4 Tips for Your Sophomore Year of High School

As the parent of a 10th grader, you may recall the heartaches of this awkward year of high school and how challenging it can be. What can make this year awkward from a college-readiness standpoint is that your teen isn’t quite fully in the college admissions phase. To make the most of this year, here are four sophomore year of high school tips that I have learned over the years:

#1 – Develop Self-awareness

This is a great year for your teen to get in touch with who they are and what they want . . . not just being who their parents say they are or imitating their friends’ interests.

Developing self-awareness can be done through taking some initial inventories and interest surveys that can help with figuring out likes and dislikes. Your school counselor may have access to some really great tools that your teen can take.

The key will be making sure that they review the results with their counselor and you should get a copy as well to discuss with your teen. Perhaps interpreting the results can lead your teen to consider certain careers or help with building their interpersonal skills, depending on the survey instrument taken.

#2 – Re-evaluate friend groups

This second tip may sound a bit harsh in some way, but 10th grade is a good time for your teen to really reassess their friend groups. When I say reassess friend groups, it’s really about your teen thinking about who is a friend and who is not a friend.

And if it’s someone that’s really not a good friend to them, then it’s okay to exit that relationship and not be in a place where they feel bad about themselves or unwanted.

I’ve seen a number of teens go through this experience and it’s been one that’s really been valuable for them in 10th grade. During 9th grade, they may have made some friends that weren’t the best choices. Because 11th grade will likely be a bit more intense, managing toxic relationships at school could be even more challenging.

Sophomore year can be a good time to join a new group because it’s likely that there are some other classmates who are also open to new friendships.

#3 – Pursue interests

Your teen should consider pursuing what interests them . . . whether it’s a particular club at school or community service activity. The key is that whichever activity they pursue, make sure that it’s not about doing what their friends are doing or participating because mom/dad suggested.

BTW, I understand that this may sound easier than it is in practice, especially if your teen does not want to be involved. A parent shared recently that they forced their teen to choose one club to join. Although I don’t recommend “forcing” a teen to do anything, you, the parent, would know best what will motivate your teen to take action.

What have you done when your teen has been reluctant to participate at school?

#4 – Spend summer wisely

Encourage your sophomore to spend their summer in a productive, intentional way.

For example, let’s say that your teen completes an interest inventory and the results show that they may be a fit for business. Then they could consider a summer internship, part-time job and/or countless summer business programs. These summer experiences could help them determine whether business really is an area that interest them.

One of my students attended a summer business program after his sophomore year and realized that marketing interested him far more than finance. That’s an important distinction to make because business is such a broad field. (With an interest an marketing, then that could lead to getting involved with DECA during junior year.)

Whatever the experience your teen pursues during the summer, remember to be intentional about the summer and not just let the summer happen to your teen.

For more insights and tips for sophomore year, check out our 10th grade roadmap which includes specific month-by-month suggested actions, colleges worth considering and scholarships!

4 Tips for Ninth Grade

Ninth Grade

Ninth grade is a very big deal! It’s a transitional year that can set the tone for the rest of high school and beyond.

While parents may be tempted to “back off” in terms of involvement, it’s really the time to step up your engagement. Granted, your engagement may not be as hands-on as helping in the classroom, your assistance with guiding your teen to make the most of high school is important.

4 Tips for Ninth Grade

Practice good organizational and study skills. These are foundational skills that your teen will continue to rely upon each and every year.

Although courses may be a bit more challenging in ninth grade, they will get even more challenging for 10th, 11th and 12th Grade. So ninth grade is a great time to start practicing those good organizational and study skills. If your teen’s skills are weak in these areas, then 9th grade is an ideal time to figure out what works. There are any number of books and/or digital tools/apps that your teen can use to develop these skills.

Get involved with only one or two activities at school. During 9th grade, there’ll be so many new things happening. . . new teachers. . . perhaps new friend groups, and more. It will be all too easy to participate in the same activities as friends. Rather than follow the crown, I would suggest that your teen figures out their own you and focus on participating in only one or two clubs (including sports). Getting involved in too many activities at once may add too much undue stress and slow down their adjustment to high school.

Map courses forward. Courses taken in 9th grade play a role in the course selection for the remainder of high school. So, rather than considering 9th grade only, you can determine the core courses for 10th 11th and 12th grade as well (includes foreign language). This can help your teen see where there may be gaps in their course schedule and plan ahead for creative ways to fill any gaps.

Be intentional about summer. Gone are the days of only “hanging out” in the summer. Having fun and going on family vacations are important. However, there are typically many more other weeks for participating in a summer program, interning, reading several books, even focusing on a creative project. Whatever it is your teen does during the summer, be intentional about it, i.e. have a reason for participating!

