Bastrop Middle School - Preparing Middle School Students for High School and College

Preparing Middle School Students

Preparation for the Future and Beyond

Many parents anticipate that their children will attend college, and most students share the same goals. The issue is that most families are not aware of the necessary steps to accomplish these goals. It is highly encouraged that students and their parents begin planning for college no later than middle school. Planning during middle school is encouraged because students need the academic preparation in middle school so that they are equipped with the skills needed to take the high school classes that colleges require. In addition, it takes time to explore the various options available for families to pay for college. Scholarships and financial aid, such as work-study, low-interest loans, and grants are available, but it takes time to research and learn about the different financial sources.

In middle school, students will continue to learn about the many opportunities available to them for the future. Of course they will most likely change their minds about potential careers several times before they are prepared to make that decision, but it is a good idea for them to begin thinking ahead. It is important for middle school students to begin to understand that pursuing a college education will give them a variety of career options once they become adults. As a parent, mentor, teacher, or relative it is important that you emphasize that no matter what career they plan to pursue, they should begin to prepare by building a strong educational foundation now.

Tips for Parents

• Ask your child about her/his interests.
• Brainstorm activities and careers that relate to those interests.
• What careers has your child thought about? Do not discourage any career. Encourage exploration and suggest some alternatives.
• Encourage your child to talk to people who work in the career field(s) they wish to pursue. Help them set up informal interviews to get more information.
• Discuss what subjects are critical to the careers your child named. (Even if your child dreams of becoming rich and famous, explain that everyone needs to learn writing, reading, and other academic skills to be successful throughout their life).
• Ask your child about her/his current plans after high school. Does she/he have any? Encourage her/him to think about what she/he might want to do after graduation from high school.
• Introduce college as an important foundation and opportunity to accomplish career goals.
• Discuss what preparation is needed now and in high school to be prepared for college.

Additional Tips for Success in Middle School

• Become involved at your child’s school. Get acquainted with your child’s principal, teachers, and guidance counselor(s).
• Establish a time for your child to do homework daily.
• Encourage studying at a table or desk instead of on the couch or on the bed.
• If it becomes difficult for your child to sit still or concentrate for more than a short period of time, encourage her/him to walk while looking at flash cards or talk aloud when reviewing information.
• During homework time, discourage distractions like TV or calls from friends.
• If your child has difficulty starting homework assignments, talk through the assignment with her/him. Continue to be supportive, but avoid doing homework for your child.
• Ask for help if needed. Friends or relatives may be able to provide assistance. Schools, libraries, or community organizations may offer homework assistance.
• Offer study aids, such as a dictionary, thesaurus, encyclopedias, or the Internet. Offer help to your student about how to use these tools.

8/4/08