HOW TO GET GOOD GRADES
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Believe in Yourself – you must recognize the talents and abilities that you possess, and you must know, and believe that you can succeed. Write down the courses that you are taking and then write down the highest grade you think you can earn in each course. Think of these grades are your academic goals. Believe in yourself, and believe that you can achieve these goals.
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Be Organized - If you are organized you have what you need, when you need it. You must determine which system works best for you.
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Use an assignment book.
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Use three-ring notebooks for class notes.
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Use folders for schoolwork.
- Check Canvas regularly.
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Have phone numbers for classmates.
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Keep your locker and backpack neat.
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Get organized before you go to bed.
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Manage Your Time Well – with good time management, you have time for the things you have to do and you still have time for the things you want to do.
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Use class time, if available, to start on your homework and ask questions.
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Create your own study plan by determining how much time you have available each day, take a look at the amount of homework you have, and design the plan.
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Prepare for sabotage by identifying anything that could interrupt your study plan and figure out a way to eliminate it.
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Be Successful in the Classroom
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Be in school, on time, every day.
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Learn how to adapt to different teachers.
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Be prepared for each class.
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Be aware of your body language and nonverbal behavior.
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Always do your homework.
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Participate in class.
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Be a good group member.
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Treat others with courtesy and respect.
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Involve your parents.
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Take Good Notes
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Be an active listener.
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Take notes to help you pay attention.
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Recognize important information.
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Take notes that are easy to read.
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Write on every other line and only use one side of the paper.
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Use symbols and abbreviations whenever possible.
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Use pencil or erasable pen to keep your notes neat.
TIPS FOR PARENTS
Your children need you to be interested and involved in their academic progress. Your children must, however, be responsible for their own grades, attendance, and behavior.
- Be interested – Make sure that your child knows that his/her academic progress is important to you. Know when each grading period ends and make sure that you see all progress reports and report cards as soon as they come out. Do not assume that someone will call you if there’s a problem.
- Discuss class and set goals – Sit down with your son or daughter and help them set realistic academic goals for each term. Throughout the term recognize effort and improvement. Acknowledge each academic success, even if it’s only a good grade on a quiz or homework assignment.
- Be available to help - Be available to help with the homework but don’t give more help than is wanted. Keep in mind it is your child’s responsibility to be organized, to get homework done, and to prepare for tests.
- Listen – Talk to your child about what’s happening in school and be a good listener.
- Encourage involvement – Students who are involved in school-related activities enjoy school more and generally have greater academic success.
- Monitor activities and jobs – Make sure that your child is not spending too much time watching TV, playing computer games, or talking on the phone. Also, make sure that your child is not working too many hours or working too late at a job.
- Work with the school – Know that teachers, counselors, and principals are there to help your child get the best education possible. If extenuating circumstances arise in your family, call the school and tell them what’s going on. If you have a question or concern that relates to a specific teacher or class, call the teacher. For other questions and concerns, call your child’s counselor.