grades at the beginning of 9th grade

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Thanks, this is OP. We are getting a handle on things I think. I just wasn't expecting that he would need so much guidance from me. He is in geometry and for some reason had difficulties turning in assignments on-line although after talking to the teacher now has a B in that class and he has done well on tests so hopefully that will continue. He is going to re-take something in Spanish and Biology so hopefully those grades will improve as well. He is doing great in English and hopefully will do well on an upcoming history test.

It turns out he wasn't really studying for tests - thinking classwork is sufficient to learn the material so now I'm working with him on being sure that he studies for every single test.

I really didn't think I would have to do this. But hopefully he will learn to study and do ok. I don't expect straight As but I do think more As than Bs is a reasonable outcome at this point. Well see

Wait until 10th grade - in my experience MUCH bigger jump from 9 to 10 then from 8 to 9 (maybe I am in the minority?). Because PreCalc is much harder and then multiple APs. It is a grind but hopefully your guidance will help and then by Junior year no help will be needed. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would suggest being more hands on re: studying so that he can learn how to study and eventually do it himself. These skills are not taught in MCPS.

Yup! Just like handwriting, multiplication tables and grammar, MCPS has not taught students how to study, be organized and prioritize work.

Also, many 9th graders do not know how to take effective and efficient notes.

yes. plus they doodle on laptops in the back half of the classrooms.

[Anonymous]

Does he have ADD? My bright kid started to fall apart when he got to high school. It took years of therapy and meds and hard work (plus lots of instructional scaffolding) before he was a strong enough student to do well in college. It's still a struggle.