"Krone" school guide

The threat of a “five” in the report card: what to do now

(Bild: APA/HARALD SCHNEIDER)

Even though the summer semester is still some time away, it's worth taking a look at the end of the school year. Many use this time intensively to improve their grades. But what if you are threatened with a "fail" in a compulsory subject? What should be done?

It is important to keep your nerve, because nothing is lost yet. However, it is important to take action now at the latest and contact the teacher. First aid comes from the so-called early warning system. It obliges the teacher of the subject concerned to inform the parents immediately if a compulsory subject - at the time the early warning is sent - is to be assessed as "failing".

It is important to note that it is not a single negative performance that leads to an early warning, but if "all of the student's previous performances lead to the conclusion that a 'fail' is to be given unless there is an improvement in performance". The legislator expressly emphasizes this.

The early warning is linked to an advisory teacher-parent-pupil meeting. This should definitely be attended.

Manfred Jordan

The early warning should be a wake-up call
How do you react when you receive such early warnings? The early warning is accompanied by an advisory teacher-parent-pupil meeting. You should definitely take advantage of this, as it is a kind of diagnosis and action meeting to avoid a negative annual assessment. The teacher's office hours are well suited for this - ideally make an appointment. Everyone can then prepare themselves ideally to find a solution. It has also proven to be a good idea for the pupils concerned - especially from secondary school onwards - to take part.

The following questions are helpful for the diagnosis: What are the specific learning and performance deficits? Which ones absolutely need to be remedied? What are the possible causes of the performance situation? What are the child's learning and performance strengths? What is the child's cooperation in class like?

Data and facts

• Teachers are obliged to issue early warnings.
• But be careful! If this has already been sent out during the first semester, it does not (!) have to be repeated in the second semester if the performance and assessment situation remains unchanged.
• Advice is available from the School Psychological Educational Counseling Service Tyrol on: 0512/576561

The most important questions for correcting grades
The second part of the conversation is about discussing and agreeing on "all conceivable support measures" (as stated in the School Education Act) as well as concrete steps. A few questions can also help here: What options are there for avoiding the negative assessment? How and with what contributions can cooperation be strengthened? Which performance records up to the end of school are conducive to a positive assessment (exams, presentations, etc.)? Are there remedial lessons, remedial courses at the school? Which are suitable? What could an individual learning program look like? Is external support necessary?

Contact the "Krone" school advisor

Questions for "Krone" school advisor Manfred Jordan can be sent by email to: [e-mail]

The early warning system has so far proved to be a very effective tool for preventing a negative annual assessment. However, it is important that the jointly developed solution is supported by all those involved and that a high degree of commitment is achieved. Regular contact between pupils/parents and teachers is advisable.