Younger grades

A recent report from the American College Test shows that "fewer than two in ten eighth graders are on target to be ready for college-level work by the time they graduate from high school." In other words, "more than eight of ten eighth-grade students do not have the knowledge and skills they need to enter high school and succeed there."

As a parent, you play a significant and critical role in your pre-teen's life. Make the most of this time by partnering with your son's or daughter's teachers. Stay strong and set guidelines for your child.

Your junior-high-aged son or daughter should know that:
1. Homework comes first. Work before pleasure.
2. Challenging classes are essential. English, science, math, and social studies should form the basis of your child's studies. Electives are great, but the basics come first.
3. Reading is critical. Reading for fun, reading for knowledge, reading for research - reading pays big dividends.
4. Clubs, sports and volunteering are great ways to find a niche. Encourage your teen to get involved at school, in the community or at church. The pre-teen and teen years can be a period of introspection and self-focus. Giving to others fosters empathy; getting involved in activities builds confidence and helps develop supportive friendships.