9th graders’ guide to a successful 2nd quarter at RAHS Fresh Start 9th graders’ guide to a successful 2nd quarter at RAHS

Overview Identify premise Acknowledge the challenges Identify strategies to address gaps in knowledge and skills Identify strategies to address ineffective habits Identify habits of effective students

Premise At one level or another, we have all chosen to be here. Great things are accomplished by people with vision who work to make that vision real. We want to feel a sense of accomplishment. We want to be appreciated by others. We are doing the best we can with the resources we have.

The challenges On average, grades are lower for class of 2020 than they have been for other classes at end of 1st quarter. Grades are intended to quantify learning and, intentionally or not, also quantify effort. Inference: Lower-than-expected grades are the result of gaps in skills and knowledge ineffective habits both

Strategies to address gaps in knowledge and skills Spend more time with academic content. Identify your weaknesses. Practice by yourself for ~20 minutes every day. Get help from a trusted peer or adult. Attend homework club Every day at lunch Tues & Thurs: 0745 – 0845

Strategies to address ineffective habits Establish targets and evaluate progress. Track what’s happening. Manage your paper. Manage your time. Self-advocate.

Strategies to address ineffective habits Establish targets and evaluate progress Track what’s happening. Manage your paper. Manage your time. Self-advocate. Sharpen your focus. Establish SMART goals Specific Measurable Achievable Results-focused Time-bound Evaluate progress Adjust goals as necessary.

Strategies to address ineffective habits Establish targets and evaluate progress Track what’s happening. Manage your paper. Manage your time. Self-advocate. Preview course websites for the week to come. Reduce or eliminate distractions. Capture key ideas and relationships in your notes.

Strategies to address ineffective habits Establish targets and evaluate progress Track what’s happening. Manage your paper. Manage your time. Self-advocate. Systems will vary. At minimum, Include your name and class name. Keep papers from one class separate from papers from other classes. Keep papers that require your action separate from papers that can be archived.

Strategies to address ineffective habits Establish targets and evaluate progress Track what’s happening. Manage your paper. Manage your time. Self-advocate. Use your planner effectively Take out your planner at the start of each class. Write the homework assignments for the class as soon as you know what it is If no homework, write “N/A”. Before leaving class, verify you know what your homework is AND that you have the tools to complete it. When you start your homework, begin by taking out your planner and estimating time required for each task.

Strategies to address ineffective habits Establish targets and evaluate progress Track what’s happening. Manage your paper. Manage your time. Self-advocate. Make a reasonable schedule Start and stop at a reasonable time. Build in reasonable breaks (e.g., 50 min on, 10 min off). “on” = focused and undistracted If you are involved in extracurricular activities or have other responsibilities outside of school, budget for that time.

Strategies to address ineffective habits Establish targets and evaluate progress Track what’s happening. Manage your paper. Manage your time. Self-advocate. Clearly and respectfully communicate your needs. With teammates With friends With your family With teachers With advisor and counselor Follow-through on your commitments.

Habits of Effective Students Honestly self-assess strengths and weaknesses. Establish SMART goals. Manage papers and time effectively. Interact productively. Access resources when they need help.