Managing parent expectations while supporting a student with significant comprehension delays requires a delicate balance of honesty, empathy, and strategy. I encountered this particular challenge with a Year 9 student who struggled to answer even the most basic of test questions. When working with such a kid, it’s critical to acknowledge where they are in their learning journey and to celebrate incremental progress. I focused on engaging the student by connecting syllabus content with her personal interests, making lessons relevant and helping her see the value of learning.
For example, I introduced basic literature analysis using topics she enjoyed, building her foundational understanding while maintaining her interest and motivation.
Instead of overwhelming her with classroom content beyond her current capabilities, I gradually bridged her foundational skills to curriculum-aligned material, ensuring she wasn’t distressed or disheartened. This approach involved breaking down complex tasks into manageable, modular steps—simple yet achievable goals that restored her confidence after years of academic struggle. Giving clear, step-by-step instructions and asking her to repeat them ensured comprehension and accountability. Repetition, at whatever level necessary, reinforced her understanding and slowly built her ability to engage with test questions.
Equally important was managing her parents’ expectations. They understandably wanted her to excel, but I explained that our immediate goal wasn’t high test performance but building her basic skills and confidence. I emphasised that success would come in stages, starting with answering single questions correctly before tackling larger challenges. Keeping parents informed about her small victories helped them appreciate the progress she was making, even if it wasn’t yet reflected in test scores. By prioritising the student’s emotional and academic needs while maintaining open communication with her parents, we were able to create a supportive environment where she could begin to thrive.
Thea Macarthur-Lassen
