Acton Academy Northwest Austin

Core Skills Guiding Questions

​These questions can be used to start important family discussions about Core Skills work, long-term goals, short-term goals and overall well-being.

Core Skills Guiding Questions

​These questions can be used to start important family discussions about Core Skills work, long-term goals, short-term goals and overall well-being.

Looking for a printable version?  Here's a PDF.

Are you living by the contract?

  • If YES:  Which Contract Promise are you most focused on this week?
  • If NO:  Why not? Are you more motivated by the Studio Contract, Points or by Eagle Bucks?

Are your goals this week short term or long term?

  • If SHORT TERM: Are you challenged?
  • If LONG TERM: What are you working towards? How will you stay motivated?

Are you balanced or focused?

If FOCUSED:  In which area?

  • If MATH: Do you have a challenging math goal or do you need to find an interesting book?
    • If CHALLENGING MATH GOAL: That’s courageous. How will you balance your goals next week with reading: daily or weekly?
      • If WEEKLY: Set ahead of time on Monday
    • If IN NEED OF A NEW BOOK: Have you asked a buddy? Have any new books been added to the School Library lately?  Would you like to go to our Public Library to see what we can find?
  • If READING: Are you reading a great book? Or have you hit a roadblock in math?
    • If READING A GOOD BOOK: Is it challenging?  Are you in your Challenge Zone?
    • If stuck at a ROADBLOCK IN MATH: Have you asked a peer for support? Have you watched the video (if Khan or learner How-Tos in Journey Tracker) or read the explanation (in ALEKS).  Don't forget: Ask for help when you need it and never give up on yourself!
      • How will you balance your goals next week with math (at least X hours/week): daily or weekly?
        • If weekly: Set ahead of time on Monday


If BALANCED: Are you finding yourself more challenged in math, reading, writing or something else?

  • Follow-up: Are you more motivated to do math or reading?
    • If MATH: How can you find motivation to read?
    • If READING: How can you find motivation to do math?
  • Follow-up: Are you more motivated when your weeks are balanced or when your days are balanced? How will you apply this to the rest of the week?  To next week?