WELCOME LOVEJOY MIDDLE SCHOOL College Experience Advisement Program

A:B2 Plan to Achieve Goals A:B2.1 Establish challenging academic goals in elementary, middle/ jr. high and high school A:B2.2 Use assessment results in educational planning A:B2.3 Develop and implement annual plan of study to maximize academic ability and achievement A:B2.4 Apply knowledge of aptitudes and interests to goal setting A:B2.5 Use problem-solving and decision-making skills to assess progress toward educational goals A:B2.6 Understand the relationship between classroom performance and success in school A:B2.7 Identify post-secondary options consistent with interests, achievement, aptitude and abilities Objectives

PURPOSE The purpose of the College Experience Advisement Program is to support and prepare students academically and socially for transitioning into high school, college and beyond.

Why are we using the College Theme? The College Experience theme at Lovejoy Middle is designed to increase your awareness about college. Therefore, each advisement group has been designated as a representative for a college or university. As we move forward with each advisement session, we want you to ask questions about college, For example, “Ask your advisor how was their college experience”

INTRODUCTION TO GOALS & DECISION MAKING

Planning to Attend College Means……. Setting GOALS Now!!!

ACTION

You should be clear about what you want to happen Not Specific: I want to make good grades Specific: I want to have a 93 average in science by September 30, 2013

You should be able to track your goal Not Measurable: I want to make a lot of free throw shots Measurable: I want to make at least 9 out of 10 free throw shots in the next basketball game

ACTION What small specific actions must you take to achieve this goal Wrong: In order to make a 93 average in science by September 30, 2013 I must study Right: In order to make a 93 average in science by September 30, 2013, I must study my science notes every night for 20 minutes

Can you achieve these goals? Is it doable? Unrealistic: I want make 200 free throw shots in one game Realistic: I want to make 8 out of 10 of the free throw shots that I attempt

You should set a timeframe for your goal No time: I want to raise my grades Time: I want to raise my grades in Math and Science to an “A” by September 30, 2013

You Are Not The First Middle School Students To Hear About The Importance of Setting Goals & Making Good Decisions MAY 2012 at a High School Near You……….. One Hundred and Fifty Plus (150 +) 9 th Grade Students were Retained They Didn’t Listen………

“I Didn’t Listen” “I chose Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram over doing homework”

“I Didn’t Listen” “I joked around in class, and if I wasn’t late for class, I just skipped”

“I Didn’t Listen” “I don’t know what I’m going to do now…..”

“I disrespected my teachers, and I got into a lot of fights in school” “I go to court in 2 weeks………” “I Didn’t Listen”

MAKE GOOD DECISIONS Some Decisions you can learn from Some Decisions Don’t Allow you to have a second chance (some are irreversible) Be a Leader and not a Follower Listen to your inner voice; trust your intuition. What feels right? If you are making a decision that can have long time consequences, take your time. Don’t rush and make an impulsive decision.

Don’t Be That One Person “Study Hard, Work Hard”

HANDOUT “What Will Your Future Bring?” Distribute handout and have open-discussion after students complete it