Check out my 9th-grade roadmap for more timely tips to navigate each month of this year! (Choose “9th Grade” with the blue button here on this page.)

How to Make Reading Fun for Kids

Summer reading for teens who hate reading | how to make reading fun for kids

What if I told you helping your child develop a love for reading is one of the best gifts you can give?

It will benefit your child throughout her life—teens who love reading have a better likelihood of getting into the college of their choice. (More on that later.)

One of the first questions I ask college-bound students is, “Tell me about the last book you read for pleasure.” 

Usually, there’s a pause. Then they mention a book that’s clearly from a school reading list like “Catcher in the Rye” or “To Kill a Mockingbird”.

“Really? For pleasure?” I ask. 

Once I call them out on it, they usually confess that the last one was a Harry Potter novel from several years ago. 

My bolder students will come out and admit that they “hate” reading.

Over the years, about 25 percent of the students I’ve worked with have been avid readers who truly love diving into a good book. 

Those are the students who’ve been admitted to the most selective colleges, like Stanford, Harvard, University of Chicago, MIT, and similar.

What’s interesting is that when I ask parents if their child is a reader, about 75 percent say their teen “used to be” a reader. 

When I then ask them when their child stopped reading, the most common response is: “Sixth grade.”

Why teens stop reading in grade 6.

There are several reasons why teens stop reading:

  • Screen time
  • Pressure to “be cool”
  • Friends don’t read or talk about books
  • Parents stop reading aloud to them

Yes, I did suggest that parents should continue reading aloud even through high school! 

Why parents should read aloud to their children (even when they’re teenagers!)

Reading aloud to your teen is a great way to model reading and expose your teen to an expanded vocabulary and important ideas. 

It goes back to the James Baldwin quote: “Children have never been very good at listening to their elders, but they have never failed to imitate them.”

Middle School Reading List

To help your child develop a love of reading in middle school, try offering the following books.

6th Inkheart
Cornelia Funke		 The Cay
Theodore Taylor
  Hatchet
Gary Paulsen		 Among the Hidden
Margaret Peterson Haddix and Cliff Nielsen
  Mysterious Benedict Society
Trenton Lee Stewart		  
7th Chains
Laurie Halse Anderson		 Chasing Vermeer
Blue Balliett
  Al Capone Does My Shirts
Gennifer Choldenko		 Supernaturalist
Eoin Colfer
  Code Orange
Caroline B. Cooney		  
8th The Secret Garden
Frances Hodgson Burnett		 Red Kayak
Priscilla Cummings
  Hattie Big Sky
Kirby Larson		 Uglies
Scott Westerfeld
  To Be A Slave
Julius Lester		  

 

What is your teen reading this summer?

I understand that the school year is busy and your teen has a lot of homework. 

That means summer break is a good time for your teen to read! 

Many studies, including this article from The School Library Journal, have shown that students who don’t read consistently over the summer see their reading abilities stagnate. 

Even worse, this effect grows more prominent as they advance into high school.

Not every child naturally loves reading. Sometimes you might need to help them along, and summer is a great time to do so!

Here are 5 tips on how to make reading fun for your kids this summer:

  1. Have your teen set a summer reading goal and keep them accountable.
  2. Have your teen choose their own book to read, whether it’s graphic novels, cookbooks, or romance novels about vampires. . .reading is reading.
  3. Encourage your teen to read a book they enjoy for at least thirty minutes a day.
  4. Model reading for your teen. The more they see you reading, the more likely they are to follow your example.
  5. Have your teen sign up for the summer reading challenge at a local library. This could be a fun form of competition and a way to meet other teen readers.

It’s not too late! To help your teen pick out books to read this summer, we’ve compiled this list from several libraries and organized them by grade. 

High School Reading List

9th Drowned City: Hurricane Katrina
and New Orleans
Don Brown		 We Were Liars
E. Lockhart
  Midwinterblood
Marcus Sedgwick		 Between Shades of Gray
Ruta Sepetys
  Code Name Verity
Elizabeth Wein		  
10th Ready Player One
Ernest Cline		 The Last Lecture
Randy Pausch
  Into Thin Air
Jon Krakauer		 Six of Crows
Leigh Bardugo
  Bone Gap
Laura Ruby		  
11th I’ll Give You the Sun
Jandy Nelson		 Debunk It!: How To Stay Sane in a World of Misinformation
John Grant
  Defy the Stars
Claudia Gray		 The May Queen Murders
Sarah Jude
  In the Shadow of Blackbirds
Cat Winters		  
12th The Short and Tragic Life of Robert Peace
Jeff Hobbs		 Enter Title Here
Rahul Kanakia
  American Girls
Alison Umminger		 Dirt Bikes, Drones, & Other Ways to Fly
Conrad Wesselhoeft
  Game Changers: The Unsung Heroines of Sports History
Molly Schiot		  

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Becoming a real reader can improve your teen’s vocabulary, make them a better writer, help them get into college, and enlarge their breadth of understanding of the world around them. 

