Survival Tips

ATYP homework isn’t like your regular homework. You definitely won’t be able to do it during the car ride to class. Check out our Homework Tips to make this a smooth transition.

THE KEY to success in ATYP is turning in the homework on time. Falling behind adds to student stress and makes the amount of work each week greater. Families - while you do not need to assist your student with their work, you will want to check to see that they have it done and make sure they are bringing it to class, particularly at the beginning of the year when the workload and schedule are new. You may need to help create a homework schedule or organizational plan that works. Many gifted students have never had to develop these skills and may need help in this area. Students - if you find yourself struggling with organization/planning/study strategies, contact Ms. Nan at nan.janecke@wmich.edu to schedule one-on-one help.

Some students prefer to do the program homework during study hall. Other students choose to do the rest of their homework at school and leave the ATYP homework to do at home. It really depends on each student’s preference.

Help is available—ask for it. Just because you are in an accelerated program doesn’t mean that you will understand every concept on the first try. Sometimes a math concept or a new writing assignment can stump you. Don’t be afraid to ask for help; it doesn’t show weakness. Math students can call or email your grader or teacher with questions. Quite often, a couple of words can get you started and then you can finish the problem on your own. For English students, email or call your grader or teacher (whichever they prefer) with the concept you are struggling with, the page numbers where the story doesn't make sense, the paragraph that won't come together, or whatever it is that is troubling you. It is a good idea to try to get the majority of your homework done by Sunday afternoon and then attend the help session to get your questions answered. The help session days and times are listed on the ATYP calendar sheet. There are tutors designated for both math and English.

We recommend that you share your ATYP course description with your teacher and get written verification that you will not lose participation points for days you are out of the class for ATYP (be aware that you may be responsible for work missed during ATYP). Check with the teacher the next day to find out what you have missed. For a long-term solution, find a homework buddy in that class. Each ATYP class day, your homework buddy can write down what happened in class and what the homework was for that class. Then, your homework buddy can give you the assignment the next day.

If you feel that the homework you are making up seems excessive, talk to your teacher to see which assignments are crucial to complete and which assignments you can possibly avoid without damaging your overall grade. We recommend you talk this over with your family first in order to get tips for how to approach the subject diplomatically before approaching your teacher.

Yes, you can! Stick it out for at least six weeks in the program. Most students find that by the end of this probationary period, they have found a system that will work. Your teacher and your parents probably have some great ideas that could help you manage your time and your ATYP homework. Ask for help, if you need it. If, at the end of six weeks, you still find that you can’t get the hang of program, call the office. We can help determine what is best for you at that time.

Call your teacher (or email, if he or she prefers it) or call the office at any time with problems, questions, or concerns. We are here to assist you, so feel free to contact us by email at ATYP-info@wmich.edu or  call (269) 387-3553.