Is My Child on Track?
To get a complete picture of what your child is learning, consider different measures of academic achievement.
By GreatSchools.net Staff
Read this article in Spanish.

Despite the hoopla that accompanies each year's release of standardized test scores, there's no single way to know whether your child is learning what he needs to be successful. To get a complete picture of what your child is

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learning, you need to consider a variety of measures of academic achievement, including report cards, test scores, teacher comments and samples of your child's work.

Examine Your Child's Work
One of the best ways to find out what your child is learning is to examine the schoolwork he has done. Many schools now require students at all grade levels to compile work samples into a portfolio which may contain essays, artwork, math problems, and even videos and PowerPoint presentations.

A careful look at the quality of your child's work, and the teacher's assessment of it, will tell you a great deal about the expectations the teacher and school have for academic achievement. To find out if these expectations meet those of the district and state, ask the teacher for a copy of the academic standards for your child's grade level and subject. You can find grade-level standards for grades 1 through 3 on Grade Tracker on GreatSchools.net. (You can also find these standards on your state Department of Education's Web site.)

You will discover a lot about what your child is learning in school by talking with him. Can your child give you detailed information about what he is studying? Can he explain, for example, certain concepts the class is learning in math or science? Read out loud with your child, listening for how fluently he reads sentences and decodes unfamiliar words. Once you've finished reading, check his comprehension. Can he summarize what he's read and explain what it means in his own words?

Finally, evaluate your child's attitude toward school. If your child is excited about what he is learning in school, it's likely that he is indeed learning a lot. Be careful to distinguish between being "excited about school" and being "excited about learning." Some children love the social aspects of school but aren't engaged academically.

Use Standardized Test Results Wisely
For objective information about your child's achievement, standardized tests are a good resource. Tests that are based on state standards ("standards based" or "criterion referenced") are generally more informative than those that are based on a national comparison ("norm referenced"). Standards-based test results are usually reported in terms of whether your child meets state standards, while norm-referenced tests give you a percentile rank that shows how well your child did compared to his peers nationally.

Comparing your child's test results to his grades and teacher's comments will give you a good idea of how close the school's expectations are to those of the state. If his grades are high, but his test scores are low, the school may be using lower standards to judge whether your child is on track for his grade level.

Monitor Elementary School Progress
If your child is in elementary school, meet with the teacher at least twice a year (in the fall and spring) to discuss academic progress. In the fall, ask the teacher to go over the year-long plan so you know what the teacher expects children to master by the end of the year. How will the teacher gauge your child's progress towards these goals? If your child is falling behind, how will he let you know? Find out if the teacher has noticed any learning issues that will need to be addressed or any talents that can be encouraged. Ask for specific ideas on how you can support your child's learning at home.

You'll also want to ask the teacher about your child's social skills and work habits. Is your child able to work with other children? Does he stay on task, or does he need frequent reminders to concentrate on studies? In the spring, check to make sure your child is on track for promotion to the next grade.

Stay Involved in Middle School and High School
As students enter the middle school years of sixth, seventh and eighth grade, they increasingly need to take control of their own learning. This means organizing their assignments, seeking out help when needed and having the self-discipline to complete work thoroughly and on time. Demonstrating this kind of independence and initiative is even more important for high school students, who are but a step away from full adulthood.

It's not unusual for adolescents to discourage their parents from coming to school, but research shows that parent involvement at this level is still important to school success. Subscribing to the school's newsletter will help keep you informed and attending school events will help you get to know your child's teachers before there's a problem.

If your child is not taking initiative or is having trouble with a certain academic area, arrange to speak with the teacher. The teacher can tell you the areas in which your child needs to improve and may recommend a tutor or other ways in which your child can receive additional help. If the problem is beyond any particular subject, make arrangements to meet with a school counselor.

Many states now require that students to pass high school exit exams to earn a diploma, so be sure to monitor your child's results on any test that could prevent him from graduating. If your child is planning to attend college, you'll need to pay attention to standardized tests that are usually required for college admission, such as the SAT and ACT.

