1. 7th Grade Academic Success
Mrs. Gardner and Mr. Caro,
School Counselors

2. ASCA National Standards
Academic Standard Students will acquire the attitude, knowledge and skills that contribute to effective learning in school and across the lifespan Competency Indicators A:B2:6 Understand the relationship between classroom performance and success in school
Just like your teachers have standards for the lessons they teach, school counselors also have school counseling standards. These help us to focus our teaching. Here are some standards for today’s lesson.

3. Lesson Objectives Calculate Grade Point Averages (GPA)
As a result of this lesson, students will be able to:
Calculate Grade Point Averages (GPA)
Read and Understand a Transcript
Learn the importance of A-G requirements
Create an Academic SMART Goal

4. Essential Question
In what ways can developing strong study skills and setting goals contribute to your academic success?

5. Middle School Facts
Studies show that students with 3 or more F’s in 7th grade are more likely to:
Struggle academically in 8th grade
Drop out of high school

6. Why Do Grades Matter in 7th grade?
Class placement
Support/Honors
Math 1 vs Math 8
8th Grade Honors: ERWC
End-of-Year Activities and Electives at NMMS
AVID (2.0+)
Teacher/Office/Library Aides (3.0+)
Cross-Age Tutoring (3.5+)
Sports (2.0+)

7. Calculating G.P.A. G.P.A. stands for Grade Point Average
It is a formula to calculate grades from all your classes
A= 4 points
B= 3 points
C= 2 points
D=1 point
F= NOTHING

8. The Formula Step 1 Add up all of your classes Figure out your points
Divide your total points by the number of classes
Example- A+B+B+A+C+A= 20 points
20 points / 6 classes= 3.33
Your GPA

9. Activity #1—Calculating a GPA
Odell received the following grades in 7th grade:
C in Math 7
D in Science
D in English Language Arts
B in Social Studies
D in PE
A in Beginning Band
Using the GPA formula, calculate his GPA

10. Understanding your Transcript
Your transcript is a document that shows all the grades you have received in middle school
Shows your Class Ranking
Used for Class Placement
View your Transcript on Student Portal!

11. Activity #2--Putting it All Together
Read the following transcript. In your notes,
Answer the following:
1. Calculate the student’s GPA
2. How many students have a better ranking? How many students are behind?
3. Student wants to play basketball. Can she? Why or why not? Provide evidence to support
B in ELA Support
C in Science
D in PE
D in Social Studies
F in English Language Arts
D in Math
Class Rank: 317 of 342

12. Activity #3--Transcript Search
On your transcript, find the following:
Underline your GPA
Highlight your Class Rank
How many students are currently ahead of you?
Between what two letter grades does your GPA lie?

13. A-G Requirements
A-G requirements are classes you should take in high school to be eligible to attend a California State University or University of California
Some classes are A-G and some are NOT.

14. A-G Classes

15. Support System Student Success Family Support Teachers
School Counselors
Student Portal
Erika

16. Setting Goals Setting goals is something you can do to
Challenge yourself
Get something you want
Boost your self-esteem
Think about what goals you have reached since you have been in school?

17. SMART Goals S Specific M Measurable A Achievable/Action R Realistic
T Timely

18. SMART GOALS Specific *Better grade in math *Read 20 AR books
Measurable
*My math grade improves
*My AR level increases
Achievable/Action
*I will study at home
*I will attend tutoring
Realistic
*I can read 10 books in a month
*I can go from an C to an A
Timely
*By the end of week
*End of February

19. Activity #4--Write an academic smart goal
Think about an area or class you want to do better at (PE mile time, math grade, AR points, etc.)
Think about what steps are necessary to reach your goal (get missing homework, attend tutoring, practice)
Who can help you reach your goal? (parents, school counselors, teachers, older siblings)
What behavior or thoughts do you have to change to reach your goal? (stop being tardy to class, find better friends, self-control)

20. So Now What… You have control over what grades you earn
Plan NOW for success TOMORROW
Use these skills to have a great semester!
THANK YOU! Any Questions?