2 Things to do this summer -- to help get your middle school kids on track for college!

By Quetzal Mama • June 21, 2013

Emilio on his pathway toward scientific discovery!

At 7:30am this morning, I took my 10-year old son Emilio to get tested for the “Honors Math” program at his new Middle School. I’m happy to say he passed the exam and will be enrolled in this specialized program this fall. How will this help Emilio get to college, and what does this possibly have to do with your student? Let me tell you!

As parents of elementary and middle school children, we should be taking steps to ensure our children begin their pathway to college as soon as possible. Don’t wait until your student begins his/her high school career to start this process. Instead, consider one of the strategies I’ve set forth in Chapter 6 (“Work the System”) of my book, entitled “Flight of the Quetzal Mama: How to Raise Latino Superstars and Get Them Into the Best Colleges”. I’m focusing on this topic now (mid-June) because parents should be exercising these strategies way before students receive their middle school class schedules (in late August).

Enroll your Child in Specialized Programs

Consider an Accelerated Schedule

Here is an excerpt from the book regarding these two topics:

“Accelerated schedule. An accelerated schedule is an academic plan that allows your student to advance through K-5, middle, or high school at a faster rate than his/her peers who follow a traditional schedule. This strategy is not for all students. Your child should pursue an accelerated schedule if the child is intellectually advanced for his/her age, works well independently, and is self-motivated. Some parents might recognize this concept as “skipping a grade.” While it can apply to skipping a grade level, more often it refers to bypassing certain curricula (like basic math) to advance to a higher level of math (e.g., algebra) in a shorter period of time.

Latino parents are often uninformed regarding an accelerated schedule, the process of challenging and bypassing curricula, or skipping a grade level. However, it is a parent’s fundamental right to place his/her child in a plan of study appropriate for the child’s learning abilities. Since each district will have its own policy and practice regarding challenging curricula and bypassing grade levels, ask for the administrative regulations or board policies to become informed.”

So, by accelerating Emilio’s studies in Mathematics, he can advance a year in math. This strategy will be especially helpful for students like Emilio who wish to pursue a STEM-related discipline. Emilio’s goal is to pursue Biological Sciences or Plant Biology. By advancing in math, Emilio will be sure to be on track to meet prerequisites in either AP or IB coursework in high school.

Stay ahead of the game, parents! Stack the deck in your child’s favor, and utilize every resource available.