As Catherine and I go through the emails and phone calls following the publication of grades, we will go to students today during their study hall periods and do some individual audits. One thing on my mind as we read the Blog poll is addressing concerns resulting from the Progress Reports.
The weight goes to responses finding out that their boy was both prepared for middle school and doing well now that he's in the thick of things. Some families report that they need to get more involved regularly, possibly reconsider the extra-curricular schedule, consider their son's plight in the context of the greater family dynamic schedule, and possibly even consider an individual meeting with us. Great. We're here to help if we can.
That said, here is an email response I sent this morning to a family who is concerned about their son's lack of performance. It could apply to many individual situations, so maybe it can help you.
"Dear Mom and Dad: I generally
find that the majority of boys who are 'under-performing' by progress report are
also realizing that their former patterns of relying on Native Intelligence are
not working [given the new reality of MUS 7th grade].
'Studying' is a relative term. We find that a lot of those who struggle are actually not
methodically sitting down in a space conducive for uninterrupted, quiet study.
Each class should get 30 minutes of attention, and given the opportunity for
ASAP, combined with his 4 study halls per week, he could get the majority of
work completed here.
I suggest
you assign a very specific place and a specific time frame for completing
assignments at home. Verify that the work is, indeed, completed to a reasonable
standard. Do this daily for about 2 weeks, then ease off if the lad shows
improvement. Always make sure that he’s recording his grades in his assignment
book. The accountability you provide will make him a bit uncomfortable, and he’ll
want you to back off, which is appropriate. He’ll ultimately realize that it’s
easier just 'to get with the program.' His grades will improve, he will be
happier and you will get happier. Amazing how well it works.
If this
plan does not work, then we have a deeper issue, and we can then meet to
discuss in more detail just what is going on."
For those who responded to the poll, "We are not seeing the value we expected from MUS," please call me, 901.260.1421. I want to help you any way I can. This is an important, dynamic time in these boys' lives, and no boy's situation is exactly like another's. I am sure that we can provide some guidance, and it is our job to help these boys with a direct, specific opinion and plan as is appropriate for a young teenager adjusting to the demanding pace that is life at MUS.