272: Why Is My Teen Bombing Tests?

High-achieving students often struggle with test-taking during the transition to high school because they rely on passive study methods like rereading notes or highlighting, which fail to build long-term memory. Effective preparation requires active retrieval, such as creating potential test questions and answering them without reference materials—a process akin to high-intensity "clap push-ups" rather than easier, less effective "knee push-ups." When addressing these academic hurdles, parents should avoid becoming intrusive coaches. Instead, they should validate the student's frustration, confirm that current methods are ineffective, and offer to help connect the student with external resources or study strategies. This approach respects the teen's need for autonomy while providing the necessary support to improve performance and overcome the specific challenges of high school testing.