The First Report Card Isn’t Just About Grades: 5 Red Flags Parents Shouldn’t Ignore

National education expert shares what parents need to be looking for beyond grades.

Before we know it, the first report card of the school year will be issued, and parents are eager to take a look and see how their child is doing. What they may not realize, however, is that the grades on that report card are only one part of the equation. There is a lot more that goes into demonstrating how a child is doing. It is crucial that parents take notice of those things, especially when it comes to the ones that are red flags.

“Sure, everyone wants to see the grades on the report card, but the evaluation of how your child is doing so far this year doesn’t stop there,” explains Michelle Smith, Founder and Chief Education Strategist of Independent Education Group. “A child can get decent grades and still be strongly struggling in other areas that need to be addressed. There’s so much more to it than the grades. If we want well-rounded students who are thriving, we have to look at other issues as well.”

By the time the first report card heads home, most students have had a chance to adjust to the school year. They know their classes by then, their teachers, what is expected of them, and what they are struggling with. This is a great time for parents to take a full evaluation to gauge how their child is doing in all the other areas as well, so that if anything needs to be addressed, it can be.

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