Quality Learning for Every Student, Everyday Tonight’s Theme: Motivating Your Student for Lifelong Learning!

When you want to succeed as bad as you want to breath, then you’ll be successful. -Eric Thomas

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Oak Park High School Parent-to-Parent Education Network Meeting Why aren’t some students motivated to do well in school? 2.What can schools & parents do to motivate students? 3.How can students develop strategies to keep themselves motivated? 4.What support does OPHS provide to help students maintain motivation? 5.What other supports should OPHS provide? 6.Next Meeting : Get in Shape for 2014! Workshop for Parent & Students to get and stay on the right track.

Why aren’t some students motivated? 1.Don’t have a purpose for education or have clear goals for themselves. 2.May have had a series of bad experiences in school. 3.Little to no adult expectation of academic performance.

Why aren’t some students motivated? 1.Don’t have a purpose for education or have clear goals for themselves. Don’t see a point to going to school Don’t understand the value of education Don’t see the reward in education Can’t connect education performance with life outcomes They feel that school isn’t helping them These students will often say that school is boring or say it’s a waste of time.

Why aren’t some students motivated ? May have had a series of bad experiences in school. Might be the subject of bullying Continuously struggle with academic concepts, but the concepts keep getting harder. Might have had a bad experience with a staff member or other adult Have negative opinions about school These students will often say that they don’t just like school or that a teacher doesn’t like them.

Why aren’t some students motivated? Little to no adult expectation of academic performance. No one is monitoring report cards, test scores, etc. Have a belief that it’s okay to do poorly in certain areas Believe that parents and/or teachers don’t care nor expect them to do well. These students will often say that no one cares about how they do in school or they say they don’t have a positive role model.

POP QUIZ! Research says which of the following is most prevalent in today’s youth? A.Don’t have clear goals for themselves B.Have had a series of bad experiences C.No adult expectation of performance Research consistently shows that positive adult relationships have a strong influence on student performance.

What can parents & schools do to motivate students? NO GOALS Set academic goals for GPA, Test Scores, Grades, etc. Select strategies that will help you reach the goal Set check-points along the way, i.e. weekly grade checks, practice tests. Expose your child to what success looks like. Reward your child for achieving success at each check point. Monitor your child’s progress through school BAD EXPERIENCES Identify the source of the fear or resistance. Select strategies that will minimize or reduce the negative experience. Make school fun again by getting your child involved in arts, athletics, or other extra curricular activities. Equip your child with strategies for themselves if they encounter a negative situation. Monitor your child’s progress through school NO EXPECTATIONS Demonstrate to your child that you care about their education Push your child to achieve beyond what they think is possible. Pair your child up with a positive adult role model Monitor your child’s progress through school Equip your child with self- monitoring strategies & check their progress

How can students develop strategies to keep themselves motivated? 1.Set small goals (getting an A on your next math Test) & big goals (getting a 4.0) for yourself. Make specific plans to do better if you fall off track. 2.Find a friend or group of friends who will “stay on your head” about school. Do the same to your friends. 3.Find a quote from a popular entertainer, athlete, entrepreneur, that you respect that helps to motivate you. Put that quote in your locker, in your room, in your notebook….just about everywhere! 4.Talk, text, tweet, post, etc. with your family & friends about school and your dreams. 5.Watch This Speech from Motivational Speaker Eric Thomas! Over 4 Million Views! 6. Get motivated & inspired by your favorite celebrity like Big Sean, Trey Songz, & Ciara! Get free phone calls & reminders!

What supports does OPHS provide to help students maintain motivation? Parent Connect & Student Connect Frequent self-checks of learning goals & objectives PBIS – Rewarding positive behavior like good attendance, good grades, and overall positive attitudes Many extra-curricular activities for a variety of student interests, including female mentoring, sports, arts, music, television broadcasting & more! Advanced Learning & Technical Learning programs for interested students.

What supports does OPHS provide to help students maintain motivation? What other supports should OPHS offer to help maintain student motivation?

THANK YOU! Next Meeting: January 27 th, 2014 at 6:00PM Getting Academically in Shape for 2014 & Beyond! A Hands-On Workshop for Students and Parents. Full Dinner Service, bring the whole family!