Template for a Perfect Annotated Bibliography

Linnell-Olsen, Lisa. “7 Warning Signs Your Child Is Struggling in School.” Verywell Family, Verywell
Family, 9 June 2022,
https://www.verywellfamily.com/warning-signs-your-child-is-struggling-in-school-2601436.

The article explains that it is important for parents to be aware of the signs that their child is struggling in
school, as this can indicate a need for intervention before the issue becomes more serious. The causes of
academic struggles can be varied, including social challenges, academic issues, or physical, learning, or mental
health problems. Signs that a child may be struggling include changes in behavior, physical complaints, and a
refusal to discuss school. Parents are encouraged to stay involved in their child's school life and to ask questions
about their day to help identify any issues.

The author, Lisa Linnell-Olsen, is qualified to discuss signs of struggling students because their credentials
include writing a wide variety of topics targeted towards parents, and she even consults as a parent. She has a
degree from the University of Alaska, and some of the most relevant articles she has written include, “How
Much Should I Help My Child With Their Homework?” and “How to Measure Your Child's Learning When
Homeschooling”. In addition, the website, VeryWell Family, is a reputable website with physicians and
scientists reviewing every article and fact-checking them, including this one. Her contact information is
included in the article.

Written 2 years ago, this source is current on the topic of education and target goals for children.

The author of this article thoroughly evaluated all sides of the issue. For example, they acknowledge and then
address that opposing viewpoint by acknowledging that these signs are not always easy to spot, and that some
are beyond the parents’ control, but it lists ways to spot less conspicuous signs of a struggling student and it lists
what can and/or should be done about it. This inclusion shows that the article’s authors acknowledge alternative
viewpoints because she is describing how the solution might not be feasible for all, but she tries to provide
alternate solutions to help as many parents as possible.

The information contained in the source can be verified elsewhere. For example, the author says that early
intervention is crucial to prevent academic struggles from becoming a pattern, which can be corroborated by
Joseph K. Torgesen in his publication, “Catch Them Before They Fall: Identification and Assessment to Prevent
Reading Failure in Young Children”. This publication discusses how “catching struggling students before they
fall” is integral to the school system. While this article talks mainly about reading failure, it notes that struggles
in reading and other academic subjects can translate to further struggling in the future, which can lead to
demotivation and difficulty later on in school.

The purpose of this article is to help parents and educators identify struggling students so that they may focus
more attention on said students or modify their approach in an attempt to provide better help. The audience is
intended for parents who have concerns about their child's performance and well-being in school. The article is
appropriate for this purpose and audience because the author herself is a parent who was motivated by her own
children and so she decided to study pedagogy and dedicate her life to helping parents. For example, she
provides information on how to recognize signs that a child may be struggling in school and offers advice on
how to intervene and help the child. The text also includes suggestions for how parents can stay involved in
their child's school life and monitor their progress.