What books would you add to these lists? Let me know in the comments below. 

Need a little more guidance?

For one-on-one support and other resources to help you or your child get into (or pay) for college click here.

If you’d like to learn more about helping your teen get into college, don’t miss these posts:

How to Save Time When Seeking Money for College
College Essay How-to: Who is someone you admire?
Get In and Get Money: 5 Tips for College-Bound Juniors

 

5 Key Things To Do The Summer Before Senior Year

a student surrounded by flowers preparing for senior year | things to do the summer before senior year | Compass College Advisory

Ahhh, summer vacation. It’s finally here. You’ve waited all year for a break from high school so you can sleep in, enjoy the sunshine, relax, and kick up your feet.

But for students who are entering their senior year of high school this fall, these aren’t the only things you should be focused on.

Start College Prep in the Summer before Senior Year

As important as it is to enjoy yourself this summer, there are things you should be doing to make sure your transition to college goes as smoothly as possible!

Dedicating just a bit of your summer vacation to preparing for senior year and beyond will pay off in the months to come.

Here are 5 key things you should be doing the summer before senior year.

Put the finishing touches on your college list.

If you haven’t finalized the list of colleges you want to apply to, summer is an excellent time to start narrowing it down.

When you’re creating your list of colleges, you’ll want to compare what they have to offer in relation to what you’re hoping to get out of your college experience.

Some of the factors to consider are:

  • Academic fit
  • Social fit
  • Vocational fit
  • Financial fit

Begin by creating a big list of colleges (maybe 15-20) and categorize each of those schools by your likelihood of being admitted:

  • ‘Safety schools’ are schools you have a higher-than likely chance of being admitted to because your standardized test scores and high school grades are higher than the average for admitted students. But they might not have all the things you want in a college.
  • ‘Likelies’ or ‘matches’ are schools that you have a fair chance of being accepted to (maybe 40-60%) and they have most of what you’re looking for.
  • ‘Reaches’ are schools that will be more challenging and competitive to be accepted into. Often, these schools check off all the boxes for what you’re looking for in a college experience.

Because the likelihood of being admitted to a reach school is lower than that of a safety or match school, you don’t want to include only reach schools on your list—but that doesn’t mean they should be excluded!

Focus on having the highest number of match schools on your list, but include reach and safety schools, too.

Consider starting your campus visits.

When students ask about the best time to visit college campuses, there isn’t one right answer.

If you visit campuses during the summer, you risk not getting a full taste of what campus life would be like during the academic year.But for parents who can’t make college visits work during the rest of the year, summer college campus visits can be a great choice.

Senior year is a notoriously busy time in a student’s life, and adding college visits to that can be next to impossible in some cases. If a summer visit to a college campus is the only time that will work for you and your parents, go for it! Just be sure to plan your visit weeks in advance.

Many colleges have summer visit schedules, and you can choose between:

  • Individual visits
  • Open houses
  • Self-guided tours

Depending on what the college has to offer, you can choose what’s right for you and what visit will give you the best idea of what life at that college would be like for you.

Set goals for the school year.

I advise students to set 3-5 foundational goals for each school year.

These goals help you determine your purpose, stay motivated, be accountable, believe in yourself, and know when to ask for help if you need it.

You can use your list of goals to check in on your progress as your senior year progresses.

What are some goals to include on my list?

Here are a few examples of goals you might want to add to your list:

  • Maintain a _____ GPA.
  • Meet with a teacher after school each week.
  • Increase volunteer hours at _________________ by 1 hour per week.
  • Start a ___________ club at my community center.
  • Complete art portfolio with __ drawings by end of semester.

Pursue your passions and keep building your college resume.

The summer before senior year is also a time to focus on things that are productive, interesting, and challenging.

You don’t need to think about school 24/7, and in fact, I’d strongly advise students NOT do this! Yes, you should put some work into preparing for college, but you also need to take advantage of the time off school to pursue your passions. After all, pursuing your passions is a great way to build your college resume!

Maybe you’re passionate about working with children. Take time in the summer before senior year to mentor or tutor younger students. Or if travel is your passion, consider volunteering abroad where you are not only helping others, but getting life experience and resume material at the same time. Maybe you’re not sure of what your passion is yet. The summer before senior year is a great time to find out! And how do you do that?

