Elementary students face a higher level of demand to learn and use Common Core Standards in Elementary School English Classes: Many elementary students face challenges learning and using Common Core English Language Arts (ELA) standard requirements now used in many public and private schools throughout the United States. Why do students need to know Common Core in elementary school English classes? These standards were created to help students be more competitive and prepare them for middle and high school and ultimately college and/or the workforce. Since college entrance exams, specifically the new SAT, incorporate skills students learn through common core, mastering these skills becomes even more important at the elementary school level. English Language Arts/Literacy (ELA/Literacy) and Common Core Standards: ELA/Literacy based on Common Core standards call for a deeper understanding of how students reach their answers and they must analyze, reason, and apply their own thoughts in class and homework assignments. There is an increased demand on students in elementary school to master a deeper understanding of reading materials and be able to implement their understanding in real-life scenarios. Shifts in ELA/Literacy Requirements at the elementary school level: Students must think for themselves and be able to use their own reasoning. They will need to be able to explain or write about what they have in read and be able to infer meaning from text. They are also required to provide evidence based on their reading and writing exercises. In addition, students are exposed to more nonfiction, informational texts rather than exclusively literature based reading assignments. How can tutoring help students with ELA/Literacy based on Common Core standards? Many tutors specialize in Common Core standards and can help students understand what is expected of them and assist them with the required skills needed to succeed in elementary school English. Contact Elite Home Tutoring for questions or information concerning ELA/Literacy Common Core standards and tutoring, www.elitehometutoring.com.
What is the California High School Proficiency Examination (CHSPE)? The CHSPE is a timed test that measures a student’s knowledge and proficiency in reading, writing, and math. Passing students will earn a Certificate of Proficiency by the California State Board of Education, which is recognized in California as an equivalent to a high school diploma. The exam allows students currently enrolled in high school to earn the certificate and leave high school early to go to college or start working. Who can take the CHSPE Exam? Students currently enrolled in public high schools in the state of California can take the CHSPE Exam if they are at least 16 years of age and are in the second half of their their sophomore year or later. The exam is only valid for students in the California public school system. If the student plans on attending a college in another state, they must verify with the college if it will accept the exam. Which subjects are on the CHSPE Exam? The CHSPE Exam covers English Language Arts, including an essay, and Math. The English section covers reading comprehension, spelling, grammar, and writing skills which correspond to tenth grade English in the California public school system. There are 84 multiple choice questions in the English section, plus an essay. The essay question is open-ended and requires students to outline and present their point of view. The Math section covers math skills learned in seventh, eighth, ninth, and tenth grade in the California public schools system. There are 50 questions in the math section and the focus is on daily math problems and situations. The CHSPE Exam is timed test, and lasts three and a half hours. Students must pass both the English and math sections of the exam, but can retake the test as many times as needed. How can tutoring help prepare for the CHSPE Exam? Since the CHSPE Exam covers several years of high school, a specialized tutor can help students prepare for the exam. Contact Elite Home Tutoring for questions or information concerning the CHSPE Exam, www.elitehometutoring.com
What is Singapore Math? Singapore math is a teaching technique developed in Singapore for students in kindergarten through sixth grade and has gained popularity in the United States due to Singapore’s top scores in Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS). Singapore Math was introduced in the U.S. in the 1980’s and is used in public, private, and home schools. How Does Singapore Math differ from standard math in the U.S.? With Singapore Math, the focus is on mastering the skills and not simply memorizing the steps for a test. Fewer topics are covered and students move onto the next concept once they’ve mastered the current one. The students develop a deeper understanding of the steps involved, and learn techniques that rely on visualization (pictorial approach), in which students learn model and diagram drawing techniques to help solve problems. In the U.S. American math is taught using a concrete to abstract method. With Singapore Math, a middle step in introduced between the concrete and abstract, the pictorial approach in which the student learns to draw the math problem. Singapore Math, is a 3-step process: Singapore math takes the student from the concrete, to the pictorial (bar modeling), then to abstract, which leads to the solution of the math problem. The concrete step involves hands-on learning using tangible objects. Then students draw pictorial representations of the problem they are working. The method takes the student from the concrete to the pictorial and finally, the student solves the math problem abstractly, with numbers and symbols. How can tutoring help students with Singapore Math? Specialized tutors are able to help students make the transition from standard math concepts to Singapore Math techniques. Many home schools, private schools, and public schools are using Singapore’s math techniques. Overall, students are able to grasp and apply these new concepts quickly. Contact Elite Home Tutoring for questions or information concerning Singapore Math, www.elitehometutoring.com
What is the the High School Equivalency Test (HiSET)? There are three high school equivalency exams, the GED (General Equivalency Diploma), the HiSET (High School Equivalency Test), and the TASC (Test Assessing Secondary Completion). The HiSET is a state-issued high school test and is an alternative to the standard GED exam. The HiSET is more flexible than the GED and the TASC and is offered in several formats and languages. It is also the least expensive test available for a high school equivalency test and costs vary from state to state. Which states offer the HiSET Exam: The HiSET Exam is available in California, Iowa, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Tennessee, and Wyoming. The HiSET credential is valid in all states. Which subjects are on the HiSET and what is the passing score? The HiSET Exam measures the following five levels of high school education: Reading, Writing, Mathematics, Social Studies, and Science. Each section is worth 20 points and students must receive at least 8 correct answers in each section and a combined score of 45 in order to pass the test. Students must score in the 60%. The HiSET, once passed, will give students the equivalent to a high school credential, or diploma. The HiSET is also considered the equivalent to the GED or the TASC credential. How can tutoring help students prepare for the HiSET Exam? The HiSET Exam was redesigned in 2015 and is based on Common Core Standards. Students must understand these standards in order to pass the HiSET Exam. Private, one-on-one tutoring can help students understand the Common Core Standards. Tutors can run students through typical question types seen on the actual exam. There are many tutors that specialize in high school equivalency exams, and they are able to help ensure that sudents are prepared in all five sections of the exam. Contact Elite Home Tutoring for questions and additional information concerning the HiSET Exam, www.elitehometutoring.com
There is quite a buzz in the air concerning the new SAT. The current SAT will be available until March 2016; after this date only the new SAT will be available. How is the “new” SAT effecting education, high school, college entrance, and tutoring? The new SAT and Education: The new SAT will implement the Common Core Standards. Student’s abilities in math, reading, and writing will be tested and measured. Students must master these standards in order to score well on the new SAT. Educators teaching these standards face increased pressure, especially since the new SAT will debut early next year. Teachers must help students gain a deeper understanding and guide them in applying their understanding and knowledge in day-to-day and real-life situations. The new SAT and High School: Current high school students must be prepared in advance for changes in the new SAT. Some students may have the option of taking both the current and new SAT exams. Freshman and sophomores have the option to take both. Current juniors and seniors will not need to take the new SAT and will take the current SAT, since the new exam will not be implemented until 2016. The new SAT and College Entrance: In order to gain the best entrance scores, students must do well on the new SAT, which is more challenging than the current SAT. The questions are harder and will take longer to answer. The essay will be optional, although it will be a more challenging. Some math sections will no longer allow caculators and students will see more algebra problems. Understanding Common Core Standards and the ability to implement these standards are the key to success with the new SAT. The new SAT and Tutoring: Private educators, such as tutors, have already experienced an increase in inquiries from students and parents concerning the new SAT. It is important to get ahead of the game now since students will no longer be able to “cram” for the exam. The time in now to start preparing for the new SAT! Contact Elite Home Tutoring for questions and additional information concerning the “new” SAT, www.elitehometutoring.com
