When Students Fail: What Every Teacher Needs to Know

 

Every teacher will face this challenge at some point—a student who just isn’t making the grade. Do you let them fail? Push them harder? Or is there another way? Let’s break it down and explore how we can help struggling students while maintaining high expectations.

Why Do Students Fail?

Before jumping into solutions, it’s crucial to understand why a student is failing. Here are the most common reasons:

1. Academic Gaps – Some students lack foundational skills, making it difficult to grasp new content. If a student struggles with multiplication but hasn’t mastered addition, they’ll fall behind quickly. Identifying and addressing these gaps is key.

2. Lack of Motivation – Many students don’t see the value in the work. As a history teacher, I hear, “Why do we have to learn this?” Helping students make real-world connections to the content can increase engagement.

3. Personal Issues – Family struggles, mental health challenges, or outside responsibilities (like caring for siblings) can interfere with learning. Middle and high school teachers, in particular, see this often.

4. Undiagnosed Learning Disabilities – Some students may have learning disabilities that haven’t been identified. Others might have an IEP, but their accommodations aren’t fully meeting their needs. Collaboration with special education staff is essential.

Steps to Take When a Student Is Failing

Once you understand why a student is struggling, you can take action. Here are some effective strategies:

1. Communicate with the Student
   Some students have no idea they’re failing until it’s too late. Others assume they can’t succeed. Keep emotions out of the conversation and approach them with solutions: “I see you’re struggling—how can we fix this together?”

2. Check for Missing Work and Assessment Gaps
   Does the student have unsubmitted assignments? Do they perform well on homework but struggle on tests? Identifying patterns helps determine if the issue is effort, comprehension, or both.

3. Differentiate Instruction
   If a student isn’t grasping the material through traditional teaching methods, switch it up! Let them illustrate a concept, teach a small group, or engage in hands-on activities. Adjusting your approach can make all the difference.

4. Utilize School Resources
   Collaboration is key! Special education teachers, counselors, and intervention specialists can provide additional support and insight into how to help struggling students.

5. Involve Parents and Guardians
   Parental involvement varies widely, but keeping them informed is critical. Some parents check grades daily, while others are too overwhelmed with work and life. Keep communication simple, solution-based, and nonjudgmental.

Preventing Failure Before It Happens

Rather than reacting when a student is on the verge of failing, try these proactive strategies:

1. Build Relationships Early
   Students work harder for teachers they trust. Learn their interests, acknowledge their efforts, and be authentic. A strong teacher-student relationship can be a game-changer.

2. Use Frequent Formative Assessments
   Don’t wait until the final test to assess learning. Quick check-ins throughout a unit allow you to catch gaps early and adjust instruction as needed.

3. Give Students Ownership of Their Learning
   Encourage students to track their progress. I use a Marzano-style scale where students self-assess before and after a lesson. Seeing their own growth builds confidence and accountability.

4. Offer Multiple Ways to Demonstrate Learning
   Not every student thrives on traditional tests. Allow them to demonstrate understanding through projects, oral assessments, or creative assignments like drawings or models.

When Failure Is the Only Option

Despite our best efforts, some students will still fail. When that happens, consider these points:

• What is the consequence of failure? A failed Advanced Placement course has a much different impact than a failed elective class. Consider the long-term effects.
• Document everything. Keep records of all communication and interventions to ensure transparency.
• Sometimes, failure is a wake-up call. For some students, experiencing failure is the push they need to take responsibility for their learning.

Final Thoughts

Seeing a student fail is tough, but it’s not the end of their story—or yours. The goal isn’t to pass them along but to help them grow. By focusing on support, communication, and early intervention, we can make a difference in every student’s educational journey.

Have you encountered a failing student and turned things around? Share your strategies in the comments!

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Thanks for reading Brain Fusion with Mr. VanDusen! If you found this post helpful, be sure to subscribe for more teaching insights and strategies. Keep growing, keep learning, and keep making a difference!