By trying new things! Attempting new tasks or activities takes you out of your comfort zone and helps you grow as a person. At the same time, you’re likely to meet interesting people and learn something new.

Begin drafting your college essay…at the end of summer!

As you’ve seen, the summer before senior year is a time to pursue your passions and build your college resume. The experiences you’re bound to have over the summer could prove life-changing, and would make great material for your college essays.  

Waiting until the end of summer to begin drafting your college essays will allow you to give this task the attention it deserves. You’ll also be able to reflect on your summer experiences when you’re writing your essay.

Preparing for college life and beyond.

All of these things help you follow or determine your passion, and by doing that, you help build your college resume and prepare yourself for the life experiences to come.

Summer is meant to be enjoyed, but if you can make the summer before senior year fun AND productive, you’ll set yourself up for more success down the road!

Need a little more guidance?

For one-on-one support and other resources to help you or your child get into (or pay) for college click here.

If you enjoyed this article, don’t miss these posts either:

3 Reasons Why Taking the SAT and ACT Might be a Waste of Time and Money

How To Motivate Your Teen To Visit Colleges…and Survive Visits As a Parent

College Essay How-to: Who is someone you admire?

How to Organize School Records in 2 Easy Steps

parents of middle schoolers school records

For parents of middle-schoolers, midway through the academic year is a good time to set up your organization system for school records.

All of my new client meetings begin with a review of school records, like their transcripts, teacher comments and achievement tests. I realize that it’s no small task to keep track of numerous odd-sized bits of paper, sometimes carbon-copied with faded dates and scores. And what do you do with those colorful guides with rows of achievement scores and percentile rankings?

As a mom of 3, I understand how overwhelming it can be to keep track of all the information that comes home from school. When you combine the physical documents with email notifications, it gets even messier . . .

1. Set up filing system first

Using the term “filing system” may sound a bit intimidating. However, once you set it up, it will be easy to maintain. You can begin your child’s academic file with a manila folder labeled with their name.

What to Keep in Manila Folder

Your child’s academic folder at home should hold:

  • all classroom-based assessment reports for each testing year
  • standardized test reports, such as EXPLORE, PSAT, SAT
  • letters on district scoring
  • copies of individual education plans (IEPs)
  • records on gifted and talent qualifications
  • copy of most recent forms submitted at the beginning of the school year
  • grade reports with teacher comments
  • any other email communications related to assessments
  • profiles/inventories conducted at school

In short this folder should, at a minimum, include a copy of any records/reports that your school has on file about your child. Keeping track of these documents will facilitate parent-teacher conferences and help you with understanding how you can best support their academic success.

2. Organize personal projects in a Binder

Separately, you can prepare a thick, 3-ring binder labeled with their name, school year, and grade level.

This binder can be used to hold assignments and writings that your child produced during the school year. I’m not suggesting that you have to keep every scrap of paper that they colored. I do recommend that you keep any journal entries and assignments that demonstrate their creative thinking/problem solving skills development.

These are helpful for reviewing your child’s progress over the academic year and again being able to support them in areas where they may need more assistance. Likewise, these organized assignments can be used to encourage and congratulate your child on all their efforts during that grade year. You will also be surprised how much children enjoy looking through these past assignments and marveling at their development.

Your child may accumulate a lot of paper during the year. I collect their assignments regularly in a hanging file folder then put in the binder as I make time. (There’s no such thing as “having” time for this, so you’ll have to “make” the time.) Be careful not to wait too long before placing in the binder, because otherwise it will seem too overwhelming to even bother.

What Are School Records and Why Are They Important?

What are school records? They are official documents that track a student’s academic performance, achievements, and any other pertinent information related to their education. These records include report cards, standardized test scores, IEPs, teacher comments, attendance records, and more. They are essential not just for monitoring academic progress, but also for making informed decisions about your child’s educational needs.

Organizing these records ensures that you have all necessary information at your fingertips when needed. Whether it’s for a parent-teacher conference, applying for scholarships, or preparing for college admissions, having organized school records can make these processes much smoother.

Why these steps will pay off in high school

I strongly encourage middle school parents to get these school records in order because in the high school years you should transfer these files to your teen!

Yes . . . I said it . . . Your teen owns their high school experience.

Throughout high school, the key attribute that your teen should develop is self-advocacy. If the parent holds all of their documents, then whenever a teen needs to answer for him/herself or request help, it will be filtered through their parents. Likewise, if your teen is college-bound, they own the college admissions process. Do you really want your teen to ask you for their PSAT score?

