College Readiness 101 (for parents and students) Ricky Dobbs, Ph.D. Professor of History Dean, University College Texas A&M University-Commerce

College readiness: is it possible? Not exactly Focus on content Alignment Focus on scores What do scores mean? It is really all about attitude Parents can help in the formation of that attitude Two very different cultures Professors are experts in their field, usually with a terminal degree Professors have a lot of autonomy and control over their classes College/University assumes self-motivated adult students High school student/teacher/parent interaction does not resemble higher ed

To be early is to be on time; to be on time is to be late Apply early Complete financial aid documents on time Investigate degree plans Ask for information Arrive at class on time Start assignments early Study well in advance Seek help as soon as you need it Know the rules, follow the rules

Smart is as smart does. Do not be too clever by half. Was high school easy? All bets are off. Be prepared for a shock. Freedom does not mean go crazy. Penny-wise, pound-foolish– live on campus. Study and study smart. You cannot remember things without taking notes. Be open to trial and error, but learn from mistakes quickly. Remediation is more common than you think. Learn to bounce back. RMS Titanic, 1912, Harland and Wolff

What can parents do? Eight suggestions based off national, state, local data and own experience as professor and administrator Most basic summary: Step back Let them learn and grow Even if it is painful

Encourage Reading Encourage students to read on their own Read with them or discuss reading with them Students need to be able to talk about what they read and write about it If you can’t talk about it or write about it, you did not understand it

No participation trophies in college Typically no extra credit Usually no bonus for attendance No external pressure on professors to even things out

Guide them in proper use of technology Technology will not save us Knowledge acquisition and assimilation v. retrieval Mastering basics– electronic communication and etiquette Ethical use of technology

Students should take themselves seriously Professionalism Maturity Manners Demeanor Presentation Outlook Students will only be taken seriously if they take themselves seriously

Ethical standards Do your own work Acknowledge the work of others when you utilize it Develop your own personal talents Cheating is a grade killer in college.

Support demanding teachers Support demanding teaching and assignments Encourage compliance with policies and guidelines Don’t ask for or expect exceptions for your student

Resist urge to come to the rescue In college very little a parent can do FERPA Professor’s autonomy Student’s openness Bureaucracy and layers of process Build clear solid communication with your student if you want to know what’s going on