Seeing A’s and B’s on a report card can be reassuring, but grades should not be the only way parents measure academic progress. A classroom grade may include homework, participation, projects, extra credit, quizzes, and other assignments. Parents should also understand whether their scholar is actually mastering the reading, writing, and math skills expected at their grade level. Ask your child’s teacher what skills students should have mastered by the end of the year and request information about assessment results, reading levels, and areas where your scholar may need additional practice. You can also periodically ask your scholar to complete grade-level work independently so you can see what they can do without assistance.
Parents can use outside resources to get another perspective. IXL allows students to practice grade-level skills and provides progress information, while TestingMom.com offers assessment and practice resources. Families can also consider an academic assessment through a tutoring or learning center such as Mathnasium, Kumon, or Sylvan Learning. The goal is not to discount your scholar’s good grades or test them constantly. The goal is to make sure the grades and the skills tell the same story. Celebrate the A, but also make sure your scholar is developing the academic foundation needed to succeed in the next grade and beyond.
