Call the school office and collect as much information about your child as you can. Get a complete transcript of test scores and grades from the beginning of his or her school career. Collect information from all his teachers. What do they know about his or her strengths and weaknesses?

Ask the school counselor or some other knowledgeable person to help you analyze the academic strengths and weaknesses of your child. What do they mean for helping him or her recover from his current backward status?

Provide additional assistance for your child. Show your child that you are willing to work hard to help him or her out. For example,

• Ask the school for in-school tutoring.
• Work with your child at home. Follow the directions of the classroom teacher and get a guidebook or audio tapes that will direct you in working at home.
• Hire a private tutor if necessary and if you have the means. Ask your neighbors and associates for suggestions on effective tutors.

By all means, don't be shy in asking school personnel for help. They are dedicated to having their students succeed. When they realize that you, too, have put learning for your child at the top of your priorities, they will respond quickly and willingly. Treat them with the same respect that you expect, and you will form a powerful team in the service of helping your child recover the ground that he or she has lost.

Lastly, ERIC has information, resources and materials that can help. The ERIC Clearinghouse on Reading, English, and Communication at Indiana University has the largest database of educational information and other resources in the world. We also publish books for parents to help promote learning within the family. Please don't hesitate to contact us.

The Clearinghouse on Reading/Family Literacy Center
Indiana University
2805 East 10th St., Suite 140
Bloomington, IN 47408-2698
Phone: 800-759-4723
FAX: 812-856-5512