Canada AM explores the 'why' behind high failure rates in Canadian kids schools.

MAKING THE GRADES: In the first installment of this series, a high school student and his parent share their personal struggle with his low grades. We'll look at the causes and possible solutions with well-known author, educator and speaker Karen Hume who leads workshops at schools around the country.

HOW DOES YOUR CHILD LEARN?: Getting the right teacher to suit your child's learning style could mean the difference between success and failure. Educational consultant Otto Schmidt reveals how to identify the style that best fits your child.

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITES: Choosing the right extra-curricular activities can boost grades in the classroom. Tune in to learn how to find the right activity and the right balance with class work.

ALTERNATIVE LEARNING: Students who don't succeed in a traditional mainstream school setting may benefit from alternative learning methods and environments. Carlo Ricci, a professor at Nipissing University and the editor of The Journal of Unschooling and Alternative Learning, tells CANADA AM about alternative options and how an untraditional model helped one of his own kids.

MAKING THE GRADES MAILBAG: Why are kids failing at record rates? CANADA AM takes viewer's questions and educational expert Karen Hume suggests solutions to help students achieve a passing grade. Karen Hume is a well known Canadian teacher, administrator, author, speaker, and workshop leader. The winner of three "Teacher of the Year" awards, Karen has taught all but four grades in K-12 (she especially enjoyed Grades 7 and 8), and has also been a teacher-librarian. As an administrator, Karen worked in a high-needs K-8 school and then led her district's efforts in reculturing schools to meet the needs of at-risk and struggling learners in Grades 7-12.