Here's What Supportive Adults Can Do

What you can do Throughout High School for your Student

• Know the classes your student needs to graduate. To do this you should meet at least twice a year with your student's high school counselor.
• Make sure your student's schedule includes the required classes.
• Encourage your student to take AP or honors classes.
• Be an active participant in your student's schoolwork.
• Maintain contact with your student's teacher.
• Monitor your student's attendance.
• Encourage your student to get involved in extracurricular activities.
• Review every report card and progress report.
• If your student's grades are low, speak to the teachers and guidance counselor about ways your student can improve or work for extra credit.
• If your student needs help, ask about tutoring or after school help.
• If your student is having problems, meet with the guidance counselor.
• Tell your student you're proud of them and encourage them to work hard.

Help your Student get the Best Grades Possible

• Make sure your student has a quiet place to study.
• Help your student study: quiz them, highlight important sections.
• Make homework and study time a daily routine.
• Limit TV and computer time not related to schoolwork.
• If your student needs help, talk to their teacher and see if extra help or tutoring is available. Ask for advice on study habits.
• Tell your student's teacher if something's going on at home, or if you're concerned about anything.
• Meet with your student's teachers regularly and ask questions:
  • How is he/she doing in your class?
  • How can he/she improve?
  • What major projects or papers will he/she have to complete?
  • How much homework can he/she expect?
  • How are grades determined?
  • Do you offer extra help or tutoring?
  • What can I do to help him/her in your class?

Helping your Student Prepare for the SAT or ACT

• Encourage your student to take the tests seriously, but not to worry about scores.
• Be sure your student gets plenty of rest the night before.
• Have them eat a healthy breakfast before the test.
• Know where the test center is in advance so they can arrive early.
• Make sure your student has their admission ticket, photo ID, two No. 2 pencils with erasers, calculator with fresh batteries and a healthy snack.
• Both the ACT and SAT offer online resources, such as practice tests and questions of the day. Guide your student to these resources.
• Many high schools offer SAT and ACT prep courses. Check with your student's high school counselor.
• Other prep courses are available through private prep companies, such as Sylvan Learning and Kaplan Test Prep, but these companies charge a fee.