These Common Mistakes You Make When Reading Your Kids’ Report Card

December, first quarterly Bulletin. Expected and feared at the same time. However, the results for the quarter are known. Nothing really new, then. Not so simple. For parents and children, this synthesis often acts as a definitive judgment generating stress, even anxiety. Depending on class levels.

That of the first quarter of Terminale is expected as a pass for Parcoursup. Will the averages be up to the desired school? Will teachers’ assessments be a key or a hindrance to the choice of direction? In Third Year, will the grades be enough to consider a move to High School? In Secondary School, will they allow a real choice of specialty courses? Some hide it, others brandish it like a trophy. Here are the traps to avoid and my suggestions for moving forward.

Three pitfalls for parents

The first mistake that parents often make: read the newsletter alone by watching for what is wrong, like on ProNote. Second error: compare immediately the average of his teenager with that of his class, without seeing the details of the assessments: very tempting to situate Max’s level. But insufficient… Because this information is obtained with regard to one’s journey. Has he progressed? In what? In what subject? What do teachers say? Indeed, the class average is entirely relative. Simple marker that has little value in itself.

Another error: center oneself on “dry” averages. Below 10, no salvation. Above, see! Question: what does this average represent? Alan gets 10 with three scores, first 8, then 10, and 12? His work is progressing. Or 12, 10 and 8? This changes everything… Finally, the last mistake not to make: confront openly the bulletins of brothers and sisters. Terrible for the family climate.

My proposals for moving forward

Look the Bulletin with his teenager. Calmly. First, the summary of the Class Council, at the bottom of the document. Summary of observations which allow us to validate the strong points, to plan ahead and to know what to work on from January onwards. Then, the ratings and reviews. An assessment can enhance a result that seems mediocre…

Take stock with him. Listen to him express what he experienced this semester and explain his results. Without judgment or interruption of speech, in order to understand your academic situation and identify:

• the strong points,
• progress points,
• and those to work from January (methodology, specific subjects, etc..).

Finally, it is imperative to take care of the Bulletin before Christmas, in order to have a holiday with less school weight!