Look at socioeconomic differences between high-performing students and low-performing students. Educational professionals often advocate early intervention on the behalf of students of lower socioeconomic statuses to decrease the achievement gap. Generally, students from higher socioeconomic backgrounds do better in school. Studies have found that socioeconomic status predicts school success across all races and ethnic groups.
Check a child's educational records. Poor school attendance is not only a cause of low-performance in school; but it can also be a symptom of underlying factor, such as problems at home. See if there is a variation between students who have remained in one school system and those who have moved among schools. Look also at the age when students began school. Entering school late can have a negative effect on school performance. According to Homer News, entering the educational system earlier means that a child has a greater chance of school achievement.
Meet with parents and teachers to get a sense of how motivating and involved they are in a child's education. From the parents you can learn about any changes to a child's environment that can explain changes in marks. If a student attends school irregularly, try to find out why. Talk to the student's teachers to find out how they motivate and support the student. According to Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, "Positive school attitudes, teacher support and positive parental attitudes are associated with school achievement, independent of sociodemographic factors." A positive climate at home and at school often leads to higher educational success.
Talk with the student. A successful student may view school very differently than an unsuccessful student, and may be influenced by factors other than parental and teacher support, such as peer attitudes and the media. Ask both high-performing students and low-performing students why they think education is important. Keep a lookout for psychological disorders, such as ADHD, depression, or anxiety, which could affect grades.