I have written before in the past on various blog sites and networks about the vital equation that

must
exist in order for a student not to fail in our schools:
Family + Student + School + Policymakers/Voters = Student Success
Each variable is co-dependent on the other. Each link in the chain must do its part, pulling its weight
for the goal to be achieved. To tackle this polynomial equation takes deconstructing its parts.
Therefore, much like aTop Chef contestant deconstructs a grilled cheese sandwich to analyze its
ingredients, I am going to break down our education equation into parts and analyze what each must
contribute for a student to succeed.

So I've posted three articles simultaneously, a webquest of sorts through my blogs, covering the
following:

At Huffington Post, you'll find my take on what the family and home life must contribute to the
equation.

In this post, I've written on what the student must bring to the table.

At my personal Web site, Tweenteacher, you can read about the schools' responsibilities,
specifically those of the teachers.
(Stop by each site and look at each of the variables. For without any of them, the equation will
undoubtedly fail.)

The Student's Responsibility

Every parent and teacher of a struggling student has looked in the mirror at one point or other and
asked themselves: What more can I do if Johnny is not helping himself? Many feel that there is an
unconditional amount that adults should do since students are still learning how to be responsible for
themselves. However, in the era of Race to the Top (RTTT) and No Child Left Behind (NCLB), those in
control of school accountability need to acknowledge that there are some students sabotaging
themselves despite the Herculean efforts of the adults around them.
Nevertheless, a student should be allowed to struggle without being abandoned to his or her sole
efforts. School is a place of learning, after all. But students struggle for all sorts of reasons, not the
least of which is the fact that their emotional and impetuous side of their brains develop earlier than
their logical, rational side. In other words, they are wired to make poor decisions.
That's not an excuse, but it does mean that we adults have a responsibility to be patient and
consistent guides as students learn how to own their own learning.
To help students along, here is a list of some basic rules that children should follow to avoid their own
failure and to step up as a variable in their own equation of success:

Number One: Be your own advocate. Stake a claim in the classroom by making sure the teacher
knows who you are...in a good way.
Number Two: Ask lots of questions....and show confusion appropriately.
Number Three: Communicate your struggles to your teachers. What is going on that affects your
work?
Number Four: Think of school as your office in training. Are you a good co-worker?
Number Five: Dress for success, but don't panic, you don't have to wear a suit to be taken seriously.

Number Six: At least do the minimum so you aren't creating gaps that are harder to bridge later.
Better yet, do more.
Number Seven: Sweat a little. School is your brain gym. You have to work out your muscles, make
them a little sore, if you're going to lift a heavier load later on.
Number Eight: Find ways to relate to your reading and writing. What original thoughts and
experiences can you bring to the lesson to make it come alive for yourself?
Number Nine: Be in class. Don't jeopardize your own training.
Number Ten: Surround yourself with other students who can help you. You don't have to be best
friends with everyone you seek advice from, but find friends or acquaintances that are rooting for you,
the best of you.
Look, it's important that you trust adults when we say that your future is important, and that what you
do now affects it. It's also important that you know that while many people may contribute to your
struggles, you're the only one who will suffer if you fail. Rise above them. Be stronger than the hurdles
that life throws at you.
Live up to your potential. Do your job. Look ahead. Keep up your end of the bargain in your own
equation of success.

The Final Variable in the Equation of Success

Of course, the last vital variable is what we all, the voters and the policymakers who work for us, must
do for education to succeed.
It's important enough that I want to end each of my three posts with this challenge: make education a
priority in the voting booths and the campaigns. Retired baby boomers can't dismiss educational
issues, saying they are no longer their problem to solve. Younger families coming up through the
system can't cut-and-run from our public schools in their indecision of how to educate their own
children. The problems that plague some of our schools belong to us all.
Public schools are a miracle of this country. The mission -- a free education for all -- is one that anyone
on any side of the political fence should be fighting for as a top priority. But it's up to voters to send the
message that it is important, and it's up to policymakers to do the right thing despite party politics and
lobbyists.
Cutting education will only cut the future of this country, and that hurts us all. With every vote that does
not pass and with every "nay" on the floor, our voters and policymakers condemn our system to further
failure.
The equation of student success isn't about who is to blame. Rather, it forces us to ask the question:
how can each variable that involves us all, better do its part?
In regards to what students can do to own their own learning, what would you add to this Top Ten list
for a student to avoid their own failure?

