1. Mrs. Gardner and Mr. Caro, School Counselors
Academic success!
Mrs. Gardner and Mr. Caro,
School Counselors

2. Lesson Objectives
As a result of this lesson, students will be able to:
Calculate Grade Point Averages (GPA)
Read and Understand a Transcript
Learn the importance of Organization
Know what Student Portal is and how to use it

3. AVID Essential Question
In what ways can developing strong study skills contribute to your academic success?

4. ASCA National Standards
Academic Standard Students will acquire the attitude, knowledge and skills that contribute to effective learning in school and across the lifespan Competency Indicators A:B2:6 Understand the relationship between classroom performance and success in school
Just like your teachers have standards for the lessons they teach, school counselors also have school counseling standards. These help us to focus our teaching. Here are some standards for today’s lesson.

5. Calculating G.P.A. A= 4 points B= 3 points C= 2 points D=1 point
G.P.A. stands for Grade Point Average
It is a formula to calculate grades from all your classes
A= 4 points
B= 3 points
C= 2 points
D=1 point
F= 0 points

6. The Formula Step 1 Add up all of your individual classes
Figure out your points for each class
Step 2
Divide your total points by the number of classes
Example- A+B+B+A+C+A= 20 points
20 points / 6 classes= 3.33
Your GPA

7. Activity 1—calculate a G.p.a.
Now its Your Turn!

8. Understanding your Transcript
Your transcript is a document that shows all the grades you have received in middle school
Shows your Class Ranking
Used for Class Placement
View your Transcript on Student Portal!

9. Reading A Transcript Poor Transcript Strong Transcript
Another good college skill that you can start to do in middle school is reading and understanding your transcript. A transcript a list of all the classes you’ve ever taken, your grades and the points you’ve received. This document follows you into high school and tells people how you’re doing academically. Here are two different examples of middle school transcripts.

10. Organization Being organized helps students to Locate materials
Have a plan of success
Remember due dates
What are some tools for organization?
Pencils
Books
Paper
3-Ring Binder
Planner

11. Activity 2—Backpack Scavenger Hunt
Your team will be assigned a student backpack
Your task is to find the following items:
A #2 pencil
A Cal State University, San Marcos BLUE pen
Student-written notes on a video in Mr. Kawasaki’s science class
Permission slip ENVELOPE for the 6th grade field trip
Good Luck!

12. Activity Process
For the team with Backpack A, how hard was it to find the items? Why?
For the team with Backpack B, how hard was it to find the items? What made it harder?
What would have made it easier?
What suggestions do you have for student with Backpack B?

13. Student portal What is student portal?
Student Portal is a tool you can use to:
View your current grades
Keep track of missing assignments
Communicate with teachers
You can log in from any computer or mobile device
You should log in at least 2x a week to stay on track

14. Student portal in action
DEMO

15. So Now What?
Use the knowledge and skills you learned in this lesson to develop a path for success!
Get out there and be the best Husky you can be!
AVID EQ--In what ways can developing strong study skills contribute to your academic success?
Thank You!
So to finish this lesson, think about the knowledge and skills you learned today. Make it a great year, don’t be afraid to fail, try new things, make new friends and be the best student you can be! And if you need help along the way, ask for it!