If you relocate, keeping these school records organized will save you a lot of time and stress with transitioning to a new school. When you’re considering any enrichment opportunities for your child, having these records on hand can save you time in knowing whether your child qualifies for consideration. The same is true for college planning, which always comes sooner than you think. In each of these cases, you will be asked to show academic records and it’s too easy to miss deadlines if you have to gather too much background information.

How are you organizing your child’s school records? Do you have an attic full of loose papers or a file cabinet of labeled folders and binders for each child? Please share any tips you have for staying organized with academic records.

Questions to Ask at a College Fair: Making the Most of It

questions to ask at a college fair

During the spring and fall of every year, there are numerous college fairs. The national fairs are often strongly represented with colleges from around the US, while the local and regional fairs tend to have more colleges from your area. The more prestigious colleges may have alumni representatives at your local and regional fairs as well. Either way, given the large number of colleges represented at these fairs, families can feel overwhelmed by where to start. Knowing the right questions to ask at a college fair can help you navigate these events effectively.

DAYS BEFORE THE COLLEGE FAIR
To get the most out of a college fair, teens should start before they even go. The three things to do beforehand would be:

1.  Set a game plan of which college representatives you want to meet before attending the fair. Going without a plan can be a headache ready to happen!

2.  Prepare questions (get our comparison checklist for sample questions) beforehand that you can ask college representatives at the fair. It’s OK to ask the same questions to ask at a college fair for each college you visit.

3.  Print pre-printed labels with your contact information. This will save you time. If there’s a long line to talk to a representative, you can still provide your information and follow-up when you visit the campus in-person.

DURING THE FAIR
Now that you’ve prepared for the college fair, it’s time to attend . . . making sure that you’re dressed appropriately, getting there in plenty of time to find parking and visit with your top choice colleges. 

4.  Use the comparison checklist to keep track of each college visited. This will prove invaluable for campus visits and writing application essays.

5.  Make sure you get a business card from the college representatives that you meet to email or call later.

6.  Surprise yourself and visit with a college representative that’s not busy and not on your list. Some of these representatives travel from far distances to meet new students. This can be a great, low-risk way to learn something new . . .you may be pleasantly surprised by what you learn. More importantly, this new contact can inform your perspective on other campuses.

Questions to Ask at a College Fair

Knowing the right questions to ask at a college fair can help you gather the most useful information. Here are some essential questions to consider:

  • Academics: What are the most popular majors? What is the average class size?
  • Admissions: What are the admission requirements? Are there any special programs or honors colleges?
  • Campus Life: What extracurricular activities are available? What is the campus culture like?
  • Financial Aid: What types of financial aid and scholarships are available? What is the average student debt upon graduation?
  • Support Services: What kind of support services are available for students (tutoring, mental health, career services)?

Which fairs will you visit? Safe travels and be sure to take our comparison checklist with you to make sure you make the most of participating in a college fair!

Questions to ask at a college fair

Getting Ready for Parent Teacher Conferences

Parent Teacher Conference Questions | Compass College Advisory

As parent teacher conferences approach, it’s essential to prepare for a meaningful and productive discussion with your child’s teacher. Whether your child is in elementary, middle, or high school, these meetings provide a valuable opportunity to support their academic and personal development.

Key Recommendations for Effective Parent-Teacher Conferences

Focus Beyond Grades

The primary goal of a conference is not just to discuss grades but to understand your child’s learning experience. Grades can be tracked through various means, and by middle school, students should start taking responsibility for their academic performance. A conference should offer insights into your child’s learning process rather than just their report cards.

Promote Two-Way Communication

Conferences should be an interactive platform where both teachers and parents exchange valuable information. Parents should share insights about their child’s learning preferences, interests, and social interactions, while teachers provide feedback on classroom performance. This mutual exchange enhances understanding and support for the student.

Create a Comfortable Environment

The setting of the conference matters. Avoid hierarchical setups where parents sit opposite the teacher. Instead, opt for comfortable seating arrangements that facilitate open dialogue. Schools can take inspiration from efficient queuing systems to ensure smooth and courteous interactions.

Address Underlying Messages

Pay attention to the underlying messages in parent and teacher statements. If there’s a discrepancy in perceptions about homework or classwork, ask clarifying questions to understand the root cause. This approach helps address issues effectively and collaboratively.

Share Classroom Stories

Teachers should share specific examples of students’ work and behavior in class. Narratives about a child’s engagement in subjects or projects can be enlightening for parents. Inviting parents to share stories about their child’s use of skills at home can further enrich the conversation.

