How to help my Student

What should I do if I know my student is struggling?

If you know your student is struggling

First, take a breath. 

Struggling in dual credit courses in either Early College or Project Excel does not mean that your student isn’t capable of college-level work. In many cases, it simply means they are adjusting to college pacing, higher expectations, and increased independence. 

What matters most is how quickly support is activated. Here is how you can help and not overstep.

Start with a conversation, not a lecture 

Instead of:

  • “Why are your grades dropping?”
  • “You need to fix this.”
  • “What happened?”

Try:

  • “What feels hardest right now?”
  • “What do you think is getting in the way?”
  • “What’s your plan to get back on track?”

This keeps your student in the driver’s seat while showing them you are present and supportive.

Remember: ownership ultimately builds growth.

Encourage Them to Contact the Instructor Immediately

In dual credit, instructors expect students, not parents, to initiate communication. The most important step when a student begins struggling is to reach out early!

Encourage your student to:

  • Email their instructor.
  • Ask what assignments should be prioritized.
  • Clarify grading policies.
  • Request clarification on confusing material.

If needed, help them draft the message, but let them send it.

This builds the self-advocacy skills they will need in college and in life in general. 


Understand That College Policies May Apply

Because your student is enrolled in a college course (often through Vincennes University), federal privacy laws may limit what instructors can share directly with parents.

That doesn’t mean you are excluded. It means your student must take the lead. The most productive approach is coaching them and not replacing them.

Activate Academic Resources Quickly

Struggles rarely fix themselves without intervention.

Encourage your student to:

  • Attend tutoring (online or in person).
  • Schedule time with their teacher.
  • Visit writing or math support services.
  • Meet with their school counselor.
  • Create a structured weekly study schedule.

The earlier support begins, the easier it is to recover. Waiting until the end of the semester reduces options.


Evaluate the Bigger Picture

Sometimes academic struggle isn’t about ability. It may be about:

  • Overcommitment (sports, work, activities)
  • Poor time management
  • Anxiety or stress
  • Lack of sleep
  • Avoidance due to feeling overwhelmed

Helping your student step back and rebalance responsibilities may be more effective than focusing on one grade. Ask: “What can we adjust so you can succeed?”


Reinforce Effort Over Panic

Students can shut down when they feel they’ve disappointed someone.

Instead of panic, focus on progress:

  • “Let’s make a plan.”
  • “You’re capable, we can work together on structure.”
  • “One step at a time.”

Confidence combined with accountability creates momentum.


Know When to Escalate

If communication has occurred and academic decline continues, it may be appropriate to:

  • Involve the high school counselor.
  • Connect with the dual credit rep.
  • Request clarification on academic standing or policies.

The goal is not to rescue, it’s to support forward movement.


The Most Important Thing to Remember

Dual credit is designed to stretch students. Some stretching feels uncomfortable. But learning to navigate difficulty, with support, is part of preparing for college success.

Your steady presence, encouragement, and willingness to let them grow while still providing guidance is powerful. Struggle does not define the outcome. Response does.