By Dr. Raymond J. Huntington
Huntington Learning Centers
http://www.huntingtonlearning.com

For many parents, the school year is like a footrace. In September, we watch our children kicking off the starting blocks with a burst of energy and willingness to learn. From October through April we see them passing one hurdle after another to master increasingly difficult material. And although May might feel like the final sprint to the finish line, it's also a good time to look at several key indicators of preparedness for the challenges to come.

Indicator #1: Grades

Begin by taking a look at your child's overall grades during the past year. Good grades are usually a reliable indicator that your child has mastered subject matter and is performing at grade level. Poor grades should be a trigger for determining exactly which factors have hindered your child's progress. Listening, following directions, putting forth enough effort and completing classwork neatly and on-time all have an impact on grades. Conferences with teachers are a good way to determine your child's performance in all of these areas - and conferences in May are a good opportunity for summing up your child's progress during the year as a whole.

Indicator #2: Homework

Homework is vital for reinforcing skills taught in the classroom. Completing homework neatly, correctly and on time also teaches your child to handle responsibility. Looking back over the most difficult assignments of the year, was your child able to concentrate well enough, and for long enough, to complete the assignments successfully? Were there difficulties in particular areas - such as reading or computation - that held your child back? If so, you may want to look at options such as summer school, tutoring, or other supplemental learning opportunities to strengthen those skills.

Indicator #3: Standardized Test Results

Many students fear classroom tests for the same reason an adult might feel anxiety toward a performance review at the workplace. The "score" we receive is seen as a measure of our success as a student or a worker. But when it comes to standardized tests, parents should look beyond that score, to determine areas in which their children are excelling, and subjects in which they can benefit from extra help.

Indicator #4: Portfolios and Projects

Parents should also take a critical look at portfolios of their children's completed writing assignments and projects over the past year. The writing samples in your child's portfolio demonstrate creativity, critical thinking and ability to follow through on an assignment. These skills are also demonstrated by hands-on projects, through which children are required to apply what they are learning in a tangible, individualized way.

Strong performance in either of these areas can be a good indicator of your child's ability to think through classroom lessons and demonstrate their mastery of the subject matter. Poor performance could indicate difficulties in concentrating, ineffective study habits or weak time management skills.

Indicator #5: Motivation and Enthusiasm for Learning

Finally, it's a good idea to look back at your child's enthusiasm for learning over the past year. Regardless of how intelligent or academically skilled a child is, positive motivation is one of the most important indicators of success. Ask your child's teacher for insight about your child's happiness in school. Does your child seem to believe he or she can succeed? Does he or she seem to enjoy exploring new subjects, and new challenges? Are there particular talents and interests that can be nurtured to enhance your child's self-esteem and desire to achieve?

Looking back on all of these indicators will give you a good idea of weaknesses and strengths that are critical for academic success. And if your child has encountered difficulty in any particular area, keep in mind that the "lazy days" of summer can offer plenty of fun learning activities that can help you prepare together for the next leg of the race this fall.

For more information visit Huntington Learning Centers at http://www.huntingtonlearning.com

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