Neal Boortz has an idea about why our skools are failing. Pat Sears, a school counselor at Barnwell Elementary School near Atlanta sent home a notice telling parents how best to review their kids report cards.

Report cards can provide good opportunities for teaching children how to develop enthusiasm and positive attitudes. When you review your child's report card, be sure to focus on your child, not the grade. Focus on learning rather than on evaluation and competition. Ask questions: "What subject was most enjoyable? Which was easiest this semester? Which was harder? What do you wish you had done differently? What help do you need?

Show that you care. At this time, it is important to let children know that they are valued for more than the results of their academic efforts. Don't forget that your child will be looking at you, watching your expression, and evaluating your reaction to the report card in your hand. Continue to encourage your child to try her/his best, but remember to let the child know that her/his value to you far exceeds academic achievement in school. This is important whether the grades are excellent or in need of improvement.

As parents, we need to remember that these are opportunities for trust building and relationship building with children. We want our children to believe that they can come to us with any challenges and concerns they might have in life, and this is a good opportunity to demonstrate that to them. While we are reading that report card, the child is reading our expressions! Look up when you do it, and see your child!

This is the time to build in the security with you and to build a barrier against the peer pressure that many parents are becoming increasingly concerned about as their children get closer to teen years!

Yeah, focus on the learning but not the grade. Then you're your kid will be smart enough to become a school counselor some day.