Parents: Ten Warning Signs of a Student At-Risk for Academic Failure

Behavior or attitude changes may be signals

by April's Child Expert: Dr. June Stride (View more articles - Print Article)


Alert parents notice attitudinal and behavior changes in their child but sometimes there are only subtle hints that a school problem is developing or has developed. These subtle hints may be the signal that it’s time for you to take a more active role in determining the cause and how to help alleviate it.

10 Warning Signs:

  1. Lack of interest and/or involvement in school courses or activities.
  2. Poor or failing test grades and/or class work grades.
  3. No papers brought home; books or homework are not shared with you.
  4. Refusal to share information about classes and grades; annoyance when asked.
  5. Difficulty focusing on written or reading assignments.
  6.  Does not seem to study or know how to study for exams.
  7. “Bored”-- claims subject matter is too difficult and will never master it, or claims he/she already knows it
  8. Little attempt to do homework/study regularly; does not carry books/notebooks to and from school.
  9. School reports of behavior problems involving your child.
  10. Generalized depressed attitude.

You know your child better than most. Your child may demonstrate several of the above behaviors and not be at-risk for academic failure. However, if the signs are recurring and pervasive, there may be a problem that you need to address ASAP! Keep the lines of communication open with your child and with your child’s teacher. Be open to suggestions from your child or her teacher, that might help move her in a more positive direction.

 



Author Profile

Brief Bio
Dr. June Stride: author, parent, teacher, administrator, spokesperson and public speaker, shares with readers a wealth of experience and expertise that few can equal. With a professional background that encompasses work with students K through post high school ages, of exceptional abilities and disabilities, in the public and the private sector, as well as in a maximum security prison for youthful offenders, Dr. Stride brings to her writing a concern and perspective as a mother, a teacher, an administrator and an Ed. D.

Honors and Awards: Who’s Who in American Education, Who’s Who in the World, Who’s Who of American Women, Who’s Who, Honorary Life Member of NY State Congress of Parents and Teachers, Healthy Living Award for Images book series, top ten best educational publications.
Publications:
Co-author: Images Human Sexuality series: Changes,Choices,and Challenges
Co-author: Street Smarts, A Substance Abuse Prevention Program
Author: Practical Strategies for High School Inclusion of Students with Behavior Disabilities
Author: Practical Strategies for Elementary School Inclusion 

 Author: Briefcase One: Inclusion Essentials for Middle and High School

 Author: Briefcase Two: Inclusion Collaboration for Middle and High School

 Author: Briefcase Three: Inclusion Assessment and Evaluation for Middle and High School

 Author Connections1: Social Story Reader for the Developmentally Disabled (in press)


Dr. Stride is a recognized advice columnist responding to the needs and concerns of parents and educators at her TIPS website, www.drjunestride.com

Dr. June Stride
junestride@marcocable.com,
921 Seagrape Drive #302
Marco Island, Florida 33145
#239-642-9092