The only students who have earned "D's" or "F's" in my classes are students who have consistently failed to turn in homework or students with attendance problems. Consistently turning in homework can compensate for weaknesses, such as low test scores.

My students can count on 30-45 minutes of homework four nights a week and 30 minutes of reading over the weekend.

As a parent, I know it's hard to monitor your child's schoolwork as he/she gets older. If a student is getting in the habit of not turning in homework (for example, three or four assignments in a row), I'll write a note in his/her planner, with a request that the student show it to you that night, have you sign it, and then show it to me tomorrow. With 90+ students, I've found that I can't write a note in the planner every time every student fails to turn in one homework assignment; so if you see a note from me, that indicates several missed assignments.

I suggest spending about five minutes every night looking over your child's homework just to see if it looks complete. They should put their homework in the Homework pocket of their two-pocket folder so they find it quickly when they come to class.

I strongly advocate Grandma's Rule as a homework strategy. Grandma's Rule is: "After you eat your vegetables, you may have dessert." As a homework strategy, this translates to: "After you do your homework, you may watch TV, skateboard, call your friends, etc." I urge students to take a short break (10-15 minutes) when they come home from school, then do at least 30 minutes of homework before dinner. If it's homework for my class, the student will probably be all done before dinner.

It matters incredibly that your child believes that you think school is important. The single most important element that contributes to a child's success in school is for that child to have at least one adult at home who believes that education is important, and who takes action to demonstrate that belief.

1. Visit the school. Meet and know your child's teachers.

2. Stay in contact with us. Ask questions!

3. Arrange for regular feedback (progress reports, phone calls, conferences).

4. Monitor homework! (Staring isn't studying, and music, television and phone calls while students are studying, do not contribute to concentration).

5. Put responsibility on your student.

6. Make school a big deal.

7. One reward is worth a thousand punishments.

And if you have time . . . here are some books that have helped me through my children's teen years. You are welcome to borrow my copies.

School is NOT a Four Letter Word: How to Help Your Child Make the Grade. by LouAnne Johnson

Reviving Ophelia: Saving the Selves of Adolescent Girls. by Mary Pipher

A Fine Young Man: What Parents, Mentors and Eductors Can Do to Shape Adolescent Boys into Exceptional Men. by Michael Gurian