Family Engagement in Middle School
College and Career Readiness
Parents can support college and career readiness during the middle school years by helping children build strong academic habits, explore their interests, and develop essential life skills. At this stage, guidance should seek to cultivate curiosity about future possibilities, fostering responsibility, and teaching organizational and study strategies that prepare children for higher level academic work. Parents can also spark conversations about different careers, connect learning to real-world applications, and model the value of education and persistence.
Weekly Tips for Families
During meals or time together, talk about one career, hobby, or subject area that your child is curious about and connect it to school.• Assign age-appropriate household tasks to foster responsibility and time-management skills.
Recognize your child’s effort to nurture motivation and self-confidence.
Encourage your child to enjoy sports and extracurriculars but set limits to avoid overscheduling, ensuring that your child has time for schoolwork, rest, and family.
KEY RESOURCE
A research-based infographic series guiding families in supporting college and career readiness starting in middle school. Provides academic planning, goal-setting, and career exploration tools.
https://ies.ed.gov/sites/default/files/migrated/rel/regions/southwest/pdf/sw-infographic1-108206.pdf
Other Helpful Resources
Junior Achievement (JA) Career Exploration Fair.
https://oklahoma.ja.org/programs/ja-career-exploration-fair Oklahoma Career Guide: online career and academic planning.https://okcareerguide.kuder.com/landing-page
