Improve Grades

There are many ways to improve your grades and increase your learning experience. Try out these tips.

The Homework Survival Guide

Think of your grades like a video game health bar. Missing assignments drain your health fast, but turning things in on time keeps you in the game. Here is how to master it:

📱 1. Write It Down

The Trap: Telling yourself, “I’ll remember that.” (Spoiler alert: You won’t).
The Fix: The second your teacher gives an assignment, write it in your planner or type it into your phone. Write down exactly what you need to do so you aren’t confused later.

🍕 2. Break It Into Chunks

The Trap: Trying to do a massive project the night before it’s due.
The Fix: Use the “pizza method.” You wouldn’t eat a whole pizza in one bite, right? Don’t do a whole project at once. Do a little bit each day.

⏰ 3. Create a “Fake” Deadline

The Trap: Aiming to finish right when class starts. One traffic jam or jammed printer, and it’s late.
The Fix: Pretend the assignment is due one day early. This gives you a backup cushion just in case you run out of printer ink or your Wi-Fi crashes.

🔍 4. Check for Silly Mistakes

The Trap: Rushing through just to say you’re done.
The Fix: Take two minutes to double-check your work. Did you write your name on it? Did you answer the questions on the back of the page? Don’t lose easy points for skipping something by accident.

🙋‍♂️ 5. Ask Questions Early

The Trap: Staring at a blank page because you’re confused, then giving up.
The Fix: Teachers actually like it when you ask for help. If you’re stuck, ask them before or after class. Just don’t wait until the day it’s due to say, “I didn’t get it.”

💡 The Ultimate Secret: Homework is basically the “cheat code” for tests. If you actually do the assignments, you’re already studying. When test day comes around, you won’t have to panic-cram because your brain already knows the answers.

Pay attention in class

The information you learn in class will most likely appear on an assignment or test. By paying attention and taking notes as needed, you will be more prepared for any graded material.

Don’t wait for a teacher to tell you to write it down. If you think it is important or something you should probably remember, write it down for yourself. You’ll thank yourself later.
Pay close attention to the instructions teachers give for assignments.
Take notes in your student planner so that you remember exactly how the teacher wants you to complete the assignment.
If something doesn’t seem clear, be sure to ask the teacher for clarification.

Failing to listen in class can cause you to lose easy points.

Keep important assignments

Once you’ve turned in an assignment and the teacher has graded it and handed it back to you, don’t just throw it away, keep it. Graded assignments can:

Help you see your mistakes so that you don’t do them again on a test.
Help you study for a test. Remember, assignments prepare you for tests. Use them as study notes.
Help you keep track of what you’ve done. Sometimes teachers get mixed up when putting grades in and mistakenly don’t give you credit for the assignment. By keeping your assignment, you can prove that you have already completed it.

Check your grades in FOCUS

Granite School District’s FOCUS is a way for you to look at all your scores for your classes. By looking at your scores you can see what grade you are currently receiving in the class. You can also check to make sure you have all your assignments turned in. Check FOCUS several times throughout the term to keep yourself informed. Login to FOCUS

Talk to your teacher

Whenever you have a problem with your grade or you want to talk about what you can do to improve it, always go talk to your teacher. Contacting the principal or school counselors is not a way to improve your grades. Your teacher is the only one that can decide what your grade will be. Teachers reserve the right to decide whether or not to allow you a way to improve your grade. If you want to talk to them about improving your grade, make sure you talk to them with plenty of time before the term ends. Talking to them the week of the term ending is too late. If you have any questions or do not understand a concept, ask your teacher for help. They can clarify it for you.

Email your teacher with any questions or concerns. Teacher’s emails are listed on the Teacher Directory or you can also find it in FOCUS.
Some teachers have their own websites where you can get assignments for their class. You can find their website listed with their email in the Teacher directory.

Use Warrior Time

Warrior Time is an Enrichment/Intervention program at Wasatch during school time. Teachers choose students who are struggling with a concept to join them for intervention. Use this time wisely by asking questions and getting the help you need. Students not chosen for intervention time will get to participate in a fun activity.

Start a study group

Start a study group with a bunch of your classmates. Sometimes your classmates understand concepts better than you do. By creating a study group, you can help each other to understand and do well in the class. Creating a study group is also an awesome way to prepare for a test.

Get help from a tutor

Need some extra help in your classes? Ask questions and receive live tutoring through the Salt Lake County Library. Create flashcards, games and tests to help you study for a test. Check out all the cool tools the Salt Lake County Library has for you.