Freshman Year Transitions
Ninth grade is a make or break year with many cognitive, emotional and physical elements occurring all at once. Added to that are possibly a new environment, more homework and increased independence. This mixture can make for a high-stakes first year of high school.
Why It Matters
- Passing grades must be earned.
Your student must earn passing grades in core classes, which tend to be the most rigorous classes in high school. Some schools may be testing students this year for placement in different tracks related to core classes, which students then follow during their four years of high school. - Freshmen are more at-risk than any other grade level.
Your student’s success in ninth grade sets the stage for long-term success, both in high school and beyond. Effective studying and learning strategies must be developed now to ensure success and build the mindset that graduating with a solid grade point average (GPA) is the ultimate goal. - There’s a lot of pressure.
This transition year can be difficult, not only academically but socially as well. There’s an added component of being judged by an entirely different group of people, all while dealing with the typical hormonal changes and adolescent angst that occur at this age. The pressure can definitely mount.
What Your Student Can Do Now
- Be prepared.
Knowing what the expectations are can help alleviate some anxiety. It may be beneficial to talk to a few upcoming sophomores about their experiences the previous year to hear the strategies they used to help them during their freshman year. - Get a head start.
Brush up on some math, reading and science concepts using online tools or leftover eighth grade materials or textbooks. Find out what type of placement testing is used for core tracks and see if any sample tests are offered. Having this type of preparation before classes begin will put your student ahead of the game. - Create a network of support.
If the school offers an orientation session, attend it with your student. Introduce yourself to another parent and encourage conversation between your students. Compare class schedules and see if there are any shared classes so your student has a familiar face in some of them. Check to see if the school offers any additional programs, seminars or cultural events for incoming freshmen to soften the transition to high school.
What Your Student Can Do Later
- Find a friend.
Depending upon your student’s comfort level, try setting a personal goal to talk to at least one student in each class the first day of school. More than likely, that student has similar anxiety and will welcome the outreach. - Be organized.
If your student hasn’t previously used a planner or calendar system for academics, now is the perfect opportunity to start. If the school doesn’t offer planners, or your student doesn’t like the school planners, office supply stores typically have many styles to choose from, and it can be fun deciding on the best option. - Make the connection.
Current grades are connected to the future, whether that includes college admission or an apprenticeship. Colleges review the overall four-year GPA, not just the senior year. In Iowa, the three Regent universities use a formula called the Regent Admission Index (RAI) to determine admission. The RAI uses the ACT/SAT score, the cumulative GPA and core course completion to determine a student’s admission. In addition to academics, a well-rounded high school experience could also include extra-curricular activities, a part-time job and a social life. Time management skills are a necessary part of high school.
What You Can Do
- Watch for signs that your student is struggling.
Consistent unexcused absences should trigger a warning sign and are definitely cause for concern. Discuss any concerns with teachers and counselors and find solutions early in the school year so your student doesn’t fall behind. Attendance, behavior and course performance tend to be the most accurate measurements of succeeding in and moving beyond ninth grade. - Encourage an open-door policy.
Hopefully, your student is aware of your willingness to listen and help whenever needed. Talk about your student’s individual strengths and talents and help find ways to express them to build confidence and self-esteem. Welcome your teen’s friends into your home and provide a safe and supportive environment for studying and conversation with your supervision. - Pay attention to your student’s online presence.
Social media sites are so prevalent in your teenager’s world, and now your student’s activity really matters for future college and career plans. Help your student see the good and bad that comes with using technology and consider researching a course that teaches digital citizenship. Your student’s social media accounts can also provide good indicators of current challenges, emotional upheavals and social situations that may be worth monitoring.
Next Steps
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