How to Prepare your Ninth-Grade Student for Success in High School and Beyond
1. MAKE SURE YOUR STUDENT SETS ASIDE TIME EVERY NIGHT FOR HOMEWORK AND STUDYING
Defining a set "study time" is a critical skill for college success.
- Encourage time in the evenings to do homework and study for tests.
- Show your student how to break down large assignments into manageable pieces that can be tackled over several days.
- Talk about ways you manage your own time and how you choose your priorities.
2. HELP YOUR STUDENT DEVELOP PLANNING SKILLS AND PRACTICE USING A STUDENT PLANNER
High school and college success requires thinking ahead and using other important self-management skills like remembering to do homework and having all supplies and books for class each day.
- Encourage your student to pack for school the night before.
- Model use of calendars and planners by scheduling family events and responsibilities in a centrally visual location.
- Encourage your student to follow a routine for completing and saving school work. "Everything in its place" helps assignments get to school on time and in one piece.
3. STAY CONNECTED TO MHS AND WORK AS A PARTNER IN YOUR STUDENTS SUCCESS.
You're a time, and great teamwork starts with communication.
- Attend high school parent information meetings and check the school website regularly for valuable updates and information.
- Follow up with your student after parent meeting.
- Regularly ask your student questions about teachers, classes, and activities.
4. PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR STUDENT'S GRADES
Each high school grade your student earns is computed into a grade point average (GPA) that potential colleges, trade schools, and employers will ask to see.
- Help your student understand that she or he needs to remember and build on what he or she learns from class to class and year to year.
- Since many teachers maintain course websites and online gradebooks, make sure you know how to access these sites and check them regularly.
- Follow up with your students when they earn low grades. Do they know how to do better next time? Encourage students to seek help from teachers and tutors. Intervene EARLY when grades are low.
5. SUPPORT YOUR STUDENT'S INVOLVEMENT IN SCHOOL ACTIVITIES
Taking part in a play or joining an athletic team can help students develop leadership skills and confidence that will help them in college and the workplace.
- Encourage your student to explore her or his interests.
- Suggest activities that can challenge your child.
- Attend student performances and activities, and provide positive encouragement.
6. CONTINUE TO ENCOURAGE YOUR STUDENT TO READ
The more a student reads, the easier reading will become. In addition to the tips you used in eighth grade, try these new tactics to encourage your student.
- Consider reading the books your child has to read. You'll have something to share.
- Ask your student questions about the books they are reading for school. Can he or she tell you the plot? Does anything about the book connect to your own family life?
Alliance for College Readiness, a partnership between Elgin Community Collge and the Community Unit Districts 300, 301, 303, and U-46.