As a parent, you have a right to request a free evaluation of your child by your local school district. If your daughter is struggling to keep up in class, it would be worthwhile to find out just what her strengths and weaknesses are and how she compares with other students her age or in her grade. Once you have this information in hand, you can make a better plan for giving her the support she needs.

Have you talked with your daughter's teacher or guidance counselor to see if there is any help available for students "at-risk" for school failure? Many schools offer this kind of service to prevent more serious difficulties down the road. You might also want to check out your local college or university to see if there is a tutoring program that your child might be eligible for. Many times, for example, students who are training to be reading teachers are required to tutor students (under supervision of experienced professionals).

If you have the evaluation done and it shows a learning disability, then there are many parent advocacy groups that can give you guidance in selecting an appropriate support for your child. The Learning Disabilities Association of America has many branches nationwide where you can get help and information. Their toll-free number is 1-888-300-6710.