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If your child attends a school that has missed a benchmark, it does not mean the school is doing poorly as a whole. If you think your child might be immediately impacted by the school's Department of Education report card score in a particular area, contact the school's principal to discuss your concerns. Also, work together with your child's teacher to generate a plan of action on helping your child improve his or her performance.

Particularly for elementary-age children, spend time reading with your child to improve word-identification, vocabulary and reading comprehension skills.

Some children need very little guidance with completing their homework assignments and class projects, but others need significant help - whether with understanding the subject matter itself or with their attention span, such as simply sitting down, focusing and completing the tasks at hand. Be engaged with your child's homework assignments and what your child's needs are relative to getting homework tasks completed, both correctly and on time.

Check teacher Web sites on a regular basis to stay up-to-date on grades and upcoming tests. For students who bring home a "Friday folder" and other forms of routine communication and feedback about their school work from teachers and the school -- always review it completely. There could be information included that can alert you to a situation where your child has a newly identified challenge that should receive special attention.

Talk to your child often about how school is going. Children should know that they can voice any fears or anxieties they have about school work or subjects they find difficult. Only by talking about these issues can you help them get any extra help they need.

Make sure your child attends class and makes up any missed homework or projects due to sick days.

Many schools offer free after-school tutoring, so take advantage of extra help when necessary.