Does Your Child Need Academic Help?

It's the beginning of a new school year and that means changes and new challenges. But how can you tell if those challenges are a result of the changes, or if there is something more involved?
The notion of supplemental education, whether it's to catch up, keep up, or get ahead has been around for a very long time. Socrates, for instance, tutored Plato, and Plato tutored Aristotle. These were all bright philosophers and scholars who learned from someone who knew more. So, how can parents know when a personal instructor is right for their child --before the first report card is received?
Ask yourself these questions:
Is your child . . .

• In need of assistance to reach his or her full potential?


• Developing low self-esteem?Losing interest in learning?


• In need of support on daily homework assignments?


• Struggling to focus on task (e.g. - spending more time daydreaming than on reading or homework.)


• Receiving test scores that do not reflect daily performance?

If you answered yes to any of these questions -- your child will benefit from personalized instruction. A good personal instructor will inspire and help students - at all levels of academic accomplishment, develop study habits and organizational skills that will result in significantly improved schoolwork and test scores.

Taking the time to consider whether to hire supplemental assistance means parents are giving their children an opportunity to excel in the classroom- from the very first day of school. When children are successful in school, they build confidence that translates into all areas of life, helping them build a strong foundation for a successful future.

The purpose of tutoring is to teach children efficient learning skills and techniques to use in the classroom and, ultimately, in the workforce as adults. It is important that parents take action early and seek a reputable supplemental education service that creates individual learning plans and develops the skills needed to achieve success.

If you notice that your child is struggling with homework at the beginning of the school year, the first step is talking with your child and determining the underlying cause. Once you know the potential source of difficulty, it will be easier to develop a strategy for changing the struggle into success.

Even a child who is doing well int he classroom can benefit from outside help to sharpen study and test taking skills. A supplemental education provider can help your child prepare for a test or obtain academic enrichment in a particular subject.

What Should Parents Look For When Selecting a Tutor?

• Get recommendations from family, friends, and teachers.


• Ask prospective instructors for references from previous employers and students, or hire a respected supplemental education company, such as Sylvan, with a proven record of unlocking a child's potential to achieve academic success.


• Make sure the instructor is licensed and certified.Ask personal instructors how they will help your child master a specific skill.Request an assessment to gauge your child's current level.


• A good teacher will require that a child learn a specific skill before advancing to the next academic level, and by utilizing the results of an assessment, you can benchmark your child's progress.


• Most importantly, ensure the instructor will work with you and your child's classroom teachers to create a personal learning program based on your child's current needs and skill gaps.

Although parents may not have the necessary skills to teach their child mastery learning techniques, they can take the right step by obtaining the proper academic help.

Tip #1. What's the Difference?

Have you always wondered what the differences are between the ACT and SAT? Knowing which test is right for you can make all the difference. Outlined below are a few of the difference between the two tests:

Why it's important: While the college admission and testing process can sometimes feel stressful and complicated, it's essential to understand that the more a student understands about the process, the better the student's score. While the decision between taking the SAT oer the ACT may feel puzzling, a few key differentiations likely will help guide a decision that will yield the best results for each individual student. Whether a student likes to work in short sections like the SAT, or feels more comfortable answering every question without the threat of a penalty like the ACT, confidence raises scores. . .and scores help students get accepted!

Tip #2. MATH!

ACT Mathematics

The ACT Mathematics section consists of 60 multiple choice questions.

Pre-Algebra and Elementary Algebra: This sub score consists of 24 questions involving topics such as fractions, decimals, ratio, percent, absolute value, variable to express relationships, polynomials and square roots. These skills most studetns have upon entering high school.

Intermediate Algebra/Coordinate Geometry: This sub score consists of 18 questions involving topic such as quadratic formula, inequalities, roots of poly nomials, real number line, line graphs, point, line and slope. These skills mosts students have upon completion of Algebra 1.

Plane Geometry/Trigononometry: this sub score consists of 18 questions involving topics such as properties and relationships of plane figures, parallel lines, proof techniques, perimeter, area, volume, graph of trigonometric functions, and trigonometric equations. These skills most students have upon completion of geometry.

SAT Mathematics

SAT Mathematics section is comprised of 44 multiple choice questions and 10 grid-in answers.

Number and Operations: This section consists of questions involving topics such as arithmetic word problems, number lines, ratio, proportion, percent, and logical reasoning. These skills most students have learned throughout their high school math career.

Algebra and Functions: this section consists of questions involving topics such as factoring, exponents, absolute value, inequalities, direct and inverse variations, linear functions, and quadratic functions. It does not include any trigonometry, complex numbers or logarithms.

Geometry and Measurements: This section consists of questions involving topics such as points, line, quadrilaterals, area, perimeters, circles, coordinate geometry, and transformations. It does not include any formal geometric proofs or radian measure.