http://student-rules.tamu.edu/rights

http://www.edutopia.org/blog/student-responsibility-academic-success-heatherwolpert-gawron

Freedoms and
Responsibilities
You know in your mind that you want a balanced classroom environment. You want students to
have a voice, but you dont want them to take advantage of your good will. The goal is for an
atmosphere of mutual respect. But how can you make that happen?
Take a page from our forefathers who developed a unique government for the newly formed
United States of America. Those great men had the foresight to empower the people with
freedoms and temper those freedoms with responsibilities. That same solution will work for you in
the classroom.
When people are oppressed, they tend to be sullen, until they finally rebel. Whether we are
talking about a country or a classroom, that is a simple fact of human nature. If you choose to run
your classroom like a dictatorship, ruling with fear and oppressing students, you will develop a
classroom environment of resentment. Will students obey? Reluctantly, yes, but only out of fear of
retribution. Eventually, students will begin to rebel in small ways. Those small rebellions will
strengthen them, and soon you will find control slipping through your fingers.
When people are given a completely free reign, on the other hand, chaos tends to occur. With no
accountability, any behavior becomes acceptable. The leader is treated no differently than
anyone else in the group. In fact, any initial respect is soon lost as the people see that their
leader is unable to maintain control. That happens all too frequently in the classroom, when
students make all the rules or the teacher does not hold students accountable for their actions.
No matter how fun and interesting your lessons are, without structure your class will be in
constant chaos. You even might find yourself pleading with students to behave. Be aware; in that
moment, they are the ones in charge of your classroom.
Your goal should be to empower students to take a part in their own learning while being held
accountable for their behavior and work product. That can be developed through a system of
Consistency and Flexibility within the classroom.
You might wonder: What should those freedoms be? What kind of responsibilities should I give
my students? Both Consistency and Flexibility should naturally develop from your expectations
(see Laying the Groundwork). Also, think about how you would expect to be treated -- in a staff
development workshop, for example. Would you be offended if you had to ask another adult for
mermission to use the restroom? How irritated would you be if you forgot a pen and were forced

to sit outside the room as penance for your forgetfulness? Take the golden rule to heart: Treat
others as you want to be treated.
In my classroom, students have the freedom to use the restroom (with a pass), get materials,
consult with other students, take a short break, and get a drink of water or a small snack as
needed. Their responsibilities are to get their work completed on time and in a neat manner, be
respectful of others, and keep their areas clean.
Now, you might wonder how you keep students in their seats for instruction if they have those
kinds of freedoms. I use a concept I call My Time/Your Time that provides a structure for mutual
respect.
First, I show students respect by empowering them to take care of
their needs without feeling as though they are in prison. In return, I
expect them to respect my time as the teacher. My Time is any
time I am giving direct instruction, giving directions, or addressing
the class as a whole. (That applies to any adult in the room.)
During my time, I ask that students show respect by listening
quietly, taking notes as needed, asking questions as needed,
participating, and staying in their seats. I always teach minilessons, so my time generally lasts no longer than 15 or 20
minutes.
Your Time is any time students are working individually or together
on an assignment or activity in the classroom. During that time,
students may sign out to go to the restroom (one at a time), get a
drink of water, get a small snack if needed, get materials, consult
with other students (about class work), and so on.
In return, each student is responsible for getting the

