Many students may experience noticeable academic and social changes throughout their time in high school.
This comprehensive guide is written by experts to help parents prepare for the year ahead.
Get prepared for a consequential year.
Junior year is often characterized by new demands and pressures. Your student may be beginning to get a profound appreciation of the weight of their decisions. Here’s how you can help them, while encouraging their independence.
11th Grade Ready includes:
How 11th grade differs from 10th and moving through preparing for 12th grade.
How to start thinking about post-high school options.
Expert advice on a wide range of topics, from academic expectations to emotional and social development.
Practical suggestions and relatable anecdotes.
Conversation starters for you and your junior to open new lines of communication that can continue throughout the school year.
Effective strategies to balance guidance and support with encouraging self-reliance, helping parents strike the right balance.
11th Grade Ready is edited by Timothy M. Dove, who was the 2011 and 2012 Ohio State Teacher of the Year, where he was a 7th and 8th grade teacher. He has also been an adjunct professor at The Ohio State University. Since retirement from K–12, Tim has been a consultant with Battelle for Kids in Hong Kong, Learning Forward, the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO), and the Collaboration for Effective Education, Development, Accountability and Reform (CEEDAR) Center.
Contributors include:
David Bosso, Ed.D., 2012 Connecticut Teacher of the Year
Andrea Sachs, History Teacher, Minnesota
Al Rabanera, Algebra Teacher, California
Heidi Edwards, Physical Science and AP Biology Teacher, Ohio
John Skretta, 2017 Nebraska Superintendent of the Year
Al Rabanera, Algebra Teacher, California
Heidi Crumrine, 2018 New Hampshire Teacher of the Year
Stacy McAdoo, 2019 Arkansas Teacher of the Year
Lisa Hirkaler, 2016 New Jersey County Teacher of the Year
Mandy Manning, 2018 National and Washington State Teacher of the Year
Leron McAdoo, Educator, Artist, Motivator, Author, Advocate
Lori Knisley, 2015 Ohio Teacher of the Year
Dr. Alysha Collins, School Psychologist
Efren Villalobos, Special Education Teacher, New Mexico
Marcy Dovholuk, Assistant Principal, New Jersey
Jillian Huber, ELA High School Teacher, Illinois
“Juniors face many challenges as they balance academic and life demands, while also planning for their futures. It is a transitional year that can be full of hope and possibilities, as well as angst and setbacks. 11th Grade Ready provides exceptional and practical advice to help parents support this important milestone in their child’s life. This handbook brilliantly dissects the complexities of what 11th graders face, from relationships, academics, and interests, to preparing for the future of adulthood. The closing comments and conversation prompts at the end of each chapter illuminate strategies for supportive interactions with your student.”
Kimberly Yarlott
Assistant Superintendent and 2017 New Hampshire Elementary Principal of the Year
“On my very first day of student teaching, my supervising teacher gave me some advice that has shaped my ethos for the past 28 years: ‘The only thing that students really care about is that you care about them.’ This deep belief in the power of empathy and connection forms the backbone of 11th Grade Ready. The book’s main themes—academic and personal development, social and emotional well-being, and future readiness—provide families with invaluable, straightforward advice in a comprehensive guide that demystifies junior year. It’s short and sweet and gives readers the tools to navigate the transition from 10th through 12th grade... from thinking like a high school student to the kind of skills needed to be successful in college. I wish we had this when our own girls were going through high school.”
Robert Estice
Secondary Teacher, Ohio