As kids move through their school years, there are multiple transition points that have proven to be crucial to their long-term success. Learn when and how you can help.
Grade inflation continues to muddy the water for parents looking to better understand how their students are performing. Schools are easing up on expectations due to COVID-related learning disruptions, but this can leave parents thinking that their kids are doing well even when that’s not the whole truth. While parents can and should be involved with their students’ academic needs at all points through their education, there are some key points that are prime time for intervention if needed.
“Any major transition is when students can really struggle, but it’s also an opportunity for parents to provide that additional support,” said Emily Mitchell, vice president of education at Sylvan Learning. “Third grade is the point where kids typically shift from ‘learning to read’ to ‘reading to learn.’ If they haven’t mastered reading, all of their other learning is going to be even more challenging. Similarly, the social shifts and time management requirements associated with the transitions into middle and high school can also be difficult.”
Academic intervention at these key points can have long-lasting impacts on a student’s academic career. Though it can be a challenging decision for some parents, taking steps like pursuing supplemental education, summer school or even holding a child back a year gives the student a chance to catch up and start the next school year on a level playing field rather than constantly chasing a moving finish line.
Here’s what parents should know at each phase.
Do Not Rely on the Report Card Alone as You Prepare for Third Grade
Mitchell explained that some schools will hold students back from advancing to third grade, even if their report card looks good, if their reading skills are not up to par.
“There’s a lot of data showing that you can predict, pretty accurately, whether a child will graduate high school based on their reading skills in third grade,” she said.
Parents should be especially tuned into their child’s reading skills towards the end of first grade to make sure the third grade transition goes smoothly. Talking to the teacher periodically can give parents a more informed view of their child’s reading progress, and whether the teacher thinks the child is on track to meet reading goals by the end of third grade. Parents should also read with their children, and ask their children to read aloud to them. It’s a great opportunity to build a love of reading with your child, and to help parents spot any reading struggles their child may have. If the teacher or parents think the student is behind, then it may be time to engage the help of supplemental education.
Sixth Grade Lays a Foundation for Future Growth
While middle school academics are not going to be reported to colleges during the application process, they are a key part of a student’s foundation. In many cases, there are also additional responsibilities that come with middle school like navigating between classrooms and teachers,, using a locker and beginning to explore extracurriculars.
In addition to preparing a student for the social changes and self-advocacy that come with the transition to middle school, parents should reflect on their student’s previous performance and future goals.
“Middle school classes won’t affect transcripts, but they do affect what path a student is on. For example, if a child leaves middle school not having started algebra, they’re probably not going to qualify for a calculus course before they graduate high school,” Mitchell said. “If you noticed that, in elementary school, things were pretty easy for your child, the transition to middle school offers an opportunity to seek more challenging course placements. It’s best to make these requests early because once a school begins to finalize students’ schedules, it can be difficult to get things moved around.”
The Transition Into Ninth Grade Is the Time To Start Planning for the Future
It may seem a bit early to begin thinking about college, but as institutions become more aware of grade inflation, a well-rounded application is even more important. Showcasing meaningful extracurricular activities or volunteer time and receiving strong letters of recommendation are both important aspects of an application.
“The students’ and parents’ job while preparing for high school is to get to understand what’s offered. Sit down with all of the school’s offerings and map out a course,” Mitchell said. “Some AP courses are only offered during specific years. Other courses have mandatory prerequisites. Making a plan at the start of high school sets students up to have a successful high school career that they know will set them up to pursue the opportunities they’re interested in after graduation.”
Each transition to the next phase in a child’s academic journey can be both nerve-wracking and a fresh, new opportunity. Knowing when to pay extra attention to a child’s needs and what to look out for equips parents to intervene when necessary and ensure their students are getting the support they need.
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