Supporting Your Child Through Post-Pandemic School Challenges
As parents, seeing your child struggle in school can be disheartening, especially in the wake of the pandemic, which has left a lasting impact on education. A recent survey by Study.com highlights a concerning decline in college readiness among students, with average ACT scores dropping from 20.6 in 2019-2020 to 19.4 in 2023-2024. This trend, combined with emerging challenges, offers a roadmap for how you can support your child effectively.
Discover how to help your struggling student beat post-pandemic challenges!
Understanding the Struggles
The pandemic disrupted traditional learning, leading to a 0.4-point annual decline in ACT scores over five years. For many students, this reflects deeper issues. The survey identifies mental health issues—such as anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem—as the top challenge, affecting 36% of high schoolers. Financial stress and personal motivation issues follow closely at 33% and 32%, respectively. These struggles are compounded by pandemic-related learning challenges, including limited access to teachers (32%), increased home distractions (31%), and difficulties staying motivated (29%).
If your child seems disengaged or overwhelmed, these statistics suggest they may be grappling with similar pressures. For instance, 47% of surveyed students earned lower grades than expected, indicating a widespread sense of unpreparedness. Additionally, 44% felt least prepared in math, and 23% in science, pointing to specific areas where support might be needed.
The decline in college readiness is not a reflection of your child’s potential but a systemic challenge many families face.
Laura Lurns · Learning Success expert
How You Can Help
Address Mental Health: The prominence of mental health issues underscores the need for open conversations. Encourage your child to express their feelings and consider professional support if anxiety or depression persists. Simple routines, like regular family check-ins, can provide stability.
Boost Academic Preparedness: With only 32% of students feeling “very prepared” for college coursework, strengthening their foundation is crucial. Focus on math and science, where preparedness lags. Online resources, tutoring, or after-school programs can bridge gaps. The survey notes 40% of students want better teaching and more practice—consider supplementing with interactive tools or workbooks tailored to their level.
Guide Through Practical Skills: The call for more guidance on college applications and financial aid (41%) and time management training (36%) suggests students need practical life skills. Help your child create a study schedule, break tasks into manageable parts, and explore college options early. Even small steps, like researching scholarships together, can reduce financial stress.
Create a Supportive Environment: The pandemic highlighted the impact of home distractions. Designate a quiet study space and limit screen time during homework hours. If access to teachers has been limited, reach out to school counselors or form study groups with peers to mimic that support network.
Key takeaways
- Mental Health Matters: Support your child’s mental well-being to combat anxiety and depression.
- Strengthen Core Skills: Focus on math and science to build a solid academic foundation.
- Teach Life Skills: Guide your child in time management and college planning for future success.
Looking Ahead
The decline in college readiness is not a reflection of your child’s potential but a systemic challenge many families face. By addressing mental health, enhancing academic skills, and building practical know-how, you can help them regain confidence. The 50% of students who felt “somewhat prepared” show that with the right support, improvement is possible.
If you’re unsure where to start, schools often offer resources, or you can connect with other parents for advice. For deeper insights or specific strategies, consider seeking additional information.
Your involvement can turn these challenges into opportunities for growth, setting your child on a path to success despite the post-pandemic landscape.
The 50% of students who felt ‘somewhat prepared’ show that with the right support, improvement is possible.
Laura Lurns · Learning Success expert
The villainous decline in college readiness, fueled by mental health struggles and academic gaps, threatens your child’s future, but your commitment to their growth and success can conquer it. By embracing the positive values of resilience and empowerment through the Learning Success All Access Program, you can turn these challenges into triumphs. Start a free trial today at https://learningsuccess.ai/all-access/ to master time management and boost their confidence.
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Your school district must evaluate your child free of charge if you ask in writing, whatever your income and whatever the outcome (US, 34 CFR 300.111 and 300.301(b)). That route takes time and answers a different question than you do. This one starts today, from what you already know.
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A screener is a starting point, not a diagnosis. If your child might need formal accommodations (an IEP or 504 plan), or you suspect a vision, hearing or medical cause, pursue a professional evaluation too. That is the only route to those supports.