Staying involved in your teen-ager's course selections will insure that when it's time to apply for college, she will have completed the requirements. Check to see that your child is taking as many rigorous courses as possible, including those that have an Advanced Placement (AP) designation.

Additional Resources
Helping Your Child Succeed in School
This part of the U.S. Department of Education's Web site provides tips on helping your child with schoolwork and working with teachers and schools.

Books
The following books provide tips on helping your child succeed in school:

Clark, Rosemary, Hawkins, Donna and Vachon, Beth, The School-Savvy Parent: 365 Insider Tips to Help You Help Your Child, Free Spirit Publishing,1999
In this book you'll find tips on making mornings less stressful, easing homework worries and conversation starters that actually get your child talking in detail about what he learned at school.

Rich, Dorothy, MegaSkills:How Families Can Help Children Succeed in School and Beyond, Houghton Mifflin, 1992
This book gives tips to help your child develop basic values and character strengths he needs to succeed in school.

Updated January 2006

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Comments From GreatSchools.net Users
06/3/2008:
"Please email me what a child should know going into the 2nd grade. My granddaughter has been homeschooled and I am concerned if she is prepare for public school (grade 2) next year."
04/30/2008:
" 'I'm fairly new to this site, but in reading recommendations for assessing 'Is My Child on Track?,' I see that the orientation seems to be on 'keeping up'...'not taking initiative'...'discovering problems'...instead of any recommendations about a child may be 'off track' in the opposite direction, chomping at the bit for MORE, and how a parent can help create an academic environment that will address THESE needs as well. We're not so advanced in o"
03/28/2008:
"Just curious: For those of you who have 3rd graders, are you accustomed to NO HOMEWORK AT ALL?? My son's class never has homework reiterating what they should be working on. Please respond. (I thought 3rd grade was crucial.)"
09/5/2007:
"I'm fairly new to this site, but in reading recommendations for assessing 'Is My Child on Track?,' I see that the orientation seems to be on 'keeping up'...'not taking initiative'...'discovering problems'...instead of any recommendations about a child may be 'off track' in the opposite direction, chomping at the bit for MORE, and how a parent can help create an academic environment that will address THESE needs as well. We're not so advanced in our academic standards that the thrust needs to be about the kids keeping up with the program. Rather, perhaps we need to 'learn' how to get the program to keep up with the kids. At the very least, please be aware of writing with assumptions that things are just too hard, out of reach, for the average student. That's lowering the bar from the get-go. Let's shoot higher, expect more, and help the kids GO FOR IT!"
08/1/2007:
"I just received my standardized test results for my fourth grader going into fifth. Last year he was given the Duke TIP Scholar award for having such high marks. This year however his scores have dropped, markedly. I wonder is this something to be really worried about? Should I meed with the school administrator for more clarification. Or is this normal?"
06/8/2007:
"My son in 5th grade received his Standarized Test results and he has in Math far below average. which of course shocked me. Well, in his 5th Grade class his report card indicated he was a 'B' average student. I asked why would there be such a HUGE difference between his class grade and standarized test score. I was told my son must have been nervous, may not have had as good breakfast, or that he did not fill in the bubbles correctly, and that I should focus on what the teachers comments were, that what really matters is what he gets on his school report card. I have been since then not able to accept these answers. I feel there should be a close balance. I am I wrong in judging the school system incorrectly? Is this true, that I should worry only what we see in his school report cards? "
05/24/2007:
"Iam a parent of a third grader and he is having a real hard time ithw reading . I just find out that he has dyslexia and I would like to find a school that can address his needs without making him feel different and ashamed of his disability"
04/9/2007:
