STEP ONE: BELIEVE IN YOURSELF

· "To succeed, we must first believe that we can." Michael Korda

STEP TWO: GET ORGANIZED

· Use an assignment folder/agenda book

· Use a three-ring binder for organization

· Use folders for homework

· Have phone numbers for classmates

· Keep your locker and backpack neat

· Get organized before you go to bed

STEP THREE: MANAGE YOUR TIME WELL

· Use class time wisely

· Create your own study plan

· Be prepared for interruptions in your schedule

STEP FOUR: BE SUCCESSFUL IN THE CLASSROOM

· Learn how to adapt to different teachers

· Be in school, on time, every day

· Be prepared for each class

· Sit in the front of the class if possible

· Be aware of your body language and non-verbal behavior

· Always do your homework and classwork

· Participate in class

· Be a good group member

· Treat others with courtesy and respect

· Involve your parents

· Get assignments if you are absent

· Attend tutorials

STEP FIVE: TAKE GOOD NOTES

· Be an active listener

· Take notes to help you pay attention

· Recognize important information

· Takes notes that are easy to read

· Read over your notes as soon as possible

STEP SIX: KNOW HOW TO READ A TEXTBOOK

· Scan by reading subtitles, words in bold and italic print, summaries, charts, & review questions

· Read with a purpose

· Review by scanning the material to check your comprehension

STEP SEVEN: STUDY SMART

· Find a good place to study

· Know your learning style

· Make the most of your study time

· Know what to study for tests

· Use tricks to help you memorize information

· Know how to write a paper

· Use tricks when you make a presentation or speech

· Learn word processing

STEP EIGHT: USE TEST-TAKING STRATEGIES

· Get off to a good start

· Develop a plan

· Mark questions that you want to return to

· Look for key words in true/false questions

· Increase your odds on multiple-choice questions - eliminate choices

· Know how to approach essay questions

· Be prepared for open book tests

· Check your answers

· Go over and correct all returned tests

STEP NINE: REDUCE TEST ANXIETY

· Start studying early

· Mentally practice going through the testing experience

· Be confident about the test

· Practice common relaxation techniques

STEP TEN: GET HELP WHEN YOU NEED IT

· When you have a problem, do something to resolve it

· Go to the appropriate person (parent, teacher, counselor, or principal)