Get the Scoop on Your Student
Be sure to attend parent-teacher conferences in whatever format they are offered so that you’re aware of any potential problems and important actions your student needs to take.
Why It Matters
- Gain insight.
This is your chance to understand how your student’s teachers see performance, personality and other aspects of your student’s character. As your student progresses through high school, grades and motivation will be important factors in determining what will happen next. - Intervene early.
Your student’s teachers will be able to share how things are going so far. Is your student not feeling challenged enough or not connecting with the material? There is still time to consider alternatives or get extra help to end the semester on a good note.
What Your Student Can Do Now
- Share own perspective.
If you or your student’s teachers have a concern, your student’s perspective on the issue will provide a more complete picture of what’s really happening. - Make a plan for the rest of the year.
Does your student need extra help with challenging math or reading assignments? Or maybe a deeper dive into a subject of particular interest would be useful. - Follow good habits.
Sleep and nutrition habits can greatly affect performance at school. Your student should be getting enough sleep every day and eating healthy food.
What Your Student Can Do Later
- Follow up.
If concerns were discussed at the conference but are not addressed in a timely manner, your student can work with the teacher or school counselor to establish and follow through on an appropriate plan. - Continue to improve.
As benchmarks are reached, your student should consider additional room for improvement, whether that’s working to improve a grade, considering how to help other students or otherwise increasing productivity. New short-term and long-term goals can help keep your student motivated. - Stick to an academic plan.
Although not necessarily required for high school graduation, a fourth year of math and science and additional years of foreign language or social science may benefit your student, especially if they are planning to attend a four-year college. Colleges across the country have admission and entrance requirements that may differ from the high school graduation requirements, and taking these classes in high school keeps options open. In addition, your student may need to make up certain classes in college if they weren’t completed in high school, which can extend the time until graduation (and the overall cost of college).
What You Can Do
- Be available as a sounding board.
When your student is working to resolve academic or social situations, be ready to provide objective and thoughtful feedback to dial down emotions. Suggest talking points for important discussions with others. Role-playing can help your student become comfortable with dealing with conflict. - Recognize improvement.
Watch for, recognize and reward the efforts your student makes throughout the year. Extra spending money or a gas gift card may be all the incentive your junior needs to stay focused. - Locate resources.
If your student needs assistance outside of school, check with the school counselor for a list of tutors, mentors and other resources. Other potential sources include local college students, community centers, church organizations, Boys and Girls Clubs, Big Brothers and Big Sisters, and other community organizations.
Next Steps
Be sure to complete the survey questions at the end of this article to be entered into the 529 deposit giveaway!
Additional references, handouts and talking points are available in the right sidebar to use at your leisure. They may prove beneficial to reference now or after receiving future emails – we’ll leave it completely up to you. Use our emails like a recipe for a successful outcome — assemble the recommended ingredients and then follow accompanying directions to add flavor and depth.