The first year of high school math can be daunting for students coming from middle school. There is a significant leap from what is expected in a middle school and high school math class. In my years of tutoring Algebra 1, typically the first math course in high school, I have found that students often need the most help in the following subjects:
- Fractions, Fractions, Fractions!
- Functions
- Graphing Lines
- Word Problems
- Inequalities
- Understanding the Equation of a Line
- Systems of Equations and what they mean
- Solving Algebraic Equations
- Math Facts
…to name just a few topics. A summer preparation course before high school Algebra can fill some of these gaps.
In addition, high school demands that students know how to be organized, keep track of their assignments, take notes in class when the teacher is talking, write neatly, put headings and page numbers on their assignments, do their own workload pacing over many days, and remember to turn assignments in on time. Students are often not prepared for this kind of responsibility. It takes repetition to learn these new skills and it is ok if students make mistakes in the beginning; they are learning. However, they must be taught how to do these important tasks and be given the safe space to repeat learning them over and over again. A study-skills or executive function coach who works collaboratively with students can help with all of these school demands. Often, the best study ideas come from the students themselves. If a student can take charge of their own learning, this is the best possible outcome. A good academic coach works collaboratively with students to brainstorm solutions for this reason.
