Dealing with Teen’s Report Cards

Nov 21, 2007

It’s report card season.

For parents of achieving students it’s a time to celebrate your child’s hard work.

For parents of under-achieving students it’s a time that is not looked forward to.

For parents of teens, it can be a whole other issue altogether. (see previous entry about how parent-teacher interviews can go horribly wrong)

Teens can be uncommunicative at best, so one school in Baltimore came up with a unique solution to talking to teens about report cards—they brought in neutral third party from John’s Hopkins who are not invested in the report card results.

The third party is objective and not likely to be upset by poor grades the way a teacher or parent is. The third party has a better chance of communicating with the teen about poor grades without the teen getting defensive or upset.

And so far, the program is working. It’s an opportunity for teens to talk formally about their progress and goals with an objective adult—a system that is especially good for teens too proud or embarrassed to ask for help.

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Comments(13)

rupa vadgama - Nov 21, 2007

How much do you charge in comparison to Sylvan Learning Centres?

Jason - Nov 21, 2007

They seem to be cheaper but don't provide the same level of service. I have found that Huntington Learning Centers really are the best compromise.

Glenn Whitehead - Nov 21, 2007

Jason

Thank you for taking the time to post a comment on our Blog.
In reply to your response to Rupa about pricing, at this level of service
I’m sure you will find that fees for tutoring are pretty much standard
across the board.

However, unlike other tutoring services, Oxford Learning offers long-term
cognitive development and lasting educational solutions. Our service is not
a quick-fix. It takes time to delve into skill gaps and to make real and
long-term changes.

Oxford Learning also offers several financing and several easy flex payment
options.

Rupa, please give me a call me today at our toll free number and I would be
pleased to answer any other questions that you might have.

I look forward to speaking with you.

1-866-650-4447
or,
email me at gwhitehead@oxfordlearning.com

Huda - Nov 30, 2007

why don't you include any information about your fees on he website?

Emma Cecchin - Dec 3, 2007

Hi Huda,

Thanks for your post. We have over 125 locations internationally, so fees vary from region to region. This is why we don't include information about fees on the website. I recommend contacting your local Oxford Learning for specific fees. Location information is available at www.oxfordlearning.com/locations or send us an email and we will have someone contact you directly with that information.
information@oxfordlearning.com

Regards,
Emma Cecchin

Danielle - Dec 6, 2007

I have to disagree with Jason too, regarding the Learning Centre provisions. I have had all my kids in the Oxford program for the last few years, and they are well beyond our original achievement goals but I don't want to stop now! They love it and are at the top of their classes in all subjects. We tried Sylvan and Huntington and did not find the same level of attention was paid to the thinking skills that are so important for long term growth. And, my son is no longer ADHD, as he probably never was. He just needed to learn how to pay attention by learning how to focus better. They actually showed him how to do this through specific study skills. Oxford rules!

alex - Dec 11, 2007

what is the price tutoring on english in toronto?

alex - Dec 11, 2007

get^

alex - Dec 11, 2007

oh yeah highschool level

Victoria - Jan 31, 2008

Hi I am a high school student and for me getting report cards back are very stressful and annoying. But the sad thing is if you do bad on your report card sometimes your parents don't get mad they get disappointed which is even worse in my opinion I would like to know if there was a way for parents not to act so tense or not to be so disappointed in their child... Have any suggestions besides improving your marks??

your mother - Feb 5, 2008

i suck at math, what do i do?

Geoffrey Pwets - Apr 20, 2008

Which is better; Kumon, Sylvan or Oxford? As a parent, I am having a hard time to choose a tutoring program for my child who does advanced mathematics in grade 9.

Emma - Oxford Learning Educator - Apr 22, 2008

Hi Geoffrey,

Thanks for your post! That is a great question! Kumon, Sylvan and Oxford Learning all have different approaches to helping children! I can only speak of what I know and that is Oxford Learning. I suggest that you gather information from all three before making a decision.
Our philosopy is to help children achieve their highest potential, to encourage independence and imagination, to foster a striving for excellence, to awaken a spirit of confidence and enthusiasm and to teach children to celebrate achievement. Our core belief is that learning and school can be a passionate, joyful and positive experience.
Our proprietary curriculum builds academic skills, fosters understanding and develops brand new thinking (cognitive) skills and pathways. In this way, we are unique.
We also perform a cognitive assessment on all students. The assessment pinpoints how the student learns and provides us with a grade level in academic areas. We then develop a program specifically for that student taking all strengths and weaknesses into account.
We use a method of interactive coaching to teach our students. Good teachers lead, interact and help the students understand. We must ensure that our students understand HOW to solve the problem. Instead of tutoring (a temporary fix), we provide permanent solutions by changing how our students integrate and process information. That's the Oxford Learning difference!
I suggest contacting your local Oxford Learning for specific program fees and schedules. Location information is available at www.oxfordlearning.com/locations. If you would rather email info@oxfordlearning.com I can direct you to your local Oxford Learning! We can certainly help with grade 9 math!

Regards,

Emma

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