What to Watch For: Making the Most of Fall Report Cards and Parent-Teacher Conferences

This fall, as progress report cards arrive for elementary students and the first report cards are issued for secondary students, the opportunity for parent-teacher conferences brings student performance into focus. For many families, these conferences are a valuable time to connect directly with teachers, identify challenges, and plan next steps for success. At Teachers on Call, a concerned grandparent of a Grade 9 student reached out to our in-person and online tutoring service after discovering their grandchild was struggling in math. They reached out for support, determined to help “before it’s too late.” This story resonates with so many families and inspired us to craft this blog for our community as a reminder of how early support, especially as these key assessment periods approach, can make all the difference. Read on to learn how to identify signs of academic struggles and use report card season to help set your child up for academic success.

While this grandparent reached out about math tutoring, the subject could easily be English, French, or science, and Grade 9 could just as easily be replaced with any elementary or high school grade. At Teachers on Call, we believe in the importance of consistency and starting early. For many students, math can be a challenging subject, but the same proactive approach applies across all academic areas. Recognizing the need for help early, as this grandparent did, opens the door to academic improvement and renewed confidence. Whether it’s a parent, grandparent, or student themselves seeking assistance, the key is addressing these challenges head-on, especially as students face increasingly complex subjects. Here’s how to recognize signs that a child may be struggling and why reaching out early is critical.

1. When the Classroom Teacher Recommends Additional Help

Your child’s classroom teacher is one of the best sources of insight into their academic progress, as they spend the most time observing them in the learning environment. Sometimes, teachers may recommend additional help through a phone call, email, or during parent-teacher conferences. If a teacher has noticed your child struggling in class, it’s a strong indicator that online or in-person tutoring support may be beneficial. Teachers often suggest extra help based on observed patterns in participation, comprehension, and assignment completion, so taking these recommendations seriously can make a significant difference in a student’s academic journey.

2. When the Report Card Indicates Room for Improvement

Report cards are structured to give parents and guardians a clear picture of their child’s progress, highlighting both strengths and areas that need improvement. If your child’s report card shows comments or grades suggesting they are struggling or that there is room for improvement, it’s a call to action. Areas marked as progressing with difficulty, needs improvement, or developing are cues to investigate further. This feedback can help identify specific skills or topics where your child may benefit from additional support, whether it’s homework assistance, focused concept review, or subject specific tutoring. For help on how to decode the first progress report card, check out our past blog here.

3. Recognizing Patterns of Struggle from Last Year’s Final Report Card

Another important indicator that a student may be missing fundamentals is last year’s final report card. Were there any concerning patterns in math or other core subjects? Inconsistent marks or areas that needed improvement last year can hint at concepts that may still be unclear. As subjects become more complex with each grade, these gaps only widen, making it crucial to address them early. Identifying these gaps early in the year allows students to strengthen last year’s foundation and avoid struggling through the same challenges again.

4. Persistent Homework Difficulties

Homework is often a direct reflection of a student’s understanding. If a child spends excessive time on assignments, frequently asks for help, or resorts to looking up answers without comprehension, they may benefit from targeted subject specific support. Teachers on Call’s in-person and online tutors focus on building a strong foundation, helping students approach homework with confidence.

5. Poor Test or Quiz Performance

A common sign of struggle is frequent low scores on quizzes and tests. While a single low mark might not be a major concern, repeated patterns indicate that key concepts may not be fully grasped. Our online and in-home tutors at Teachers on Call work with students to review and understand their mistakes, turning each quiz into a learning opportunity. A parent recently shared, “Our child went from dreading math quizzes to eagerly showing us their improved results. With personalized help, they were able to understand their mistakes and feel prepared for the next quiz.”

6. Anxiety or Avoidance of the Subject

Subject-specific anxiety, especially around topics like math or science, can be a major barrier to a student’s success. Students may avoid assignments, procrastinate, or refuse to participate in class discussions. This fear often leads to a cycle of avoidance, making the issue more challenging over time. At Teachers on Call, our in-person and online tutors not only reinforce key concepts but also work with students to build confidence by addressing academic challenges directly. As students begin to understand and master difficult material, they often experience a natural reduction in anxiety, approaching learning with a more positive and prepared mindset. By helping students feel confident in their abilities, we support them in overcoming the anxiety that often accompanies academic struggles. 

One Grade 9 student, once too anxious to attempt assignments, now actively participates in class. A review read, “My child went from avoiding math to looking forward to their tutoring sessions. They’re excited to learn and no longer let fear hold them back.” Tutoring can be one of many effective strategies to support students' mental health and wellness, helping to reduce academic stress, build confidence, and foster a positive outlook on learning.

7. Recognizing Poor Executive Functioning Skills

For many students, academic struggles stem not from a lack of understanding but from poor executive functioning skills. Signs of these challenges may be evident in a report card under learning skills and work habits, or raised during a parent-teacher interview. You may also notice your child feeling panicked about remembering due dates or managing deadlines at the last minute. Executive functioning skills—like time management, organization, and the ability to plan and prioritize—are essential for academic success, yet they take time and support to develop. Here are some signs that a child may be struggling with executive functioning:

• Time Management Issues: Students may have difficulty meeting deadlines, frequently procrastinate, or underestimate the time needed to complete assignments.
• Organizational Challenges: You might notice their knapsack or locker is cluttered with crumpled papers and misplaced items, making it hard to find necessary materials. Their desk at home or in class may be similarly disorganized, leading to frustration and lost time.
• Study Skills Deficit: Many students don’t naturally know how to study effectively. They may lack strategies for breaking down large assignments, studying regularly, or preparing adequately for quizzes and tests.
• Difficulty Prioritizing Tasks: Executive functioning challenges often lead to an inability to prioritize tasks, causing students to focus on smaller, less important activities instead of tackling more significant assignments.

At Teachers on Call, we provide strategies and support to help students build these skills, teaching them techniques to stay organized, manage their time effectively, and develop productive study habits. By addressing executive functioning challenges, students gain the tools they need to navigate school with confidence and reduce the stress that often accompanies disorganization and poor time management.

8. When Students Ask for Help

One of the clearest signals of a student’s struggle is their own request for help. Recognizing the need for support is an empowering first step. At Teachers on Call, we know that this willingness to reach out sets the stage for successful tutoring. When students voice a need for assistance, they show a commitment to improvement, creating a perfect opportunity for parents and educators to step in with support. We see this every day, as motivated students make strides in areas they once found challenging.

Starting Early and Consistency are Key

Academic challenges don’t have to be a source of anxiety or frustration. With years of professional experience, we’ve seen that students who receive support early have a much better chance of success. The best results come when students are motivated and proactive, and our in-person and online tutors specialize in providing the kind of personalized, one-on-one guidance that makes a lasting difference. 

Fall report cards for elementary students and the first report cards for secondary students are more than just a gauge of academic progress; they’re an opportunity to open conversations with teachers during parent-teacher conferences. These meetings provide invaluable insight into a child’s strengths and areas for growth. Whether it’s discussing homework challenges, low quiz scores, subject-specific anxiety, or acting on teacher recommendations, meeting with teachers early in the school year is an ideal way to proactively support students.

By identifying areas where support is needed and acting early, you can help set your child on a path to academic success and confidence. Teachers on Call is here to provide expert support and guidance for students across all subjects, grades, and learning challenges. Feel free to reach out to our team to discuss your child’s academic needs and goals!

Photo: Jennifer Allison from JShutter Photography