"Like what you say here.My only issue is not everyone is ready for things at the same ages. Boys grow slower then girls all the way around. We need public education set up to benefit everyne's styles of learning. I hate this taught to test thing going on now though.1 mainstream child.1 se child who cares less about school.I also think trade and college should be equal in life. I say return public education to learn to master lessons not just to pass tests. Hw is just busy work get rid off this kids need to be kids. They need chores and to earn things also.Hw takes to much time and new research shows in young ages no difference in helping out.Staff need to get off of pushing meds for SE kids also.No kid has to be to attend school.No one has to be still to learn either. 3 styles all should be used in a classroom also. Books bore some of us.Early interventions help kids get them some the kids can get caught up. Add/adhd med can cause heart/stroke issues. Fda warning. Cut out all fast foods will help the kids out.We aren't eating enough vegs/fruits. If you dislike these 2 groups try juice plus.Hyperness is caused by food allergies. Made easy materials will help out we use them to help out our SE son. Most kids attend preschool now and learn the same there as in the first part of K. Dyslexia can be why your child can do basic classes well. Get private evaluations.WE HAVE PAID FOR NEITHER OF THESE 2 EITHER.Those with SE kids learn your rights. Wright's law will help out. Computer software can help with school classes also. DON'T DEPEND ON GREAT AFTER SCHOOL HELP. NOT ENOUGH HELP. LOTS ON ONLINE STORES TO GET TO HELP OUT OR HS YOUR KIDS. LITTLE TOWNS HAVE LESS PROGRAMS TO HELP. SMALLER CLASSES TOUGH. "
09/20/2006:
"I like the way you let parents and guardians speak out. We are very upset with the fact that our Granddaughter is being forced to take spanish in middle scholl and not being given a choice. She plans to take French in high school and this is not fair to her. She attends Woodmont Middle school in Piedmont Sc. We are hoping to get this changed or will homeschool her."
09/6/2006:
"I like the grade tracker. It helps me to see that my child's school is on track. I also think everything is true and important in helping your child succeed at school. I try to stay involved and I try to listen to what my children are saying about what they are learning at school."
09/5/2006:
"In response to Washington, 09/5/2006 -- I couldn't agree more! The poor spelling and misuse of basic punctuation demonstrated here (and in so many other public, online forums) is pretty sad. But really, you MUST proofread for your own spelling errors if you're going to lambast others for theirs. Embarrassing has two r's."
09/5/2006:
"I think your terms are right. Keep in touch with parents, teachers, tutors etc. Go to every event in the schools to see what's going on. Let them see your face and that you care about your child and the education the school is providing for all students. Keep on top of everything. Go also to the other events, as open house, back to school night, sports, drama, band, music etc. Be there all the way for all the students to support in what they are doing. "
09/5/2006:
"How do you people expect anything great out of your children if YOU can't even spell? - The amount of spelling errors in the majority of these comments, is simply embarassing. I think we should hold higher expectations for ourselves, so that we can actually help our children!!!"
09/5/2006:
"Your articles are wonderful! My situation is practically identical to from California 06/13/2006: . . . I have an 8-year old going to 3rd grade. She is not reading fluently or at her grade level, yet. When school begins, she will be in a 2/3 split class for 12-weeks until her reading improves. Are there any specific books I can buy or check out of the library that would help her in this area? Every week we check books out of the library. She suffers from ADHD and gets frustrated when she cannot pronounce some words. How can I lessen her frustration and increase her reading skills before school begins?' Now that school has started, what would you recommend I do to help her improve significantly within the next 8 weeks so she can successful move on to her regular 3rd grade class? Should I ask the teacher for extra reading assignments to bring home? Are there certain books I should buy or check out of the library? Should I purchase 'Hooked on Phonics' for her? Please help!!"
08/14/2006:
"my little is 5yrs old and she is going to start school in a month. Reading this made me fell very happy cause she knows how to most of everything, I'am afaid that she will know to much. I really want her to fit in with all the other kids, but she is not your typical 5yr old."
06/29/2006:
"i dont personally think this law is great. they passed my son with all f's. that tells me he didnt learn much and now two years later hes still failing.hes trying but it dosent do any good to put them forward if they havent learned what they need"
06/13/2006:
"This is a very informative article and I am just greatful that I am blessed with a healthy 8 yr.old little girl going to the 3rd.grade and who is doing very well in school. I do on occasion read the articles and get tips on what to do to help and keep her focused. She is an exceptional speller for her age, I try to make her work fun so she keeps interested, because if allowed kids do get side tracked by many things both in the home and school. Thank you again for providing these very well needed articles. More parents should invest the time in their kid's education."
06/13/2006:
