1. Educational Champion Training MODULE 7: Obtaining Academic Support © National Center for Youth Law, April 2013. This document does not constitute legal advice or representation. For legal advice, readers should consult their own counsel. This document may be reproduced for non-commercial purposes provided any reproduction is accompanied by an acknowledgement. All other rights reserved. 1

2. Why Focus on Obtaining Academic Support? Many students benefit from academic support services (i.e. after- school programs, 1-on-1 tutoring). Participation in tutoring programs can increase self-esteem and bonding to school, encourage positive social behaviors, improve grades, and lead to reducing problem behaviors. Find a program that will meet the child’s needs. APRIL 20132

3. Could the child benefit from extra academic support? If the child is struggling in certain classes, engaging in problem behaviors, or needs a confidence boost, it might help to participate in an after-school academic support program. Academic support programs help students: Develop homework routines & study skills Make gains in math and reading Discover, develop, and apply new talents Needing tutoring services does not mean that the child isn’t smart. APRIL 20133

4. Look into options available. If you think extra academic support may help the child, look into the options available. Check with the child’s teacher to find out if any tutoring or homework help is offered at the school site. Talk to a foster youth education liaison about getting a tutoring referral. Check out local resources, like free homework help hours at the public library. APRIL 20134

5. Keep track of the child’s progress. Once the child starts getting extra academic support, keep track of how things are going. Talk to the child about whether the extra support is helpful. “What did you learn at tutoring today?” “What homework assignments did you get help with today?” “How are things going in ____ class?” APRIL 20135

6. Talk to the child’s teacher. Talk to the child’s teacher about whether the extra support is helping the child do better in school. Is the child developing better study skills? Have the child’s grades gotten better? Does the child show a better level of understanding in the subjects he/she was struggling in? Is the child turning in homework regularly? If the extra support doesn’t seem to be helping, you might want to request a meeting with the child’s teacher to talk about other options. APRIL 20136

7. Consider getting input from other adults involved in the child’s life. Especially if the child does not live with you, you may want to ask other adults in the child’s life for support and feedback. APRIL 20137

8. My Goals: What I will do:How often I will do this: _____________________________________ APRIL 20138

9. Resources. This PowerPoint, Tip Sheets, Mentoring Modules, and supporting materials can be found at: www.foster-ed.org.www.foster-ed.org If you have questions about the materials, please contact: info@fostered.org APRIL 20139