Classroom
Management
Series
Be sure to see all the
articles in Emma
McDonalds classroom
management series:
* Laying the
Groundwork
* Forming Good Habits
* Setting the Tone
* Freedoms and
Responsibilities
* Consistency and
Flexibility
* Motivational Tools

activity/assignment completed and turned in on time, respecting

others, and keeping their areas clean so the classroom is left the way they found it.
In my classroom, we talk about the My Time/Your Time concept at length, and discuss what it
means to me and to the students. I take some time to explain to students that just because a
freedom exists, doesnt mean it can be taken advantage of. If a freedom is abused, then the
consequence is that the freedom will be taken away for a day or two. After that time, we will try
again.
We also talk about how each student is an individual and that sometimes what one student needs
another doesnt. Fair isnt always the same is what I tell my students. If one student didnt get
breakfast before coming to school, he or she probably will need a snack early on. That doesnt

mean that everyone in the classroom needs to get a snack. I ask all my students to use their best
judgment and to remember that when freedoms are abused, they will be removed.
With any freedom you offer students, make sure there is a corresponding responsibility. And
make sure that you provide some structure to those freedoms. For example, you might have a
sign-out procedure for bathroom breaks and allow only one student at a time to leave the
classroom.
With structure comes accountability. What will happen if students abuse their freedoms? Be up
front about the consequence so students know in advance what to expect. Once the
consequence has been met, allow the freedoms again. That helps students learn from their
mistakes and allows them to show growth in their maturity and responsibility.
With a balance of freedoms and responsibilities, you have the opportunity to develop respect
between yourself and your students. You also are teaching them skills they will need in the
working world as they interact with their colleagues, bosses, and community. I think youll find that,
as long as you provide the structure, students will respond positively to that type of balanced
classroom environment. Empowering students opens the door to mutual respect, positive
attitudes, and good behavior in the classroom.

http://www.educationworld.com/a_curr/columnists/mcdonald/mcdonald028.shtml
https://www.sunyjcc.edu/print/3285

How to A Responsible Students

By : Michelle Golden

Being a student can be difficult. You have to balance your schoolwork with your other
responsibilities, which may include work or time with friends and family. With practice,
though, you can learn to be a responsible student and develop skills that will help you
throughout the rest of your life.

1) Suceeding In School
Attend class ready to learn each day. You should think of your role as a student
similar to the way your parents and other adults approach work. In many ways, school
is a sort of training ground for the work ethic and personal responsibilities that you'll
need to develop in order to live successfully as an adult. You wouldn't last very long
at a job if you were constantly unprepared, late, or calling in sick, so start taking
school just as seriously.[1]

Show up to every class on time and always come prepared. Make sure you've
done the homework and reading assignments, and that you have everything you'll
need for class that day.

Sit in the front of the class room and be involved in class. Listen actively,
respond to questions, and ask questions if there's any material you're confused or
uncertain about.
Take good notes in class. Your notes are the building blocks of your study sessions
later in the semester. Without strong notes, you may end up doing very poorly on your
exams. Start by doing the reading every night and coming to class with a working
knowledge of the material you'll be discussing that day. [2]

Start each day's notes on a fresh page in your notebook and write down the
date and most recent reading assignment. This will help you track the material as you
prepare for exams.

Write anything that your instructor puts on the board. These notes are usually
very important and often quoted verbatim on quizzes or tests.

You don't have to write out every word your instructor says - this may not even
be possible, depending on the class. Instead, write down the major points, like any
important names, dates, events, relevant details, and results/implications.

Try to develop a system of abbreviations that works for you. Writing your notes
in short-hand can help you take notes faster and with greater efficiency.
Rewrite your notes. It can help to rewrite the day's notes later in the day in a
separate notebook. Rewriting helps you process the information and can help you
have a cleaner, more organized set of notes from which to study.

You may also find questions or inconsistencies in the days' notes that you can
ask your teacher to clarify the next day
Study your notes and readings every day. In addition to rewriting your notes from
class, it's important to review those notes and build off of them as you complete that
class's reading assignments. Some studies suggest that reviewing your notes within
24 hours of class can significantly improve your retention of that information. [3]

Try writing questions in your notes. Interrogating the material, rather than
simply glossing over it, will help you commit that information to memory and develop
stronger critical-thinking skills.
2) Being Responsible Outside the classes

Manage your time wisely. Managing your time will significantly help you become a
better student and a more-productive worker. Time-management skills are highly
valued by teachers and employers alike, and they can help ensure that you never
miss a deadline or fail to prepare for an exam.[4]

Use a calendar or planner to help you keep track of deadlines, appointments,

and other obligations.