Establish Communication Channels

Determine preferred methods of communication for ongoing updates about your child’s progress. Whether through emails or phone calls, setting up these channels during the conference ensures that both parties can stay informed and engaged.

Provide Honest Feedback

Parents attend conferences to understand who is spending time with their children and to learn about their child’s progress. Transparency from teachers helps build trust and a collaborative approach to supporting the student.

Essential Parent Teacher Conference Questions

Understanding your child’s academic and social development throughout the school year is crucial. Here are some important questions to guide your conversation with the teacher:

Understanding Abilities and Skills

Is my child working to their ability?

  • Ask about your child’s performance in various subjects to understand their strengths and areas needing improvement.

What are my child’s strengths and weaknesses?

  • This helps in creating a plan to support their learning effectively.

What skills will my child be expected to master this year?

  • Knowing the expected skills and grades helps set clear goals.

Grades, Tests, and Academic Progress

How are grades determined?

  • Understanding the grading system clarifies how your child’s academic progress and performance is assessed.

Which standardized tests will be given this year?

  • Knowing about upcoming tests helps you prepare and support your child better.

Behavior and Classroom Participation

What is my child’s behavior like in class?

  • Insights into your child’s behavior can reveal potential behavioral issues affecting their learning.

How does my child interact with other children?

  • Your child’s social skills and interactions are crucial for emotional development.

Does my child participate in classroom activities?

  • Active participation is a good indicator of engagement and interest in learning.

Homework Expectations and Support

How much time should my child spend on homework?

  • Understanding homework expectations helps you manage your child’s study schedule.

What can I do to support my child’s learning at home?

  • Teachers can suggest activities and resources to reinforce learning outside school.

Preparing for a Productive Conference

Discuss with Your Child

  • Talk to your child about their school experiences and any questions they might have for the teacher.

Make a List

  • Prepare a list of topics and questions to ensure all your concerns are addressed.

Share Relevant Information

  • Inform the teacher about any significant events or changes in your child’s life that might affect their school performance.

Getting Ready for Parent-Teacher Conferences

As parent-teacher conferences approach, it’s essential to prepare for a meaningful and productive discussion with your child’s teacher. Whether your child is in elementary, middle, or high school, these meetings provide a valuable opportunity to support their academic and personal development.

Key Recommendations for Effective Parent-Teacher Conferences

Focus Beyond Grades

The primary goal of a conference is not just to discuss grades but to understand your child’s learning experience. Grades can be tracked through various means, and by middle school, students should start taking responsibility for their academic performance. A conference should offer insights into your child’s learning process rather than just their report cards.

Promote Two-Way Communication

Conferences should be an interactive platform where both teachers and parents exchange valuable information. Parents should share insights about their child’s learning preferences, interests, and social interactions, while teachers provide feedback on classroom performance. This mutual exchange enhances understanding and support for the student.

Create a Comfortable Environment

The setting of the conference matters. Avoid hierarchical setups where parents sit opposite the teacher. Instead, opt for comfortable seating arrangements that facilitate open dialogue. Schools can take inspiration from efficient queuing systems to ensure smooth and courteous interactions.

Address Underlying Messages

Pay attention to the underlying messages in parent and teacher statements. If there’s a discrepancy in perceptions about homework or classwork, ask clarifying questions to understand the root cause. This approach helps address issues effectively and collaboratively.

Share Classroom Stories

Teachers should share specific examples of students’ work and behavior in class. Narratives about a child’s engagement in subjects or projects can be enlightening for parents. Inviting parents to share stories about their child’s use of skills at home can further enrich the conversation.

Establish Communication Channels

Determine preferred methods of communication for ongoing updates about your child’s progress. Whether through emails or phone calls, setting up these channels during the conference ensures that both parties can stay informed and engaged.

Provide Honest Feedback

Parents attend conferences to understand who is spending time with their children and to learn about their child’s progress. Transparency from teachers helps build trust and a collaborative approach to supporting the student.

Essential Parent-Teacher Conference Questions

Understanding your child’s academic and social development throughout the school year is crucial. Here are some important questions to guide your conversation with the teacher:

Understanding Abilities and Skills

Is my child working to their ability?

  • Ask about your child’s performance in various subjects to understand their strengths and areas needing improvement.

What are my child’s strengths and weaknesses?

  • This helps in creating a plan to support their learning effectively.

What skills will my child be expected to master this year?

  • Knowing the expected skills and grades helps set clear goals.

Grades, Tests, and Academic Progress

How are grades determined?

  • Understanding the grading system clarifies how your child’s academic progress and performance is assessed.

Which standardized tests will be given this year?

