Question: My fifth-grader cannot write a complete sentence. He reads at a first-grade level and writes at a second-grade level. I am very concerned with the way grading and placement is being handled. Who should I talk to at the school on these issues and how can I help him to get him up to speed?

Answer: A good place to start is to get a diagnostic assessment to determine his academic strengths and weaknesses. Then, the evaluator can help to determine which areas to address and in what order.

You can start with his school. Talk with his teacher and the resource specialist. If the wait for an evaluation is lengthy, search for academic diagnosticians locally. Perhaps the school can make a referral for you? Retention is much less common today, and we often see students functioning below grade level in class. The key is to begin support.

Supplement educational help through the resource specialist at school or privately. Individualized instruction can improve a student's functional level at a pretty fast rate and the idea is to catch him up as soon as possible.

Allison Gardenswartz is the founder of a San Diego tutoring center specializing in gifted and remedial learning and test preparation studies. An educator for over 15 years, Allison is an expert in identifying and enhancing the learning abilities of school-age children. Allison now fully devotes her time to parent education, consulting and college counseling. Allison has a teaching credential and has taught for several years in various public school systems. She has three children: Jacob, 11, Sofia, 7, and newly adopted Ryan, who is 3.

Advice from our experts is not a substitute for medical or other professional advice and services from a qualified health-care provider familiar with your unique situation. We recommend consulting a qualified professional if you have concerns about your child's medical or emotional condition.

February 2008