My Son's Grades Fell in Middle School

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My Son's Grades Fell in Middle School

Ask the Experts: My son got good grades all though elementary school, but they dropped in seventh grade.

By Kathy Glass, Consulting Educator

Question: My son received good grades all through

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elementary school. When he went into seventh grade, the first year of middle school for him, there was a huge downward shift. I spoke with the principal, teachers and counselor. They said that they have seen a lot of seventh-graders slip at this age. Why should seventh grade make such a difference?

Answer: Seventh grade does makes a difference because adolescents are growing in so many ways — intellectually, physically and emotionally. Their brains are still developing while their bodies continue to grow and change. They tend to be emotional instead of rational as they navigate through a world that seems uncomfortable. Now throw a new school and its many challenges into the mix.

For instance, consider locker assignments, which carry a host of anxiety-provoking questions: Will my locker be near someone I know? Do I have time to go to my locker during passing period, or will I suffer humiliation if I'm late for class? Will I be able to use the combination? If I can't, who do I ask?

And then there are the other issues that arise around going to a new school. Who do I sit with at lunch? Will I know anyone in my classes? Are the teachers nice? Will I be able to finish my homework for each class? Will I be able to get good grades? Do I have to change into sweats during PE in front of others? What if I can't find the way to all of my classes? Are the new kids going to like me? Are the older kids at this school mean? These lurking questions constantly plague a young person's mind and compete with his focusing on academics. There is much to worry about that leaves adolescents fraught with self-doubt.

So what can you do to alleviate this anxiety? Here are some suggestions:

Request a Parent Meeting. If your son has different teachers for each of his subjects, ask to meet with all or most of them. Ask how your son is performing and behaving in each class so together you can come to some conclusions and decisions about how to proceed. It could be that he is performing well in one class and connects with that teacher, but in other classes he is slipping and shows disinterest. Middle-schoolers long for connections with teachers, so capitalize on any positive relationship he might have with one particular teacher. It is this personal bond that could lift his spirits and set him on the right track.

Hire a tutor. A tutor can potentially support your son both academically and emotionally. Academically, he can boost skills and confidence, which can give your son the necessary tools for academic success. Your son might also forge a valuable connection with a tutor who could then serve as a mentor. To find a tutor, ask a school counselor or teacher for a recommendation of an older student at the school or someone outside campus. If there is a local college nearby, post a request on a job board. Also, check your local newspaper which might list tutoring opportunities.

Encourage participation in an extra-curricular activity. If there is a sport or after-school club of interest, encourage him to get involved. By participating, your son can meet new friends, bond with those with similar interests, and develop skills which can elevate his self-esteem.

Kathy Glass

You can support your child by understanding what he is going through at this important and change-filled time of his life, by being an advocate for him, guiding him and making opportunities available that will help him feel successful.

Kathy Glass, a former middle school teacher, is an educational consultant and author focusing on curriculum and instruction.

Advice from our experts is not a substitute for medical or other professional advice and services from a qualified health-care provider familiar with your unique situation. We recommend consulting a qualified professional if you have concerns about your child's medical or emotional condition.

September 2006

Comments From GreatSchools.net Users

04/28/2008:

"My son is finishing middle school and I am so glad. I can actually write a book on his experiences. That was the worst experience we have had with school. Sixth grade teachers showed they were concerned during conference time, but that was it, 7th grade teachers e-mailed positive comments or their concerns, and 8th grade I had to make first attempt to have a dialogue. He no longer converse much in class. He complained about homework which he had not really done before, and his grades have gone down. I'm concerned because it seems as if school doesn't matter any more. I hope high school will be better. He still has an interest in reading for pleasure. Thank goodness! "

07/13/2007:

"Hi, This is good information. My son did so poorly in 7th grade that they are going to retain him. I am concerned for him because his sister is going from 6th grade to 7th. I don't want him to be embarrassed or humiliated. I am wondering if it would be a good idea to change schools or would this give him more stress?"

11/27/2006:

"I am having the same problems but my son is in 5th grade in middle school he is talking and making faces during class and his grades have fallen what do i do?"

10/27/2006:

"this article help me a little. my daughter is in the 7th grade. we just moved from south florida to central florida, which is a big change for us. she made an f on her report card today, which is unusual for her because she is in all advanced classes, i was really upset because i couldnt see why this happened. this article has clarified some of my dumbfounded thoughts. thank you"

10/16/2006:

"i think you are right, especially about teacher and student connection. my child started middle school to this year 6th grade. he hates schhol now. that is all i hear. i have cried my heart out. he had a serious football accident the day before school started which put him out 3 days. i assume that it all started then with him not turning in any work. 1 week till end of nine weeks i call a meeting to find out about his IEP testing, to find he' turned in no h.w. I am shocked. then i find out he got talked during silent lunch, the teacher made him take his tray, face the wall and eat in front of everyone in the lunchroom. he is made fun now. i am devastated. so, angry. he has not been a problem child at all. elem. can vouch for that. i am lost to what is going on. he has been jerked up by a boy. the teachers all but 1 says he talks back,does not focus.... i mean i never heard any of this last year at elem. at all.i am so worried now. he hates school now. he is so short , litt! le, and a good boy, but he can have issues with anger,and emotions. he gets upset easy. now he's had it with the teachers and this school. i do not know what to do. start over and request all new classes or wait and see what happens next. i think the teachers will not be to supportive and friendly now. we have had it out. any suggestions? "

09/29/2006:

"Interesting article since we tend to take the move from elementary to middle school for granted. After all, they are the same kids that they were one year ago (5th grade)!! In fact, they are not, since the change to a completely new enviroment with new rules and expectation is almost as much a 'culture shock' as a going to a new country. After all, they have known their elementary school environment since they were four and five years old. However, I strongly believe that too much pampering at this age, will result in a less resilient young adult! Let us leave them alone to find their niche and comfort zone...not our's. Our role as parents/guardians ought to be one of supporter and facilitator. We need to monitor their development in this environment in a way that does not appear intrusive to them. It will build confidence, self reliance, and preparedness for what the world has to offer, including challenges such as figuring out locker combinations, etc."

09/27/2006:

"My 6th grade daughter is in peterson middle school and getting GREAT grades. My 7th grade son is doing so-so in school. He doesn't want to talk much but now I know why he is so happy to get out of school. I am happy that i found this article to help my daughter and son!"

09/27/2006:

"I am having this problem with my son or a somewhat similar situation. He is performing with some teachers and not at all well with some. He used to be an excellent student but I see his interest in school waning and it worries me a bit because I know his capabilities. I am not sure how supportive some of his teachers are. Just today I was telling his teacher that in the past he did not want to leave the house unless all homework was done, now, he don't seem to care much. I know he is growing and developing but I am not sure what is happening to him to change his work habits that much. I try to be as supportive to him as much as possible until he grows out of this phase."

09/27/2006:

"My son is a senior now but went through this in seventh grade. He's never made it back to the honor roll on a consistent basis since, but he does get very close. My daughter is a 6th grader now and like her older brother, has been getting great grades. I'm glad I found this article to help so I can be more prepared to help her through 7th grade successfully."