Don't procrastinate. You won't actually buy yourself any time, and you'll just be
even more stressed later on.

Break your tasks down into smaller, more manageable parts. This can help
make a big project much easier to accomplish.[5]

Have a timeline for the things you need to accomplish and work on those tasks
in a logical order. Decide which tasks are a priority and which tasks/projects need to
be completed before the next can be started.

Study for tests and exams ahead of time. Every instructor designs exams
differently. If your teacher hasn't specified how he or she arranges tests/exams and
which material will be covered, you'll need to ask your teacher outside of class. That
way you'll be able to adequately prepare for the test more efficiently. [6]
Start studying early. Avoid procrastinating and cramming right before a

test/exam.
Try to understand the material both broadly and precisely. Start out with the

general concept and work towards understanding the details of each subject.
Test yourself as you study to determine which subject areas need more work.

Use flash cards to review terms/names/dates, then design a self-quiz to see if you
have a firm grasp on the material.
Get help if your grades fall behind. Whether you missed an important class, have
trouble with certain concepts, or are dealing with a stressful family emergency, there's
a chance that your grades might slip at some point. If this happens, it's important to
get help right away. Remember that you don't have to resign yourself to bad grades if
you're proactive and dedicated to your studies.
Keep track of your grade in the course and recognize patterns of poor grades.

Your instructor may not address your grades unless you bring them up. [7]
Set up a meeting with your professor as soon as possible. Explain your

situation (if you have a compelling one) and ask your instructor to help explain the
material you're struggling with.[8]
Try working with a tutor if you're really struggling with an important concept.

You may be able to find a tutor through your school, or you can find one in your area
by searching online.
Take responsibility for your words and actions. If you fail to finish your homework,
turn in a paper on time, or show up to your job on time, it's no one's fault but your
own. Accepting responsibility is a major mark of maturity, in part because owning
your obligations can help you stay focused and committed to what needs to be done
in the future. [9]
Give credit for any sources you use in your homework and assignments. Never

plagiarize or steal intellectual/creative property from others.

Finish your assignments on time, and give yourself a few extra days to review

the final product and make any necessary revisions.

Respect the ideas, beliefs, and opinions of others, even if you disagree with

them.

Always conduct yourself in a respectful and appropriate manner, and never

make excuses for your behavior. Taking responsibility involves both the good and the
bad outcomes of your choices.
Work part time if you can. Holding down a job while you're a student can be tricky,
no matter what level of education you're at. It requires a lot of time management and
prioritization. However, it's ultimately a very rewarding experience that can teach you
a lot of fiscal responsibility while giving you a little extra spending money to have fun
with your friends. Even if you can't realistically work full time, having a part-time job
can still teach you a lot and prepare you for future responsibilities. [10]

Find a job that's willing to work with your school schedule. Not all employers
are flexible, so let them know up front that your education is a priority.

Manage your time. Make sure you don't put off homework or projects until after
work, as you may be too tired to do homework after a long shift.

Try to stay balanced. Make some time on weekends or after school on

weekdays to do fun things you enjoy like spending time with friends.

Figure out a realistic budget that balances your expenses against your income
and stick to that budget.

You can find budget planning help online, or by talking to a guidance counselor
at your school.

3) Planning For Your Future

Decide on a career that's both fulfilling and practical. As you think about your
future after you graduate, you'll need to begin setting your sights on a career. The
main factors you should consider are whether you would enjoy working a given job
day after day and whether that job can realistically sustain you. Look into employment
statistics for that job, average starting salaries, any additional training/certification you
may need, and whether you would need to relocate in order to work that job.

