How Parents can help reach this guidepost Use mathematical vocabulary cards or note sheets Ask, “What did you explore in math today?” Reviewing completed homework assignments and asking, “Explain to me how you solved . . .?” Ask, “Are there any problems from class or from your homework that are causing you to struggle?” and “What made those problems difficult?” Ask, “Have you turned in all of your assignments?”; “Do you have any upcoming projects or quizzes/tests?”; “Have you received a grade report?” Access the available online resources provided by the school Communicate regularly with your child’s teacher Show a strong interest in what your child is reading and writing in school Use homework as an opportunity to share in those two activities Be sure your child has a public library card and visit the library often Encourage and model reading of all forms of text (print, on-line, poetry, drama, informational text and literature) Talk with your child about things you are reading AACPS College/Career Readiness      Guidepost 2 Perform at the Advanced Level on MSA in Reading and Math in grades 3-8 Why is this guidepost important for my child’s readiness for college and career? Reading is the foundation for all learning and is the key to both college and career success.  Advanced scores on MSA Reading, Math, and Science are predictive of participation in more rigorous high school courses, higher ACT and SAT scores, and success in a college-ready pathway in high school. How is success in this guidepost measured? Performance on MSA is rated as “basic,” “proficient,” or “advanced.”  Students who score “advanced” demonstrate more complex reading, thinking, writing, and creative problem-solving skills, such as discriminating between details and the ideas they support and synthesizing information to draw and explain conclusions.  In 2012, 40% of Maryland students scored “advanced”  in Grades 3-8 Reading and 33% scored "advanced" in Grades 3-8 Mathematics.   Performance at the “advanced” level on the MSA in mathematics translates to a consistent demonstration of success with grade level mathematics content as defined by the State Curriculum.  Students who score at the “advanced” level have solid foundational skills in a broad range of mathematics standards. What happens if my child does not reach this guidepost? It’s not too late!   Parents of a student who has not yet met a guidepost should meet with their child’s teacher and school counselor to map out a plan for reaching the next guidepost listed.  Not all students will reach every guidepost and adjustments may be necessary along the way to accelerate to the next guidepost.  See TIPS FOR SUCCESS