doesn't reflect a child's potential ability.

If your child's grade seems low, don't panic. Compare it to the class average, and if it still seems low (in core areas such as math or reading) seek help. Ask the school for remedial assistance, hire a private tutor or enroll your child in a supplemental education program such as Kumon Math & Reading Centers to help your child succeed. Don't punish your child for poor grades, provide the support needed to improve.
For elementary age students, help your child achieve long-term goals rather than focusing on the grade received. This is the stage where a child develops confidence, an interest in learning and basic math and reading skills; the fundamentals to succeed at high school and college levels. Good grades will be required later on to pre-qualify for honors or advanced placement (AP) courses offered in high school and to maintain a strong GPA needed for entrance to college.
Once a game plan is set for improvement, routinely check your child's progress. Work with the tutor and monitor whether your child is moving forward and achieving set goals. Parents must take an active role in helping their child overcome difficulties. If a child has a learning disability, it is especially important that parents are patient and supportive.
If your child doesn't do well on tests, it's important to get him to practice; that obstacle can be overcome with repetition and help. Today's child cannot fear test taking, or let testing interfere with their ability to learn.
"Regardless of a child's needs, all parents should try to maintain an ongoing dialogue with their child's teacher from day one," says Pastorok. "Keep in touch by attending parent nights or call and arrange for a meeting with the teacher. Don't wait for the next report card to signal a call to action."

About Kumon Math and Reading Centers
Kumon [koo-mon] is an after-school math and reading program. Founded in Japan in 1958, the learning method uses a systematic approach that helps children develop a solid command of math and reading skills. Through daily practice and mastery of materials, students increase confidence, improve concentration and develop better study skills. Worldwide, there are 3.5 million students studying at more than 22,000 Kumon Centers in 43 countries. For more information: 1-800-ABC-MATH or visit www.kumon.com. Kumon North America is headquartered in Teaneck, New Jersey

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