Does your desk look like this???

If so, you are probably spending a lot of time trying to find papers, redoing things that are lost, and simply wading through your possessions to get across the room. Time you could be spending doing something productive, or better yet, something fun!

At the high school level, organization and planning play a huge part in achievement both inside and outside the classroom. Getting organized is an important way to boost high school achievement. The following are some ideas to consider.

Supplies and Organization

You wouldn't play basketball without the right shoes, would you? A few well-chosen supplies can help you be a more organized person.

Keep an assignment book and use it! Even if you usually remember all of your assignments without writing them down, your memory may not hold up so well during times of stress. Keeping track of your commitments is a lifetime skill worth practicing now.

Papers need homes! Think about the papers you have – notes, homework assignments, reading lists, assignment sheets -- and create “homes” for them. This can be a section of your notebook, a file drawer, or a milk crate with hanging files. You will save a lot of time by being able to find things when you need them! Consider putting a dry-erasable wall calendar in your room for tracking longer-term assignments and deadlines.

Homework

Always turn in neat, legible work on time.

Make up missed work quickly.

Do not procrastinate on writing assignments! Give yourself enough time to revise your written work.

Plan your daily homework time carefully. Try to estimate how long each assignment will take and keep track of how you do. You’ll get better at estimating.

When reading, don’t highlight as you go. Read, then go back and highlight key points.

Take advantage of opportunities to turn in corrected homework. It’s a way both to improve your grade and to ensure mastery of the subject matter.

Long-Term Projects

Develop long-term plans for major projects, with timelines for various phases of the project. This is especially important if you need parent help for transportation.

Do not procrastinate on long-term projects! For group projects, make sure members are clear about individual responsibilities.

Class Participation and Taking Notes

Do your notes look like this????

If so, try to become a more effective note-taker. Good notes help you understand and remember what you learn. They’re a great way to maintain attention in class. Copy them over neatly at home to consolidate what you have learned. Click to find out more about the Cornell Method of taking notes.

Do not skip class. Ever.

Develop friendly relationships with teachers and ask for help if you need it.

Even if you are shy, try to participate in class discussion. A comment from a normally reticent student is a strong signal of interest and commitment.

Test Preparation Strategies

Always take advantage of the opportunity to prepare for announced tests and quizzes. In class teachers generally emphasize the material they really want you to know.

Note that there is a difference between recognizing material presented to you and recalling it on a test. Answer practice questions from your math chapter, for example, or try self-testing on vocabulary flashcards for a foreign language class.

For more advanced work, form a study group with other students.

Make up missed tests quickly, and take advantage of opportunities to retake tests. Many teachers offer retakes as a way for you to improve your score and to gain mastery of the subject matter. You can prepare effectively because you know what the test will cover.

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