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Texas Tech University

Texas Tech K-12 | Parent Resources

Everything you need to support your student's success, all in one place.

Find helpful tools, important information and support to make navigating your Texas Tech K-12 experience easier.

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Focus PortalAcademic CalendarTesting ResourcesStudent HandbookGet Support

1. Getting Started with Texas Tech K-12

New to Texas Tech K-12? Let's get you started. 

Whether you're beginning an application or preparing for your student's first day, find the information you need to take the next step. 

Explore the Texas Tech K-12 Learning Experience  

Applying to Texas Tech K-12? 

Focus Account Setup Instructions 

Already Enrolled? 

  • Confirm your student's schedule. 
  • Access Focus and Canvas. 
  • Review course materials and expectations. 
  • Establish a weekly learning routine. 

Explore Welcome Guide 

2. Focus & Canvas Help

Access your student's information and online coursework. 

  • How to Create a Parent Focus Account 
  • How to Link Parent and Student Accounts 
  • How to Access Canvas 
  • How to View Student Grades and Progress 
  • Password and Login Troubleshooting 

Focus Login 

Get Technical Support 

3. Supporting Your Student

Help your student stay organized, engaged and on track. 

Online learning provides flexibility, but students still need structure, consistency and support. 

Understanding Your Role as a Learning Coach 
A learning coach is a parent, guardian or designated adult who helps students stay organized, motivated and accountable.
 
  • How you can help: 
    • Establish a consistent learning routine. 
    • Monitor coursework and academic progress. 
    • Help your student manage assignments and deadlines. 
    • Encourage communication with teachers. 
Remember: You're here to support your student's learning, not replace their teacher. Younger students generally need more hands-on guidance, while older students are encouraged to develop independence. 


Monitoring Academic Progress
 
Regular check-ins can help you recognize challenges before your student falls behind.
 
  • What to look for: 
    • Missing or incomplete assignments. 
    • Upcoming deadlines and assessments. 
    • Grades and teacher feedback. 
    • Consistent progress toward course completion. 
Helpful Tip: Set aside 10–15 minutes each week to review progress with your student and discuss where they may need help. 

Access Focus 


Understanding Discussion-Based Assessments (DBAs)
 
Discussion-based assessments allow students to demonstrate their understanding of course material through a conversation with their teacher. They may also be used to verify submitted coursework.
 
  • How to prepare: 
    • Review course materials and completed assignments. 
    • Practice explaining concepts in their own words. 
    • Identify questions or topics needing clarification. 
    • Follow the teacher's assessment instructions. 
Helpful Tip: Encourage your student to approach DBAs as an opportunity to demonstrate what they've learned and explain their work independently. 

DBAs may be required depending on the course or when a teacher needs to verify a student's understanding.

Review Student Handbook


Preparing for Online Exams with Proctorio 
Some Texas Tech K-12 exams require online proctoring through Proctorio, allowing students to complete monitored assessments remotely while maintaining academic integrity.
 
  • What your student will need: 
    • A compatible desktop or laptop computer. 
    • Reliable internet access. 
    • A working webcam and microphone. 
    • Google Chrome with the Proctorio extension. 
    • Valid photo ID. 
    • A quiet, distraction-free testing environment. 
  • Before an exam: 
    • Review exam instructions and requirements. 
    • Install Proctorio and complete a system check. 
    • Close unnecessary browser tabs and applications. 
    • Have identification ready and follow on-screen instructions. 
Helpful Tip: Test equipment before exam day to avoid technical interruptions. 

Final course exams and Credit by Examinations (CBEs) require online proctoring. Additional assessments may require Proctorio depending on the course.
 

Learn More About Proctorio 

View Testing Resources 



Communicating with Teachers 

Teachers are available to provide academic guidance, answer questions and help students understand their coursework.
 
  • Encourage your student to reach out when: 
    • Assignment instructions are unclear. 
    • They're struggling with course material. 
    • They have questions about grades or feedback. 
    • They're having difficulty keeping up. 
Students should contact teachers through the messaging tools available in Focus or Canvas. 

Helpful Tip:
Encourage your student to explain what they need help with and what they've already tried. 


Creating a Weekly Learning Routine
 
Flexibility works best with consistency. A realistic weekly routine helps students balance schoolwork with other responsibilities.
 
  • Tips for success: 
    • Set regular times for coursework. 
    • Identify weekly assignments and goals. 
    • Break larger assignments into smaller tasks. 
    • Build in breaks and time to review progress. 
Remember: Your student's schedule doesn't need to mirror a traditional school day, but they must meet their course deadlines and academic progress requirements. 


What to Do If Your Student Is Falling Behind 

If your student is struggling, taking action early can make a difference.
 
  • Steps to take: 
    • Review progress: Identify missing assignments or areas of difficulty. 
    • Talk with your student: Understand what's preventing them from staying on track. 
    • Contact the teacher: Ask for clarification or academic guidance. 
    • Create a plan: Set manageable goals for completing outstanding work. 
    • Seek additional support: Contact your academic advisor or the appropriate support team if challenges continue. 
Remember: Falling behind doesn't mean your student has to navigate challenges alone. Communicating early can help identify the best next steps. 

Have questions about your student's courses, academic progress or schedule? Families are encouraged to contact their assigned academic advisor directly. If you're unsure who to contact or need additional assistance, you can submit a support ticket, and your request will be routed to the appropriate advisor. 

Get Academic Support  

Learn More in the Welcome Guide

4. Important School Information

5. Forms & Student Records

Quickly find the forms and documents you need. 

  • Enrollment Verification – Check your email and spam for an automated email from ttuk12@ttu.edu 

6. Help & Support

Not sure who to contact? We're here to help. 

What Do You Need Help With? 

Who Can Help? 

Assignments or coursework 

Your Student's Teacher 

Course selection or graduation planning 

Academic Advisor 

Focus or Canvas access 

Technical Support 

Student records or forms 

Student Services 

Applications or enrollment 

Enrollment Services 

Submit a Support Request 

View Frequently Asked Questions