Keys to College or Career Success

All of us want the best for every child. But we don’t all agree on what ”best” is.  Should all students take higher level math and science classes? college-prep classes? advanced placement courses? When it comes to specifics, there is no consensus. But the majority of us do agree that it includes more than the three Rs of reading, ’riting, and ’rithmetic. 

Key 5 Goals   Here are five key goals that will help your student become a successful, well-rounded person   1. Empirical Reasoning How do I prove it? This goal is to think like a scientist: to use empirical evidence and a logical process to make decisions and to evaluate hypotheses.   2. Quantitive Reasoning How do I measure, compare or represent it? This goal is to think like a mathematician: to understand numbers, to analyze uncertainty, to comprehend the properties of shapes, and to study how things change over time.   3. Communication How do I take in and express ideas? This goal is to be a good communicator: to understand your audience, to write, read, speak and listen well, to use technology and artistic expression to communicate, and to be exposed to another language.   4. Social Reasoning What are other people’s perspectives on this? This goal is to think like an historian or anthropologist: to see diverse perspectives, to understand social issues, to explore ethics, and to look at issues historically.   5. Personal Qualities What do I bring to this process? This goal is to be the best you can be: to demonstrate respect, responsibility, organization, leadership, time management, and to reflect on your abilities and strive for improvement.   Credit: Big Picture Learning Company, www.bigpictureonline.org

Most of us also agree that a K-12 education should prepare students for higher education or a good-paying job; the requirements are similar, and include skills, habits, and knowledge like the five key goals listed in the left column. As a parent, you have several tools at your disposal to help your child, whatever grade level they are in, to lay the groundwork for a great future. 

Encouraging

Throughout their school career, encourage your student to aim high, work hard, and do their best. This applies to academics, but also to attitudes and habits like time management and self-discipline.

Guiding
According to research on high school students aspiring to college, families have more influence on students than peers or teachers. Use that advantage to guide your student into making wise choices about their education. Allow them to have more opportunities to make decisions for themselves as they mature and exhibit responsible behaviors. 

Monitoring
Keep track of how your student is doing at school. Talk to your student. A simple daily conversation with open-ended questions about what they are doing in school, is a good way to stay tuned in to their progress, their attitudes, and any problems. And it shows you care. Talk to your child’s teachers. Attend parent-teacher conferences. Follow your child’s and your school’s ISAT scores, but also review other important indicators, such as your child’s report cards, teacher comments, and samples of school work.

Check Homework
Review homework and collect samples of their assignments. Does the quality meet your expectations? If you’re not sure, ask the teacher for a copy of what students in that grade are expected to learn that year. Grade level standards are readily available on most school and school district web sites or on the State Department of Education web site: www.sde.idaho.gov/ contentstandards/default.asp

Choosing
Every child has unique needs. Do your best to make sure your child’s learning environment is right for them. Idaho is an open enrollment state, and although in many areas, choices may be limited, you may have more choices and resources than you think when it comes to schools, teachers, and classes.

Expecting Results
Set high expectations for your child. If your student falls short, be honest in your criticism; false praise undermines success. In the real world, expectations will be set and met. By being realistic, you’ll be helping your student succeed. As they improve, let them know how proud you are of their discipline and accomplishments.

Learning Schools provide many resources beyond the classroom, but teachers and counselors can be stretched thin. If your child has a particular problem or opportunity, make sure you learn as much as you can about it so you can be better prepared to partner with your child’s teachers and counselors at your child’s school.

Advocating & Acting
No one knows your child better than you. Be an advocate not a bystander when it comes to your child’s education, and your student will reap the benefits.