Seven Tips For Report Card Success (NAPSA)—Report card day can be one of the school year’s most stressful times for parents and students. The good news is that parents can take simple steps to eliminate surprises and set the stage for year-round academic success. To help turn report card day into a day of achievement andcelebration, Sylvan Learning Center offers parents thesetips: Maintain open lines of communication. Talk with your child about school every day. As report card time nears, talk about the grades she expects to receive in each class. Set goals with your child. Take time to set academic goals with your child at the beginning of the school year, and review and/or modify them each month or term. Get organized. Record all of your child’s homework assignments, tests and activities on a calendar. Set up a study area for your child to complete homework and study for tests. Track your child’s progress against the goals you created together. Regular progress checks with your child will help him stay on track. Identify trouble spots. As a parent, you should be on the lookout for academic trouble spots. Talk with your child to find out if there are any subject areas she doesn’t enjoy or findsdifficult. Get to know your child’s teacher. Your child’s teacher can offer valuable insight into his academic progress. Develop a relation- = Take time to set academic goals with your child and review them regularly. ship with your child’s teacher and talk regularly, either by phone, by e-mail or in person, about how your child is doing throughoutthe year. Celebrate successes. Whether she consistently earns good grades or has made an improvement in her performance, celebrate each and every accomplishment. “When your child brings home a report card, it’s a great opportunity to reflect on study habits, achievements or any trouble spots,” says Richard E. Bavaria, Ph.D., vice president of education for Sylvan Learning Center. “A report card also provides parents with an opportunity to communicate with their child and set goals for continued success.” Sylvan Learning Center has developed “You and Your Child’s Report Card.” This free parents’ guide is available at the Web site www.educate.com/tips. For more information about Sylvan, visit www.educate.com/info or call 1-800-31-SUCCESS.
