Ever made a last-minute run to the store for poster board or had to rush to your child's school to sign a permission slip? You're not alone. In a recent survey, 80 percent of middle-school parents reported that a lack of organizational skills was their child's most serious issue - and teachers agreed. To the rescue: three A+ work-management strategies sure to make your child's school year her most successful yet.

PROBLEM: She does her work, but it doesn't get handed in

Kids tend to toss finished homework in their backpacks and then lose track of it. The fix: Mark the front of a two-pocket folder "assignments only", then label the left pocket flap "work to do at home" and the right pocket flap "work to turn in." Then each night, have your child show you that the left pocket is empty and the right one is full.

Why this easy folder trick works: The pocket-flap labels provide clear directions about where to file papers and what to do with them. Plus, systematically transferring the papers from one side of the folder to the other gives kids a sense of accomplishment that boosts their confidence - and they'll know where their work is the next day.

PROBLEM: The big project is "suddenly" due tomorrow

School planners are often ineffective for larger assignments because they display only one week at a time. Instead, have each child use a signature color to pencil in project deadlines and test dates on a monthly calendar posted on the fridge. Every morning at breakfast, have your children briefly update you on upcoming tests or assignments and current progress on long-term projects.

Why deadlines on the fridge work: When assignments are marked on a large color-coded calendar, kids can see all upcoming due dates. When paired with daily progress reports, kids and parents can stay on top of short- and long-term deadlines, so nothing is left for the last minute.

PROBLEM: You don't hear of school news and activities

Older kids need more privacy as they start to assert their independence, but parents also need to be kept in the loop about what's going on at school. Sidestep daily searches through Junior's bag by asking him to place all documents requiring your attention in the front pocket of his backpack.

Why the "To Mom" pocket works: A section designated just for Mom gives kids an easy way to get memos and tests to you even when their memories fail them. And since you won't be digging through their back packs, kids will feel that you trust and respect them, which bolsters their sense of independence.