Deciphering What a Report Card Is Telling You
Question: My child’s recent fifth grade report card had much lower grades than she received last year with all the problems associated with the pandemic. This puzzles me, as she was in school most of the year. I want to help her, as I think that she has put in a considerable effort in doing her homework. How should I deal with this? – Searching for an Answer
Answer: Whether her previous report cards have been better or not, you will need to talk to the child’s teacher. Be aware that grades are largely based on tests, quizzes, classwork and class participation rather than homework. Have you been looking at the daily work she brings home from school? Are the grades on these papers in line with her report card grades? Did you consider her attendance?
Before you talk to the teacher, take the time to study the report card carefully. Look at all the checkmarks and asterisks on the report card. They will tell you about skills your child has not mastered, areas that need improvement and weaknesses in work habits that may affect your child’s grades in academic areas. Don’t forget to look at the remarks describing her behavior in the classroom. Finally, read the teacher’s comments, if there are any. They usually give an overall picture of the child’s performance. And don’t forget to write your questions or comments about the report card in the space provided.
The purpose of the conference should be to find out what needs to be done in the future to improve your child’s grades. The conference could be in person, virtual or on the phone. It is definitely appropriate to question whether the lower grades reflect what she did not learn last year. Nevertheless, the conference focus has to be on how she can be helped to improve her grades in the future. And be sure to find out what everyone in the family can do to ensure academic improvement will improve on the next report card.
Preventing Hearing Loss
Question: I hear that one in five teens now suffers from hearing loss, most of which is noise-induced. What can be done to help prevent a hearing loss due to noise? I know that it is hard to get through to teens, who often feel physically invincible and more concerned with peer pressure than parental guidance. – Worried
Answer: Shari Eberts, an advocate for hearing loss and preventing hearing loss, has the facts you must share with your teenage children—as well as all your school children. She points out that our hearing is fragile. Noise-induced hearing loss occurs when the sensory cells inside the cochlea of your inner ear are damaged. These cells are very sensitive, which allows us to hear a full range of tones, but also very delicate. When exposed to loud noise on a frequent basis, these cells weaken and eventually die, and once they do, they are gone for good. Scientists have not yet found a way to regenerate hair cells, although organizations like Hearing Health Foundation and the Stanford Initiative to Cure Hearing Loss are working on it.
Your teens, especially, need to understand that prolonged exposure to any noise at or above 85 decibels can cause gradual hearing loss. This is the level of heavy city traffic or a school cafeteria. At 105 decibels, the maximum volume of an iPod, some hearing loss can occur within 15 minutes. At 110 decibels, the level of a rock concert or loud sporting event, damage can occur after only one minute.
Teens think hearing loss is just for old folks; however, 20 percent of teens now surprisingly have some form of hearing loss. Unfortunately, hearing loss is real—and growing—and there is currently no cure. Teens, as well as younger children, definitely need to be educated about noise-induced hearing loss.
The good news is that noise-induced hearing loss is entirely preventable. Teens have the power to protect their ears if they follow these simple rules so they will be able to enjoy better hearing through their entire lives. These rules, in fact, should be followed by all school children.
- Turn it down. Enjoy your music, but listen at a safe level. Fifteen minutes at maximum volume on your iPod is all it takes to damage your hearing. Listening time is cumulative, so you can listen longer at lower volumes and stay safe. Try noise-canceling headphones which block out background noise, allowing you to enjoy your music at lower volumes.
- Block the noise. Wear earplugs or earmuffs at concerts or sporting events. They come in many sizes and styles. Some are even made specifically for listening to music.
- Move away. The farther you are from the noise, the safer it is. Always pick a seat far away from loudspeakers, and if you see a noisy construction site, cross the street.
Parents should send questions and comments to dearteacher@dearteacher.com, and to learn more about helping their children succeed in school, visit the DearTeacher website.
© Compass Syndicate Corporation, 2021
As always, please consult your health care provider with any questions or concerns.