  • Knowing about upcoming tests helps you prepare and support your child better.

Behavior and Classroom Participation

What is my child’s behavior like in class?

  • Insights into your child’s behavior can reveal potential behavioral issues affecting their learning.

How does my child interact with other children?

  • Your child’s social skills and interactions are crucial for emotional development.

Does my child participate in classroom activities?

  • Active participation is a good indicator of engagement and interest in learning.

Homework Expectations and Support

How much time should my child spend on homework?

  • Understanding homework expectations helps you manage your child’s study schedule.

What can I do to support my child’s learning at home?

  • Teachers can suggest activities and resources to reinforce learning outside school.

 

Preparing for a Productive Conference

Discuss with Your Child

  • Talk to your child about their school experiences and any questions they might have for the teacher.

Make a List

  • Prepare a list of topics and questions to ensure all your concerns are addressed.

Share Relevant Information

  • Inform the teacher about any significant events or changes in your child’s life that might affect their school performance.

For parents who are getting ready for upcoming conferences, Harvard Family Research has published a useful document for reference, in English and Spanish. It also includes preparation tips for principals and teachers, which shows that the conference should be two-way communication. Reviewing the roles of principals and teachers may help ease any parent uneasiness.

The parent-teacher conference is still one of the most helpful ways for parents to be engaged in their student’s academic achievement. By preparing and asking the right questions, you can ensure that parent-teacher conferences are a productive experience, benefiting your child’s educational journey.

 

Find the College That Cares About You

As seniors are narrowing down their list of colleges, I urge them to seriously consider those colleges that are a good fit for them. Applying to those colleges that are a good fit for you gives you the best opportunity to attend the college that cares about you and where you will thrive and graduate!

“Good fit” colleges (note: plural) will match these criteria:

• Offers the course of study you want to pursue—and will provide opportunities for you to explore if you are undecided;

• Provides instruction and learning opportunities in a manner that is compatible with the way you like to learn;

• Is a good match for your level of ability and academic preparation; and

• Provides a community that feels like home

Ultimately . . .

—the ideal college—will also be the place that values you for what you have to offer!

Think about it. Wouldn’t you prefer to be at a college that recognizes your talents and abilities, interests, and perspectives—and demonstrates its commitment to investing in your success?

via The Best College? The One That Values You – The College Admissions Insider usnews.com.

During the recruitment process, college-bound students should look for these indicators that the college values your candidacy:

• Give you personal attention throughout the recruitment process;

• Answer your questions about housing, registration, and payment plans in a timely manner;

• Provide financial aid to meet your need; and

• Recognize your talents with scholarships and/or special academic opportunities i.e., study abroad, internships, research, etc.

via The Best College? The One That Values You – The College Admissions Insider usnews.com.

Invest in yourself by choosing the college that cares about you and provides the support you need to succeed.

Watch for these signs as they will tell you a lot about how you’ll be treated as an enrolled student!

More interesting posts to check out:

How to get into the University of Chicago

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How Does Boarding School Work? My Reasons Against It

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When it comes to the decision of whether to send your child to a boarding school, understanding how boarding schools work is crucial. Boarding schools are educational institutions where students live on campus during the school year. This setup provides a unique environment where academics, extracurricular activities, and social life are integrated into a structured setting. However, despite the benefits that boarding schools can offer, I’ve found myself grappling with the idea, especially when considering what boarding schools are like today.

The Evolving Perception of Boarding Schools

In recent years, there have been significant shifts in how boarding schools are perceived and chosen by families. Here are two key trends that highlight this change:

  1. Student-Initiated Interest: Unlike the traditional notion where parents “send” their children to boarding school, many students today actively seek out these opportunities. For instance, I recently met a family visiting Phillips Academy Andover, where the middle school-aged daughter was the one driving the discussion about attending boarding school. The parents, unfamiliar with what a boarding school is like, were initially hesitant but were open to exploring the option due to their daughter’s enthusiasm.
  2. Increased Awareness and Variety: Organizations like The Association of Boarding Schools (TABS) and educational consultants have played a significant role in educating families about the diversity among boarding schools. Families are learning that no two boarding schools are alike; each has its own unique culture, academic focus, and extracurricular offerings. As part of the application process, many boarding schools require campus visits and interviews, giving students firsthand experience of what boarding schools are like. For some students, these visits can affirm their desire to attend a particular school, while for others, it might lead to the realization that a specific school isn’t the right fit.

