First Quarter Checkup

Dr. Carey Heller: Psychologist with The Heller Psychology Group in Bethesda, Maryland

For most students on a quarter system, the first quarter has concluded. In addition, most of you have likely already had parent-teacher conferences or will be having them within the next few weeks. Thus, you have a general idea how your child or teen is doing so far this year. That being said, the big question is, how do you evaluate their progress up to this point and determine if they need additional supports?

Here are a few questions to ask yourself in determining if your child or teen needs additional support:

1)      Is your child/teen doing better or similarly to how he or she did academically last year?

2)      Is he or she having trouble handing in homework on time?

3)      Is your child/teen putting forth strong effort, and  doing as well as expected on quizzes and tests?

4)      Is your child/teen happy socially?

5)      If your child/teen receives services with a 504 plan or IEP, are the services being implemented in a helpful manner? Are there additional services that your child/teen now needs with being in a higher grade?

Using answers to these questions will help guide your decision as to whether your child/teen needs additional supports.

Here are a few suggestions to address some of the issues mentioned above:

Academic performance issues:

–          Tutoring in specific subjects

–          Organizational/study skills tutoring

–          Formal evaluation to determine if a learning disability, ADHD, or other issue is impeding your child or teen’s academic or social functioning.

Motivation issues:

–          More opportunities to socialize and make friends

–          Individual therapy

Concerns about 504 plan/IEP:

–          Consult with your child or teen’s guidance counselor or appropriate contact person.

With the school year only a quarter done, now is the time to use the information from the first quarter to identify areas that need improvement and help your child/teen get assistance so that he or she can finish the school year performing to the best of their ability and be as happy as possible.

Copyright 2014 Carey A Heller, Psy.D.

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*Disclaimer: The previous information is intended as general guidance based on my professional opinion, does not constitute an established professional relationship,  and should not replace the recommendations of a psychologist or other licensed professional with whom you initiate or maintain a professional relationship*

About Carey Heller, Psy.D.

Dr. Carey Heller is the author of the blog Practical Parenting Strategies. He is a licensed psychologist with The Heller Psychology Group LLC in Bethesda, Maryland. Dr. Heller specializes in the evaluation and treatment of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), executive function challenges, learning disabilities, and co-occurring issues such as anxiety. With treatment, he often blends traditional psychotherapy with practical coaching to help individuals improve time management, organizational, and related study skills as relevant.

View all posts by Carey Heller, Psy.D.