My years of teaching across grade levels have taught me that the single most important thing a student can do to aid success is to read outside of school.  Magazines, short stories, graphic novels, and novels all count.  Today's youth has been raised in the video game/youtube/app world.  Their brains are wired for short bursts of color, light, noise, and pictures.  To aid their success they must build their endurance to focus on a black and white piece of paper.  To pass standardized tests, whether STAAR/SAT/ACT/TSI, they must be able focus a static screen for an extended period of time.  The best way to build that endurance is to read.  Even short blocks of independent reading at home each day will do wonders for their ability to focus.  Please encourage your student to read!