Data Analysis, Statistics, and Probability: This section consists of questions involving topics such as data interpretation, statistics, elementary probability, and geometric probability. It does not include any computation of standard deviation.

Knowing what is coming is helpful for prep! Make sure you are familiar with all the math that will be tested. Start studying early, be prepared!

Tip #3. Make a Plan!

Planning is crucial in making the college testing experience as comfortable as possible. Creating a clear schedule for when you are prepping, when you are testing, and when you are applying, will make you more effective and make every one's lives easier.

Here are some general guidelines to follow:

Freshman

1. Begin thinking about a college prep plan

Sophomore

1. PSAT


2. SAT Subject tests (if taking applicable honors/AP courses.)

Junior

1. PSAT in October (if it has not been taken.)


2. Speak with college counselor and attend College Nights


3. SAT/ACT should be taken in the fall, and again in the spring.


4. Begin exploring colleges that are of interest, and scheduling college visits in the spring.

Senior

1. Create a master calendar of all college application and financial aid deadlines and due dates.


2. Collect letters of recommendation and high school transcripts.


3. If necessary, take SAT/SAT/SAT Subject tests in the fall.


4. Determine whether you are applying for Early Admission, if not your college choice must be decided and financial aid package accepted by May 1.

Remember, things will come up along the way that may force you to alter your schedule slightly, but once you have a clear road map worked out a small detour won't break yours stride towards college admission.

Tip #4. SAT or ACT? or BOTH?

Making the choice between taking the SAT and the ACT might leave your head spinning, but not to worry! I've outlined some things to think about, particularly about considering BOTH!

Understanding the Tests:

• The ACT and the SAT showcase different skills and slightly different academic curriculum. Many students possess strengths that favor elements of each test respectively, but by taking both tests, students can provide a more complete picture of their knowledge and talent.


• Some students will be inclined towards one test or the other, but it's impossible to be certain which test students will perform best on without actually having explored both tests.

What do Schools Look At?

• Most colleges accept both the SAT and ACT and they understand that the two tests have differences, but do not view either as "harder" or "easier." Having both allows college admissions departments to consider both scores in determining admission and scholarship eligibility.


• Some schools, however, only accept one, or might accept both but express a strong preference for one. They should make these requirements clear in their admissions/application information.

Bottom Line: It is always best to collect as much information about potential schools you're interested in so you can make decisions based on knowledge rather than guesses. But, since many similarities exist between the two tests, think about preparing for both. It will only strengthen students' abilities come test day, and can provide future college choice flexibility, with no risk of being forced to eliminate schools unnecessarily.

Do your homework. Know what schools you want to consider and know what they require.

Tip #5. Mastering the Sections

Some things in life never change. However, it turns out the SAT is not one of those things! in 2005, the SAT made significant changes by adding a "Writing" section and revising the existing "Math" and "Critical Reading" sections.
What this means for you:

• The addition of a writing section means students' writing ability is now being evaluated by admissions departments in two ways, the SAT and their admissions essay. Translation: Writing is more important than ever for admissions.


• The Critical Reading section was revised weighting comprehension heavier than vocabulary. Translation: Colleges are more interested in students that can comprehend and analyze what they read. The days of being able to memorize "frequently tested word" lists as a means of compensating for poor comprehension skills are over.


• The Math section now includes additional concepts and content typically seen in college bound student's third year of high school math. Translation: These changes may affect your testing timeline. Most students will be through all of the revised junior year content by the time they are taking the SAT, but if not, be prepared to take extra test prep time and be sure all math concepts have been covered.

Understanding the test is as important as understanding the content of the test. Every point counts!

Tip #6. Subject Tests

SAT Subject Tests may not receive all the hype that SAT and ACT tests receive, but all college-bound high school students need to be very aware the SAT Subject Test may very well be the deciding factor in determining their admission.

Top 5 Benefits of Taking SAT Subject Tests

1. While Subject Tests are not required for admission everywhere, they are "highly encouraged" at many colleges and virtually ALL highly competitive schools.


2. Subject Tests provide a great opportunity to demonstrate an individual's specific strengths and aptitudes. SAT Subject Tests provide applicants with the opportunity to differentiate their application from everybody else's.


3. The SAT and the ACT provide colleges with a broad sense of academic capabilities, but the Subject Tests provide dept and detail to the application.


4. For many colleges, Subject Tests may be necessary in order to be accepted into the desired major or program upon admission as a freshman.


5. SAT Subject Tests are content-based and scores generally directly reflect knowledge of the content (more so than test-taking skill.) Taking Subject Tests in the content you feel most confident can be a great opportunity to boost your application with the high test score.

Remember, while you may not know all the colleges you will be applying to yet, be prepared for admission by signing up for your targeted subject tests immediately following the completion of the AP/Honors classes.