By Denise Smith Amos
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Click to view Acrobat PDF file (192k) showing in-depth look at new and old report cards and how they differ. (Charles W. Jones/Enquirer infographic) | ZOOM |

If a child fails a course (or comes close)

•  Be constructive in your feedback, says Mike White, of Princeton City Schools. Help your child develop a plan to improve.

•  Don't call them "good grades" or "bad grades," says Mary Ann Buchino, psychologist at Nativity School in Pleasant Ridge. "To a child that translates to 'I'm good because I got good grades' or 'I'm bad because I got bad grades.'"

•  Ask the teacher to list specific strengths and weaknesses, so you can tailor your response, said Bev Miller, a Mount Healthy Schools teacher.

•  Cut down on distractions, especially video games, TV and Internet chat sessions, White says.

•  "Lay down the law," on time management, says Ann Rolwing, a psychologist at La Salle High School.

If child passes (but can do better)

•  Make a game of improving test scores and homework grades.

•  Set realistic goals. "Not all students are 'A' students in every subject," says Nancy Buckman, assistant principal at Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy Middle School.

•  Ask your child what led to the grade and develop a plan to eliminate obstacles.

If child gets high grades (but needs motivation)

•  For high school students, note what grades and class rankings they'll need to get into the college of their choice, White says.

•  For younger kids, explain the academic requirements of their dream career, says Patricia Murray, director of curriculum and assessment for Boone County Schools.

•  Talk with teachers about more challenging assignments.