Speaking of teachers, let's talk about your attitude toward them. If your student isn't doing well in a particular class, try your very best to be supportive of the teacher. If your child observes even a hint of your placing blame on the teacher, the student will latch onto that as the excuse for his less that acceptable performance in the class. I've seen it happen over and over again. On the other hand, I have seen a student's work habits and performance drastically improve once the student sees his parent and the teacher communicating and working together as a team to ensure the student's success in the course. The student must be held accountable, and all too often that isn't the case.

I'll add one last note that should be obvious but very often is disregarded by teenagers. Encourage organization, neatness, and showing all work on paper. In most high school math courses, the process is just as important as the answer and the teacher needs to be able to look at the student's work and see the logical, progressive thought process. I often told my students that I needed to "see" their thinking as I looked at their work.

I think I hear the bell ringing....don't be tardy and have a successful school year!