The Primary Reason for Failure in School

What is the primary reason for failure in school? The answer may surprise you.

According to educational consultant Cheri Fuller, the chief problem is not laziness or poor study skills. No, the main reason for poor school performance is disorganization. "Show me a student's notebook," Fuller says, "and I'll tell you whether that individual is a B student or a D student." An achieving student's notebook is arranged neatly with dividers and folders for handouts and assignments. A failing student's notebook is usually a jumbled mess and may not even be used at all.

Some children are naturally sloppy, but most of them can learn to be better organized. Fuller says this skill should be taught during the elementary school years. Once they enter junior high, students may have as many as five teachers, each assigning different textbooks, workbooks, handouts, and assignments from various classroom subjects. It is foolish to assume that kids who have never had any organizational training will be able to keep such detail straight and accessible. If we want them to function in this system, we need to give them the tools that are critical to success.

Organization! It's one very important key to success in school.

By Dr. James Dobson