Academy Support Services

Some of the Ways the Support Team Assists Students
Tips on Preparing to Study and do Homework
How to read a Text Book
How to Study for a Test and Avoid Test Anxiety
How to Do Your Best on a Test
Problem Solving and Decision Making Strategies

Some of the Ways the Support Team Assists Students

We all need a little help from time to time, students and adults alike. The Support Team is a resource team that acts as a liaison between Academy teachers, administrators, high school special education departments, ESOL departments, parents, and Career and Transition Services to assist students in successfully participating in Academy classes. The Support Team is available to help all students and encourages students to request help whenever they need extra assistance. Since organization and time management, combined with other study skills are essential to school success, we invite you to see our tips on how to succeed in school listed at the top of this page. We have also included several web sites that you may find useful as you progress through your high school career. Listed below are just some of the ways that the Support Team helps students.

• Subject area studies and reviews
• Aid with test taking
• Instruction in organization and study skills
• Computer availability and internet usage for studies
• Completing college and financial aid applications
• Completing job applications
• Resume writing
• Practice with interviewing skills

 

Tips on Preparing to Study and Do Homework

Studying and homework – something every student has to do. Here are a few strategies that will help you with getting your assignments completed on time and prepare you for pop quizzes.

• Write down all assignments in your assignment planner
• A separate binder for each class helps to keep materials organized
• Listen carefully to what the teacher says and ask if you have questions
• Know exactly what you are supposed to do
• Have all your necessary supplies, books and notes with you
• Plan what you will study
• Set a consistent time and place to study
• Break down large tasks into smaller ones
• ELIMINATE DISTRACTIONS

 

How to Read a Text Book

The information in text books can seem overwhelming at first glance. However, if you are familiar with the organization of the text and prepare yourself before reading, the material will make more sense as you read. Here are a few tips to help you prepare before reading your texts.

• Survey text chapters before reading. Pay particular attention to:
o Sub-headings
o Bold or italicized words
o Illustrations
o Glossary terms
• Spread your reading out over several 1 hour block study periods
• Make brief summary notes of the main ideas
• Self-test from your notes and as you are reading - Ask yourself if the material makes sense. Can you explain the material in your own words?

 

How to Study for a Test and Avoid Test Anxiety

Taking a test can be a stressful activity. However, being well prepared builds confidence and eases anxiety, which in turn leads to success at test time.

• Skim/review material covered each day
• Reread notes each day and underline key points
• Highlight or underline the most important information
• Rewrite notes in you notebook.
• Add additional information to your notes that you find while reading
• Self-test one week before the test and again one day before the test
o Write down questions you think the teacher might ask
o Try to answer the questions in writing or on a tape recorder
o Check your answers with the book
o Have a family member ask you questions from your notes or text
o Form a study group to discuss what you have learned and ask each other questions
o Spend most of your time on the hardest material

 

How to Do Your Best on a Test

Test taking can be a stressful activity; however it doesn’t have to be. Here are a few test taking strategies that will help you do your best:

• Always eat breakfast, especially on a test day
• Skim the entire test as soon as you receive it
• Read and understand all directions
• Look for clue words in the directions and questions. Underline or circle key words
• Choose the easiest questions to do first. Mark the questions you skipped so you do not forget to go back to them later
• Use the process of elimination when faced with difficult multiple choice questions
• Review the entire test before handing it in to the teacher. Make sure you have not skipped any questions and that the teacher can read your answers clearly
• Plan carefully for essay tests:
o Start with the easiest essay questions
o Plan your answers by making a list of points you want to cover in you essay
o Start your essay by restating the question.
? Question example:

What are the conditions bacteria need to survive and reproduce?

(The conditions bacteria need to survive and reproduce are fats, acid, a moderate temperature, oxygen and moisture…)

 

Problem Solving and Decision Making Strategies

Do you know how to make a decision or solve a problem? We all make decisions all day long, however some decisions are more difficult to make because their results can be life altering. Whenever you are faced with a major decision or problem discuss it with your parents or another trusted adult. Their wisdom and concern for your well being is a valuable resource at your disposal. Here is a simple guideline for making important decisions.
1st Identify the problem
2nd Decide what you want to accomplish
3rd Analyze your choices and possible results
4th Choose the best alternative
5th Act on your choice
6th Evaluate and accept the results