Learning Problem, Learning Skill
Signs and Causes of Trouble at School
Teachers and parents are often the first line of defense against academic problems. They should be attuned to any changes in the child’s behavior—such as a drop in grades, a sudden lack of interest in the classroom or at home, skipping classes, or a tendency to act out with teachers or peers or family members. These behaviors may signify an underlying cause that needs to be addressed. It’s important for adults to identify any contributing factors of trouble. A person’s physical health can have a powerful effect on academic performance, and vice versa. If adults see concerning behavior, they should find out if the student is experiencing a lack of sleep, poor nutrition , chronic illness , or a newly developed loss of vision or hearing.
Academic problems can also indicate a possible learning disability, such as dyslexia or ADHD . In such cases, student performance may benefit from school accommodations, such as extra time on tests or additional visual or auditory learning aids for lessons. Parents may also want to consider whether there is a better fit for their child, including placement in a special education classroom with fewer students and specially trained staff.
Children and teens are more anxious than ever before. Risk factors like poor sleep and exposure to violence are on the rise. Parents and school personnel need to know how to identify the warning signs, deploying intervention immediately to prevent at-risk students from harming themselves and others.
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