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Important Questions to Ask About Your Child’s First 9-Week Progress Report

 

The first 9-week progress report is a critical opportunity for parents to get a clear picture of their child’s academic and behavioral progress. Rather than just looking at the grades, digging deeper can reveal insights into areas that may need attention, strengths to build on, and skills that might not yet be fully developed. Here’s a guide to help you ask the right questions and understand how to support your child’s educational journey. 

1. Is My Child Meeting Grade-Level Expectations?

Grades alone don’t always provide a full picture of whether a student is truly performing at grade level. For instance, a “B” in math might indicate that your child is doing well with basic tasks but struggling with more complex concepts. It's essential to look beyond the overall grade and understand the specific skills being assessed.

Questions to Ask:

  • Does my child’s progress match the expectations for their grade level? Are they keeping up with the curriculum, or do they show signs of struggling with certain topics?
  • Are there particular standards or skills where my child excels or falls behind? Which areas need the most attention?

It’s also important to analyze the breakdown of grades. Find out where the lower grades are coming from daily classwork, homework, quizzes, tests, or projects. This can give insight into whether the issues are related to understanding the material, completing assignments, or performing under test conditions.

Consider where and how the work is being completed—whether on a computer, in a notebook, or during classroom activities. If lower grades are tied to specific types of work, it may indicate challenges with underlying skills such as reading, writing, attention, or focus. Identifying these patterns can help you address the root of the problem rather than just the symptoms.

2. How Is My Child Performing in Reading and Spelling?

While spelling might not receive as much focus nowadays, it is a foundational skill that impacts reading and writing.

Questions you can Ask:

  • Does my child struggle with spelling common words or new vocabulary?
  • Are they reading at grade level? Are there signs of reading difficulties, such as skipping words, trouble sounding out, or comprehension issues?
  • Are there specific spelling patterns or rules that my child struggles with?

Spelling is essential for effective written communication and also influences reading fluency. In today’s educational climate, spelling is often overlooked. However, it is a key component of literacy development and can affect a child’s ability to express themselves clearly in writing. Regular practice with spelling not only improves writing but also reinforces reading skills and phonemic awareness. Make sure your child’s progress in spelling is not left out of the conversation during progress report reviews. Understanding these aspects will help you address literacy issues early on.

3. What Are My Child’s Strengths and Weaknesses in Math?

Find out where your child excels in math and which areas present a challenge.

Questions you can Ask:

  • Do they struggle with basic math facts, problem-solving, or more advanced concepts?
  • Are they using effective strategies for problem-solving?
  • How is their performance compared to previous years or benchmark assessments?
  • Are they understanding math or just memorizing? 
  • Do they have trouble with written problems?

4. How Is My Child's Behavior and Classroom Engagement?

Behavior and engagement can strongly influence academic performance.

Questions you can Ask:

  • Is my child participating in class discussions and activities?
  • Do they exhibit any behavioral issues, such as impulsivity, distractibility, or difficulty staying on task?
  • Are there any social challenges that might be impacting their learning?

5. What Is My Child’s Level of Organization and Time Management?

These skills are crucial for academic success but may not always be captured in grades.

Questions to ask:

  • Does my child turn in assignments on time and complete homework regularly?
  • Are they keeping track of due dates and organizing their study materials?
  • Do they struggle with planning longer projects or studying for tests?

6. Are There Signs of Learning Differences or Processing Challenges?

If there are concerns about your child’s academic performance or behavior, it may be worth exploring potential learning differences or processing disorders.

Questions to ask:

  • Are there specific subjects or tasks where my child shows noticeable difficulty?
  • Does my child struggle with instructions or multi-step tasks?
  • Have there been any signs of regression or a lack of progress in key areas?

Early identification of learning differences, such as dyslexia, ADHD, or processing disorders, can lead to timely interventions and better outcomes for your child. If you are interested in a checklist of warning signs to look for click here. 

7. How Can We Support Learning at Home?

Teachers can offer suggestions for activities, resources, and strategies to support your child’s learning outside of school.

Questions to ask:

  • Are there specific areas where I can help reinforce skills at home?
  • Are there resources or tools that could benefit my child’s learning?
  • How can we build a consistent homework and study routine?

8. What Interventions or Support Services Are Available?

If your child is struggling, it’s important to find out what support is available within the school.

Questions to ask:

  • Are there any intervention programs, tutoring, or special education services that might help?
  • What is the process for getting additional support or assessments, if needed?
  • How can we monitor progress moving forward to ensure my child is on track?

9. What Should We Focus On for the Next Nine Weeks?

Questions to ask:

  • What are the most important skills for my child to work on over the next few months?
  • Are there specific assignments or projects coming up that we should prepare for?
  • How can we stay in regular communication to track progress?

 

Need More Guidance?  Get a Free Consultation with Learning Foundations

If you’re concerned about your child’s progress or want to better understand their unique learning needs, Learning Foundations offers a free consultation to help you develop a personalized plan. Our experienced team specializes in identifying learning difficulties, supporting students with a customized intervention plan, and helping families navigate the path to academic success.

Call (210) 495- 2626 or fill out this form to schedule your free consultation today!

Asking the right questions can help you understand what your child needs to thrive. With a proactive approach and the right support, you can help them reach their full potential!