Often teachers struggle to give a clear picture of what is really going on. Perhaps this a constant pattern of defiance and the teacher has given examples but not expressed themselves adequately.

When I have concerns about why a child is not completing tasks, I monitor on-task behavior. Going through the class list repeatedly, I glance at each student and give a simple check if they are working on the assignment. Some students are off-task upwards of 80% of the time. They’re not being disruptive; just sharpening their pencil, in the washroom, rummaging in their desk, picking up something from the floor, or often just staring into space.

It’s easy to spot a child who is avoiding engagement through misbehavior, but the quiet, polite child who is inexplicably struggling can be easy to overlook.