<p>This debate could go on forever…</p>
<p>I don’t think we’re talking about parents needing to know about an occasional bad grade. Going to college is the first time most students are truly on their own, and I do think sometimes young adults can get in over their heads, not know how to deal with issues on their own (drugs, distractions, relationships, etc.), might tell their parents everything is going OK when it’s not. (Not coincidentally, these students are also the ones not likely to voluntarily show their grade reports to parents). I know this sounds extreme, but some parents might not find out until S or D falls into depression, hurts themselves, or drops out. The grades, made available to parents twice a year, could serve as a warning sign that something more serious is going on. </p>
<p>Is there potential for abuse? Absolutely, but that’s where parents have to step back and try not to micromanage their S/D from a distance. Grade reports once or twice a year? I’m OK with that. Status of every homework, quiz and test in real time? No, that would be too much, in most cases.</p>
<p>What can you do about a pattern of bad grades? Plenty–get to the root of the problem and help your child solve it, or, if all else fails, withhold some or all of the money that you’re paying. Parents footing the bill do have enormous leverage to alter the behavior of students away at college, but only if they are first aware of what is going on.</p>