"This is a great article! Lots of great tips and insight. I have an 8-year old going to 3rd grade. She is not reading fluently or at her grade level, yet. When school begins, she will be in a 2/3 split class for 12-weeks until her reading improves. Are there any specific books I can buy or check out of the library that would help her in this area? Every week we check books out of the library. She suffers from ADHD and gets frustrated when she cannot pronounce some words. How can I lessen her frustration and increase her reading skills before school begins?"
06/13/2006:
"My son is out of school for the summer. He is moving into 3rd grade. I noticed that he is not academically engaged in school and I am concerned about this effecting his academic success. His report card did not provide enough information for me to understand what I need to do with him. He is in summer reading program but at home is not motivated to read with or to me. Please help!"
02/27/2006:
"As both a parent and an educator I found the article to be full of good sound advice. So much of what we as parents model to our children is what most directly influences their choices in life. Letting our children see us read, problem solve and learn something new or better helps to foster a love of learning in our kids. Staying involved throughout their educational process without hovering is the key. Also knowing how to begin stepping back and letting the child take control of their lives as is feasible is demonstrating respect and trust in the child and promotes self-reliance and responsibility."
02/6/2006:
"This information was helpful. However I'm in need finding out if an when I should see about getting my child tested. My son seems to be having trouble focusing on his school work. My child doesn't have any trouble with doing life skills as a matter of fact when he was 8 or 9 yrs old he put wiring together to have the stero, vcr, cable, dvd player and speakers together to have it surround sound. My problem with him is that he doesn't seem to be able to grasp the basic's in school. He is in the sixth grade and I'm at a lost. Please help if you can. "
02/16/2005:
"One problem I have is the way it is decided if your child takes French or Spanish in middle school. Spanish is our second language. Yes she has a choice in High School but these other kids will have a head start from being in middle school for 3 years. This does not seem fair, just because of your school district ?"
03/15/2004:
"As a mother of a young seven year old in second grade, I do believe the state tests along with feedback from the teachers will give the necessary information needed to make a wise decision. The teachers can only give a basis and the parents part at home is a joint effort in the learning process. Intuned teachers can make a decision, based on the performance and habits they see in class. The test will confirm what they see daily through performance and work habits, often established at home. Without the parents working at home with their child, the child will be left behind eventually. Test results are only a general idea. Especially when it comes to determining if the grade should be repeated. Parents should be the first to notice a deficiency in their childs learning. I also myself teach and the big difference comes with the parents that take the time to spend with their child reading, working with them. My son scored 94% composite being one grade ahead and th! at was due to me and then the school noticing and allowing him to move ahead. My son is now currently working at a 5th grade reading and math level. We can't use the schools as a crutch to hope they get the resources for our children. Simple things can be done at home, such as homemade flashcards, libraries and public resources. Test data is a direct result of the effort put into teaching our children. Are we going to leave it up to someone to raise our children or are we? "
03/1/2004:
"As a father of two children 8 (2nd grade) and 4 getting ready for kindergarten, I have a concern with state testing. I live in Illinois and understand the high stakes of a schools performance within the ISAT's. What upsets me is that the state does not compile or use the results effectively until roughly 4-6 months after the exam is taken. Well how does the educator know that the child may need assistance? The child would have already moved onto the next grade level. I have found only one program which offers immediate assistance to the educator as to a child's performance. There are several schools using this program in Illinois (a couple within the Chicago Public School system). The site is Achievement Builders (www.abctests.com) which enables students to take practice ISAT exams, however, the difference is that it equips the teacher with immediate feedback not necessarily how the student performed but it breaks down the strength or definciency by standard. Its theory is to provide immediate assistance via tutoring or clustering should a deficiency be found. I am currently making a career change at 41 to become a teacher and believe heavily in this program. State testing makes sense; but if you don't use the data on an expedient manner, then there will be children left behind. "
11/18/2003:
"I Think this article in particular was just what I needed. Thanks so much. As a parent we need all the help and information we can get!! "
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