Educators play a critical role in identifying students who may need extra support. Whether it’s academic struggles, behavior challenges, or gaps in foundational skills, spotting these issues early can have a transformative impact. Timely intervention ensures students receive the help they need to get back on track and thrive.
Here are three signs that students need additional support and some practical intervention strategies to get them on the path to success:
1. Changes in Academic Performance
The most noticeable sign that a student needs additional support is a decline in academic performance. Lower grades, missing or incomplete assignments, or a lack of class participation are all indicators that a student is struggling. Other indicators include assignments that are turned in late or don’t meet expectations. A common cause for all of these is an increasing gap in understanding. Learning standards build upon each other throughout the year, so a small gap in understanding can quickly snowball into larger challenges down the line.
How to Address It: The first step in addressing changes in academic performance is to meet with the student. A one-on-one conversation may help uncover difficulties the student might be facing—whether the student is struggling to understand concepts, unable to comprehend content, or simply isn’t clear on expectations. If you determine that knowledge gaps are at the heart of a student’s struggles, you can provide targeted resources for remediation based on the student’s needs. Tailor your approach to the specific skills or concepts the student needs to revisit. Encourage the student to set and work toward short-term goals. Suggest using a bulleted list, which can seem less intimidating and can help the student stay focused and motivated. Working collaboratively, you and the student can identify a plan to get back on track.
2. Behavior Issues
When a student doesn’t fully understand the material being taught, behavior issues often manifest. Whether a student is acting out in class, disengaged during lessons, withdrawing, or perhaps even dozing, it is important to recognize that these behaviors may be rooted in learning gaps rather than attitude or discipline problems.
How to Address It: Confirm that the behavioral issues are connected to a lack of understanding. This will require speaking with the student or consulting with other teachers to determine if there are patterns of behavior in classroom performance. Once you’ve identified that academic struggle is the underlying issue, create opportunities for positive reinforcement. Help the student experience small successes to build his or her confidence and reduce frustration. Scaffold assignments so the student can approach tasks in manageable chunks, ensuring the student doesn’t feel overwhelmed. Pairing the student with a peer who can help explain the material or work through problems may also be effective. Consistently reinforcing positive behaviors and offering support can help the student stay engaged and regain focus.
3. Consistent Below-Grade-Level Performance
Another sign that a student may need additional support is consistently performing below grade level and not mastering key standards throughout the year. If a student’s performance is consistently lower than grade-level expectations or is below where the student has been able to perform in the past, take action before the student falls even further behind. Gaps in foundational knowledge can affect the student’s ability to succeed with more complex content as the year progresses.
How to Address It: For a student who continually performs below grade level, a multifaceted approach is often necessary. Incorporating multisensory instruction—using visual, auditory, kinesthetic, and tactile methods—can help engage different learning pathways and reinforce key concepts. This can be particularly beneficial for a student who struggles with traditional, text-heavy instruction. Scaffolded assignments that break down tasks into smaller, more manageable steps can help build confidence and provide structure. Additionally, providing more targeted remediation sessions, whether one-on-one or in small groups, will ensure that the student has the time and support necessary to catch up. A tailored plan of action will help the student gradually close the gap between current abilities and grade-level expectations.
The best way to support students is to be proactive. At the first signs of academic struggle, educators should offer the support students need to regain confidence, close learning gaps, and master the content. With the right tools, educators can create a supportive and effective learning environment that ensures every student has the opportunity to succeed.
