Teachers Say Parents Are Often "Unpleasantly Surprised" By Their Child's Report Card

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Sixty-six percent of North American teachers say they have been contacted by parents who were "unpleasantly surprised" by their child's report card, according to a survey by Sylvan Learning. Interestingly, forty-one percent of teachers also report that their students have sometimes been surprised by their own report cards.

When asked why parents are often surprised by their child's report cards, 50 percent of teachers said that parents admitted they are not involved enough in their child's school experience. Additionally, 14 percent say the surprise comes from lack of effective communication by parents with their child's teacher. The teachers agree that parents aren't happy with report card surprises. In fact, 47 percent said that the most common comment heard from parents after receiving a report card surprise was "What can we do to improve my child's grades?" Furthermore, 21 percent remember hearing parents complain they didn't know their child wasn't performing well in class.

A report card can create feelings of pride, happiness and excitement for many parents. It can also produce feelings of anxiety and frustration for those who are surprised by their child's grades. Try these tips for effective and continuous communication to help minimize your chances of "report card surprise."

Tips for Talking to Your Child

• Talk about school every day. Make it a regular part of the family's routine.
  
  
• Don't wait until report cards are issued to talk about school and grades. Frequently discuss with her how she is doing in each subject and what grade she anticipates receiving.
  
  
• Encourage your child to tell you about his day. Find out what he learned and what are his favorite activities.
  
  
• Teach your child that education is important to your family.
  
  
• Discuss goals and objectives for the school year. This may be a great way to learn about difficulties your child is having in specific subject areas.
  
  
• If your child is having trouble in school, talk about a method to help organize her schedule, subjects and activities. A calendar can be a great way to track tests, homework, activities and study plans.
  
  
• Talk with your child about his extracurricular activities, such as team sports or after-school jobs. Being overscheduled may affect his grades.
  
  
• Set improvement goals for your child. This will help her work toward an attainable grade for each class.
  
  
• Talk with your child about his study habits and develop a study plan. Set aside specific time for studying, projects and activities each evening and make sure that he has a properly equipped and well-lit area to work.
  
  
• Communicate with your child about her school experiences. Know what she is thinking and feeling. Also openly talk with her about her worries and concerns as well as her joys and achievements.
  
  

Tips for Talking to Your Child's Teacher

• Develop a parent/teacher relationship with your child's teacher and talk with the teacher at least once a month throughout the year. Remember that your child's teacher has direct contact with your child every school day and can offer invaluable insight into your child's day.
  
  
• Your child's teacher can benefit from background information about him — talk about activities he likes, special needs, close friends, motivation and things going on at home.
  
  
• Find out what the teacher's expectations are for the year and what type of curriculum she has set for the students. Have this insight at the start of school and keep track of it throughout the year.
  
  
• Talk to the teacher about any major programs or activities that are set for the year. Is there an annual science fair? A field trip schedule? Major papers? Tests?
  
  
• Remember — teachers are busy people, too. Find out the easiest way to communicate — by email, phone or in person. Finding the right communication method will make it easier to speak on a regular basis.
  
  

About the Survey

To understand teachers' experiences with the report card surprise, Sylvan conducted an online survey with teachers who use Book Adventure, a free reading motivation program created by the Sylvan Learning Foundation. More than 1,800 public and private school teachers throughout North America took part in this survey.

Find out how Sylvan's personalized approach to learning can help your child succeed this school year. Contact us today!