Why I Wouldn’t Consider Boarding School for My Child

As my own children approach high school age, the idea of boarding school has crossed my mind. The prospect of a boarding school education, with its rigorous academics, diverse extracurricular activities, and well-rounded social environment, is certainly appealing. Yet, I’ve identified several reasons why I would hesitate to send my child to boarding school:

  1. Location Concerns: While New England is home to many prestigious boarding schools, there are also reputable schools in the Midwest and California. However, the thought of my child being far away from home is a significant deterrent for me. Despite the benefits of the boarding school experience, the geographical distance could make it difficult for my child to maintain close family ties and could add emotional strain.
  2. Brand Name Over Substance: The reputation or brand name of a boarding school is often touted as a major selling point. However, I believe that a school’s name and history should not be the sole factors in the decision-making process. What’s more important is whether the school’s current programs and campus culture align with my child’s specific academic, social, and developmental needs. A prestigious name doesn’t guarantee that it’s the best environment for my child.
  3. Peer Influence: Another reason I would not consider a boarding school is the influence of my child’s friends. While having a friend at the same school might ease the transition, every child is unique. The reasons that make a boarding school appealing to one family may not apply to ours. My decision must be based on my child’s individual needs rather than on social factors.

The Broader Considerations

With these points in mind, the possibilities for my child’s education remain wide open. I must critically evaluate how to support my child in finding the best educational environment that meets his learning, social, and developmental needs. There are additional questions to consider, such as my child’s readiness and maturity level for the boarding school experience. Ultimately, I need to weigh these factors against my personal feelings about having my child stay close to home.

Boarding schools, by their nature, are designed to foster independence, resilience, and a strong sense of community. Students are immersed in a structured environment that promotes both academic and personal growth. However, as a parent, the thought of being apart from my child during such formative years is challenging. Would it be selfish of me to prioritize my desire to have my child nearby over the potential benefits of a boarding school education? This is a question that many parents grapple with, especially when considering the long-term impact on their child’s development.

What Boarding Schools Are Like Today

Today’s boarding schools are vastly different from the traditional images many people hold. Far from the rigid, isolated environments of the past, modern boarding schools are vibrant communities that offer a wide range of activities, from arts and sports to leadership and service opportunities. These schools emphasize holistic development, ensuring that students are not only academically prepared but also socially and emotionally well-rounded.

For example, many boarding schools now offer specialized programs in STEM, the arts, and global studies, allowing students to pursue their passions in a supportive environment. Additionally, the close-knit nature of boarding school communities means that students often form strong, lifelong friendships and build networks that can be beneficial throughout their lives.

The facilities at these schools are often state-of-the-art, with campuses that resemble small colleges. Students have access to resources that may not be available at local public schools, including advanced laboratories, art studios, and athletic facilities. Moreover, the presence of highly qualified faculty who live on or near campus ensures that students receive personalized attention and support.

Conclusion: Is Boarding School the Right Choice?

Deciding whether to send your child to boarding school is a deeply personal decision that depends on many factors, including your child’s personality, maturity level, and academic and social needs. Understanding how boarding schools work and what boarding schools are like today is essential in making an informed choice.

While there are many compelling reasons to consider boarding school, it’s important to remember that this option is not for everyone. Some students thrive in the structured, immersive environment that boarding schools provide, while others may find the distance from home and the intensity of the experience challenging.

As a parent, it’s crucial to weigh the benefits against the potential drawbacks and to consider your child’s unique needs and circumstances. Whether you ultimately decide in favor of boarding school or opt for a different educational path, the goal should always be to provide the best possible environment for your child’s growth and success.

If you’re considering boarding school for your child, take the time to visit campuses, talk to current students and parents, and reflect on what you hope to achieve through this educational experience. With careful thought and consideration, you can make the decision that is best for your family.

College Prep School – Western Reserve Academy

On a recent visit to Western Reserve Academy (WRA) in Hudson, Ohio, I lost my place on the map! One of the things that strike me whenever I visit the campus is how it reminds me of a quaint New England town tucked away from the hurriedness of an urban center. If I didn’t read the sign, perhaps I would think I was in Hanover, NH, or Wellesley, MA. When I talk with students and administrators, it’s clear that the curriculum is challenging, but the culture is fun and rooted in Midwestern values.

These photos highlight some of the features of the campus that are worth mentioning:

  • Almost all of the faculty live on campus, in dorms as well as private homes;
  • WRA is a “three-sport’ high school, which means that students must participate in sports or take a physically active course as an alternative. The gym probably gets a lot of use throughout the year.
  • The library facilities are top-notch and seniors spend plenty of time there to complete their senior thesis.
  • The “Green Key” club is special in that it matches every new student with a senior student. This supports a good way for new students to get integrated into the community.

This final feature is important from an academic point, as well as social. Community is really important at WRA.