As we make our way back in from the Holiday break, the goal for the New Year may be to take care of falling grades and missing homework assignments, or simply staying on top of it all! Falling behind in school is a challenge that many children face, whether due to learning differences or personal commitments, if you find your child lagging in their studies, here’s a guide to help you navigate this challenging situation. **Recognize the Signs** Before taking action, identify if your child is genuinely falling behind. Signs may include: – A sudden drop in grades – Difficulty completing assignments – Increased frustration during homework time – Lack of enthusiasm about school or learning – Changes in behavior, such as withdrawal or irritability Understanding these signs can help you determine when it’s time to step in. **Open Communication** Engage your child in an open and non-judgmental conversation. Ask them how they feel about school, which subjects they enjoy, and where they think they struggle. Creating a safe environment for expression helps them articulate their feelings and challenges. Share your observations and reassure them that it’s perfectly okay to seek help. If They Are Behind, Don’t Give Up! There are ways to get back on top… 1.**Talk to Their Teacher!!** Teachers are invaluable allies in your child’s education! Schedule a meeting to discuss your child’s performance and gather insights on their classroom behavior, participation, and tailored learning needs. Teachers can offer strategies to support your child’s learning, recommend additional resources, or connect you to special services if needed. If they have gotten behind in their assignments teachers are often willing to give points for material made up, or offer extra credit assignments. 2. **Assess Learning Styles** Every child has a unique learning style that can influence their academic success. Some children are visual learners, while others may excel in auditory or kinesthetic learning environments. Observe how your child absorbs information best. You might consider providing varied resources such as videos, interactive activities, or hands-on projects that align with their preferred learning style. 3. **Establish a Routine** Creating a structured daily routine can significantly improve a child’s academic performance. Establish specific times for homework, studying, recreational activities, etc. Consistency helps children feel more in control and develop better time management skills. It is also helpful if they have a study area that is organized, and free from distractions. 4. **Explore Evaluation and Support Services** For persistent academic challenges, it may be beneficial to evaluate your child for learning differences or disabilities. Consultation with a pediatrician or psychologist can provide clarity and direction. If your child is found to have specific learning needs, the school is obligated under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to create an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or a 504 Plan to tailor their education accordingly. *Also, if you notice signs of anxiety, stress, or depression, a school counselor or child psychologist is a valuable resource in navigating providing coping strategies. 5.**Stay Patient, Encouraging and Engaged** Show genuine interest in your child’s educational journey. Patience and encouragement play a large part in getting your child reinvested and feeling good about themselves. Set realistic goals that emphasize progress rather than perfection, celebrate small victories, whether mastering a difficult concept or improving a test grade. Reading together, discussing topics from class, simply talking about the school day can reinforce concepts learned in school. And finally, find Additional Support like Elite Tutors…. If struggles persist, consider seeking tutoring or after-school programs designed to provide extra assistance in specific subjects. Local community centers, libraries, and schools often offer resources and programs to help students catch up. Online platforms with interactive learning tools can also add an engaging dimension to traditional education. Here at Elite, we want you to know that if your student falls behind in school, you are not alone. We have tutors who can help with not only the subject matter needed, but with consistency, time management, and who serve as mentors invested in inspiring your child to see the joy in learning. Happy New Year on behalf of the Elite Team!
Elementary students face a higher level of demand to learn and use Common Core Standards in Elementary School English Classes: Many elementary students face challenges learning and using Common Core English Language Arts (ELA) standard requirements now used in many public and private schools throughout the United States. Why do students need to know Common Core in elementary school English classes? These standards were created to help students be more competitive and prepare them for middle and high school and ultimately college and/or the workforce. Since college entrance exams, specifically the new SAT, incorporate skills students learn through common core, mastering these skills becomes even more important at the elementary school level. English Language Arts/Literacy (ELA/Literacy) and Common Core Standards: ELA/Literacy based on Common Core standards call for a deeper understanding of how students reach their answers and they must analyze, reason, and apply their own thoughts in class and homework assignments. There is an increased demand on students in elementary school to master a deeper understanding of reading materials and be able to implement their understanding in real-life scenarios. Shifts in ELA/Literacy Requirements at the elementary school level: Students must think for themselves and be able to use their own reasoning. They will need to be able to explain or write about what they have in read and be able to infer meaning from text. They are also required to provide evidence based on their reading and writing exercises. In addition, students are exposed to more nonfiction, informational texts rather than exclusively literature based reading assignments. How can tutoring help students with ELA/Literacy based on Common Core standards? Many tutors specialize in Common Core standards and can help students understand what is expected of them and assist them with the required skills needed to succeed in elementary school English. Contact Elite Home Tutoring for questions or information concerning ELA/Literacy Common Core standards and tutoring, www.elitehometutoring.com.
What is the California High School Proficiency Examination (CHSPE)? The CHSPE is a timed test that measures a student’s knowledge and proficiency in reading, writing, and math. Passing students will earn a Certificate of Proficiency by the California State Board of Education, which is recognized in California as an equivalent to a high school diploma. The exam allows students currently enrolled in high school to earn the certificate and leave high school early to go to college or start working. Who can take the CHSPE Exam? Students currently enrolled in public high schools in the state of California can take the CHSPE Exam if they are at least 16 years of age and are in the second half of their their sophomore year or later. The exam is only valid for students in the California public school system. If the student plans on attending a college in another state, they must verify with the college if it will accept the exam. Which subjects are on the CHSPE Exam? The CHSPE Exam covers English Language Arts, including an essay, and Math. The English section covers reading comprehension, spelling, grammar, and writing skills which correspond to tenth grade English in the California public school system. There are 84 multiple choice questions in the English section, plus an essay. The essay question is open-ended and requires students to outline and present their point of view. The Math section covers math skills learned in seventh, eighth, ninth, and tenth grade in the California public schools system. There are 50 questions in the math section and the focus is on daily math problems and situations. The CHSPE Exam is timed test, and lasts three and a half hours. Students must pass both the English and math sections of the exam, but can retake the test as many times as needed. How can tutoring help prepare for the CHSPE Exam? Since the CHSPE Exam covers several years of high school, a specialized tutor can help students prepare for the exam. Contact Elite Home Tutoring for questions or information concerning the CHSPE Exam, www.elitehometutoring.com