Grades 4 through 12

No student wants to struggle in school. There are two separate groups of students who struggle: 1) those who have received formal recognition of need through an IEP or 504 plan, and 2) those students who have not been formally designated but nonetheless are struggling. This can include students who are performing at average levels but have the potential to be performing at higher levels. it also includes a small number of students who are considered high performing, but have to work excessively hard to achieve this result.

The same approach outlined for the kindergarten through 3rd grade students can also help to close the skill gap for older students and improve performance. Unfortunately the education system tends to label students by performance and that becomes an identity. Most students who struggle have lower self-esteem, a fixed mindset, and have developed coping strategies. Many also believe their struggle is their fault. They have been told they are not trying hard enough.

Once these students understand that the reason they struggle is because of a Skill Gap, that the gap can usually be identified and corrected, this can give them hope and a clear path to success.