Academic Support

What else can you do to help? Think about this....

• 22% of American adults read at the 4th grade level

• 28% read at the 8th grade level

Research shows that PARENTS who help their children function above the 9th grade level will ensure that their children will earn at least $100 more per week, every week, for the rest of their lives. So be involved in your child’s academic progress. Make sure she does her homework. Have high expectations and support solid study skills. Communicate with your child in meaningful conversation to show him you are interested in his plans for the future!

What else can you do? Click below to see how you can help your child at each level of education listed.

In elementary school,

• make sure your child develops an awareness of different occupations and the connection between education and work.

• encourage her imagination.

• talk about positive role models.

• have conversations about the careers and roles you encounter in story books, movies, or TV.

• help her understand what you do and other family and extended family members.

• use the hook of technology together to explore jobs/careers/occupations via the Internet.

• encourage an entrepreneurial spirit.

• beware of gender types in terms of traditionally male and female careers – do all you can to break down those stereotypes.

• emphasize academics first and foremost at this age, along with flexibility and versatility.

• give your child permission to be what she is most comfortable being.

In middle school,

• make sure your child begins to explore careers.

• assess his talents, interests, and abilities.

• foster a connection between what he is learning in school and how it applies to the world and careers.

• start setting goals.

• develop a step by step plan to accomplish his goals; e.g. what courses will he need in high school? where can we get more information about this career?

• research occupations that interest him.

• help him understand the following about jobs he is interested in:

What would I do on this job each day?
How much does this job pay?
What preparation/education do I need?
What knowledge and skills must I have?
Where can I acquire these skills?

In high school,

• know what your child’s four-year educational plan entails: College Prep or Tech Prep? If College Prep, what kinds of careers is your child thinking about? Are her grades sound? Many College Prep students who start college have to take remedial courses! If Tech Prep, what kinds of careers is your child thinking about? Is she taking the right courses to be prepared for entering a two-year associate degree program without taking remedial courses?

• help your child select high school classes.

• make sure her schedule is balanced with academically and technically oriented classes and electives that complement her interests.

• encourage her to take career oriented electives, such as those offered through the school’s career center. These courses will give her marketable skills that can be used to earn more money in a part time job while pursuing post-secondary education.

• help her learn to write well and communicate orally.

• encourage her to earn college credit while in high school.

• make that part-time job count! If your child chooses to work part-time, encourage her to accept a job with a company that will expose her to various careers and to work requirements/expectations.

• explain the realities of work. Work is, in fact, WORK, for which we are paid. So, no matter how carefully we choose our occupation, we will not LOVE it all the time.

• plan, plan, plan.

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Academic Support
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Parent Action Plan