According to an article in the New York Times , our schools are failing our children. Only 23% of  New York City’s high school graduates are prepared for college. Similar grim statistics can be found in many other urban areas. In fact, research by Jay P. Greene, Ph.D.  shows only 32% of graduating students nationwide are ready for the challenge of college. And, among Hispanic students, that figure is only 16%.  Even if your school surpasses these figures, even if you are helping ensure your child’s success through tutoring, there are still things you can do on your own to further prepare your child for the challenges he will face.

PROBLEM-SOLVING: THERE IS A PROCESS

Problem-solving has been repeatedly identified as a requisite skill for students—for anyone, actually, who has challenges in his or her life. Many people solve problems haphazardly, taking the first or simplest or easiest idea that comes to mind. As H. L. Mencken wryly observed, “ For every complex problem, there is one solution that is simple, neat…and wrong!”

These are the specific steps to the process of solving problems:

1. Define the problem. It’s been said that a problem that is well-defined is a problem on its way to a successful outcome. Effective problem-solvers spend time on all aspects of the problem but especially on the definition. They don’t spend $100 worth of energy on a ten-cent problem, of course, but they do take time to study the many perspectives associated with the problem.
2. Generate solutions. Being able to function well in a team or study group is another behavior skill identified as critical for college success ( www.aypf.org/documents/RedefiningCollegeReadiness.pdf ). Even if your child is still in high school, you can form study groups to analyze problems. As the members offer ideas, though, it is critical that all ideas are listened to and understood before they are dismissed. As professor Mark van Doren once noted, we should “bring problems in and entertain them royally. One of the may be the king.”
3. Select a solution. Once possibilities have been generated, it’s time to make a decision regarding which to pursue. There are many techniques to help in making that selection, including “majority rules” when groups are voting on the solution. Another popular selection-tool is the Franklin technique, devised by the American statesman. Essentially, the pro’s and con’s are listed in two columns, discussion or further analysis is done, and then the choice with the most, and most compelling pro’s, is the one chosen.
4. Implement the solution. Some solutions are quickly effected, such as those reached through computations. Other solutions, though, take much more time and effort. With the more complex solutions, successful outcomes will depend on planning and periodic progress checks. If your child goes on to graduate school, she will undertake the same process of multi-stage assessments before her thesis or dissertation is finally approved.
5. Evaluate the solution. After implementation, the prudent problem-solver will spend some time evaluating the effectiveness of the decision. If it worked, similar approaches should be taken in the future. If it didn’t, further analysis will help prevent mistakes when similar problems arise.

Encourage a positive mind-set toward problem solving. Share with your child the observation of J.C. Penny: "I am grateful for all my problems. After each one was overcome, I became stronger and more able to meet those that were still to come. I grew in all my difficulties."