Which activity best helps ninth-grade students with underachievement to establish long-term educational goals?

Completing a multi-year course chart is particularly effective for helping ninth-grade students who are struggling with underachievement to establish long-term educational goals. This activity encourages students to think critically about their academic journey and plan for their future. By creating a visual representation of the courses they need to take over their high school years, students can map out the necessary steps to achieve their educational aspirations.

This process allows for a structured approach, helping students to identify prerequisites for their desired post-secondary paths, whether that includes college, vocational programs, or other career options. It also emphasizes the importance of consistent academic performance over time, fostering a sense of responsibility and accountability toward their education. In addition, engaging in this planning can motivate students by making their long-term goals more tangible and achievable, thus addressing the factors contributing to their underachievement.

The other activities mentioned, while valuable, do not provide the same depth of planning and strategic thinking conducive to solidifying long-term goals. Interviewing twelfth-grade students may offer insights but lacks the direct personal engagement in goal-setting. Writing an essay encourages reflection but does not incorporate the practical steps needed for future courses. Listening to presentations by college representatives can inspire, but it may not translate into a concrete action plan. Overall,