You can find current information on many different careers by reading through
the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) website. You can also try talking to working
professionals in the field you're considering.
Think carefully before taking out any loans. Whether you're planning for college or
are currently attending college, you may be looking into student loans. Loans are a
great way to pay for your education, but they often come with steep interest rates that
can saddle you with debt for years to come. Before you take out any loans or renew

your existing loans, think about the long-term costs and look for other options that
might be more financially sound.[13]
The general rule of thumb for students is that any loans you'll need to repay

each month should not exceed eight percent of your anticipated gross monthly
income.
Think about what your anticipated career is, and look into what someone just

entering that field can realistically expect to make each month in their first year of
employment.
If you're in college or planning on attending college, look into financial aid that

you won't have to repay. For example, try to get any grants, scholarships, and workstudy positions your school offers.
If you won't be able to afford your loan repayment, think about other

alternatives to taking out a loan. You can work a second job, try to pay off your
finances in installments, or ask a trusted friend or relative to lend you the money.
Look for networking and/or internship opportunities. Internships are a great way
to gain valuable skills while you're still in school. Both internships and networking
events can often lead to employment opportunities once you've established yourself
and made connections in your desired field.
Many schools offer internships to students. If not, you can find internships in

your area by searching online or reading through the classifieds section in your local
paper.

Find out about networking events by joining relevant clubs and talking to
working professionals in your desired field.

4) Living a Healthy Lifestyle

Eat a balanced, nutritious diet. Eating a balanced diet is essential for building
strong muscles and bones, maintaining a healthy weight, and having enough energy
to get through the day. A healthy meal should balance fruits, vegetables, whole
grains, lean protein, and low-fat or fat-free dairy. You should also try to avoid
saturated fat, sodium, and sugar.[14]
o

Girls under age 13 should aim for around 2,000 calories each day, while
boys in the same age range should aim for approximately 2,200 calories. [15]

Girls ages 14 to 18 should be getting approximately 2,300 calories each

day, while boys in that age range should be getting around 3,000 calories.

Students age 19 and up should aim for around 2,400 calories each day
for women and around 3,000 calories each day for men.

Make exercise a priority. It's generally recommended that adolescents should get at
least one hour of physical activity each day, with the majority of that time devoted to
moderate- to high-intensity aerobic exercise.

[16]

Adolescents should also engage in

muscle-strengthening exercise sessions at least three days each week, though many
aerobic activities build muscle while working the cardiovascular system. [17]
o

Bicycle riding, jumping rope, walking, jogging/running, and most

organized sports are excellent forms of exercise for adolescents and young adults.

If you're pressed for time, even just 20 to 30 minutes of vigorous

walking or jogging can help relieve stress and burn calories. [18]
Get a good night's sleep every night. It's essential for growing bodies to get
enough sleep and to get quality sleep every night. Teenagers generally need 8 to 10
hours of sleep each night, though some may need even more sleep. Young adults
between the ages of 18 and 25 generally need seven to nine hours of sleep each
night, though some may need up to 11 hours of sleep. Listen to your body and adjust
your schedule if you're chronically tired or easily fatigued. [19]

Avoid caffeine in the afternoon and evening to get a better night's sleep.
Alcohol can also disrupt your sleep, so try to drink in moderation (if you're of legal
drinking age) or avoid alcohol altogether.

Turn off all electronic devices, including cellphones, tablets, computers,

and televisions, at least 30 minutes before bed. [20] The glow of electronic screens can
disrupt your body's production of melatonin, making it harder to sleep at night.

Find something relaxing to do before bed every night, such as reading,

meditation, or exercise. Be aware, though, that exercise may wake some people up,
and might be best reserved for the morning.

Stick to the same sleep schedule every day, even on weekends and
days off. That means going to bed at the same time each night and getting up at the
same time every morning.
Live a sober, healthy lifestyle. Drugs and alcohol can impair your ability to succeed
in school, affect your performance at work, and potentially get you into trouble with

the law. Many people end up making poor decisions while under the influence of
drugs and alcohol, and prolonged use can lead to dependence, addiction, and other
health problems.[21]
Avoid smoking and other forms of tobacco. Tobacco is often used as a stress
reliever, but it is actually a stimulant. Tobacco use can affect your ability to sleep at
night, and prolonged use can lead to serious health problems like cancer and
respiratory ailments.[22]
o

Even second-hand smoke from others can cause health problems over
time. It's best to avoid smoke altogether to protect your health.