The first half of the school year is coming to a close. Has your student given his or her best effort? Below are ten things parents can do in developing a student improvement plan for the new year.

1. Give students ownership in creating new routines and structure.
Students crave structure, even when they do not act as though they do. But they are more likely to follow rules and regulations that they themselves have input on and help to develop. Give students ideas about how to create a plan for success and then listen to their ideas about how to do so. The best managers collaborate, not just dictate; the same goes for parents.

2. Be consistent in enforcement of rules and hold students to their agreements.
Once a structure or a system is created and agreed upon, the student is going to test its boundaries. Parents must have the courage of their convictions and adhere strictly to consequences and rewards set up as part of the system. If a student sees that he or she can lapse without significant consequence, they will not commit seriously to the plan.

3. Model productivity and persistence.
If parents expect students to be productive and persistent in their efforts to improve, then parents must model that behavior for themselves. Parents should make a plan of improvement for their own lives and share successes and struggles. This will show students that they are not alone and that learning and improving are lifelong endeavors.

4. Be positive and constructive in all feedback.
Students are going to struggle with new habits and routines, and they are going to fall short sometimes. Though parents should stick to the agreed upon consequences, they should always be encouraging, positive, and constructive in their feedback. Negative words do not motivate.

5. Model cooperative relationships with teachers.
Parents should never blame the teacher. Even if there is a teacher who is unreasonable and uncooperative, the focus is on the behavior of the student, modeled by the behavior of the parent. So just be proactive in teaching students how to respond to difficult or unreasonable authority figures. Teach them to focus on what they can control.

6. Create a home atmosphere conducive to completing homework.
Students need a peaceful environment in which to study. Make sure they are given a quiet workspace for after-school homework and study. Do not allow multi-tasking during homework time – phone calls, music, chatting, and personal emailing should not be permitted. It is an obstacle to the retention and reflection needed for learning, and it prolongs the completion of assignments.

7. Set short-term and long-term goals.
Begin with the end in mind. Talk with students about what they believe is possible to achieve. Set goals that are challenging yet attainable. Be specific with students, and make them be specific with you. Set goals for each day, each week, and each month. Write them down and monitor progress in writing.

8. Don’t avoid, ignore, or excuse failure.
When students fall short of their goals, do not make excuses or justifications. Be positive and encouraging, but acknowledge the failure and talk about how students can learn and improve as they move forward.

9. Encourage positive socializing and extra-curricular activities.
Students need to live well-balanced lives to become well-balanced individuals. There should be time set aside daily for recreation and productive socializing as well as for studying and homework. Encourage students to become involved in positive endeavors in the community or at school. Keep it manageable, but allow students to get involved in their interests outside of school. They will carry those positive experiences into their schooling.

10. Make sure students know they are the ones who must make it happen.
Parents should always be actively involved in their children’s schooling. When students struggle, parents may be acting as coach, tutor, and mentor. But a coach never takes the field. It’s the player who, after being given the best direction, must make it happen. Make sure your students are taking ownership of their improvement plan. They must understand that they are the ones ultimately responsible for their success.

For more information about how to develop an academic improvement plan for students, email Better Grades In-Home Tutoring at info@bettergradestutoring.com or call 360-771-6776.