High School is a busy time of classes, extracurricular’s, new found social lives and a need to start thinking about the future. You may find you and your family trying to swim through the murky waters of ‘What is Next?’. Thinking about college prep whilst maintaining daily life can be overwhelming and you may be wondering if AP courses are simply too much. The truth is, it is a personal decision that only you can determine but it’s helpful to know the AP ins and outs before deciding. First of all, what are AP classes? AP classes are advanced placement classes to introduce high school students to college level classes designed by the College Board. Since these classes are more challenging than high school courses it allows students to attain college credits. BUT to get the credit the student must pass the AP exam based on everything they have learned throughout the year. The tests are through the school or College Board in May. (https://apstudents.collegeboard.org/exam-calendar) Do you need to take AP classes to get into college? Short answer- no. HOWEVER, and this is a large however, students with AP courses on their transcripts have greater acceptance rates. One of the most important aspects of the college acceptance process is your transcript. Taking the AP COURSES reflects heavier than the AP exam scores. For the most part the exam scores will not actually make or break you but colleges like evidence that you can excel in difficult classes and that the student has challenged themselves. AP courses show admissions that a student is prepared to do college level work. Yes, but what about the Exam? Do colleges need that? Normally you do not need to send AP scores to the universities you are applying for. That said, some schools will put space on the application for you to self- report the AP scores. Those scores will be seen by college admissions officers. *Note: If you have low scores it is advised to not report them on the application. There are some schools that are more flexible and may allow you to substitute your SAT or ACT so if you have high AP exams maybe that is something to look into. Can I take the classes without the test? Can I take the test without the classes? Students are not required to take the courses. A student can sign up to take an AP test in any subject. BUT taking the course definitely prepares them for the exam and speaks to their level of commitment. On the same note, a student can take the courses and not take the exam. How does the AP Exam work? According to the College Board, AP Exams are created and scored by teams of AP teachers and college professors. The exams are scored from 1 to 5 in which a score above 3 is considered passing. Some schools however only accept 4’s and 5’s for credit. The test usually takes two to three hours to complete and usually consist of essay questions and multiple-choice questions. Each subject area test is offered in May. If a student does not pass they cannot take it again until the following year. All AP tests need to be taken before the student graduates. Students pay for the AP tests out of pocket ( however, in some lower-income may be able to receive funding) Weighing up all the benefits. 1) College Board states that over 90 percent of colleges and universities in the U.S. will grant college credit for AP coursework and passing test scores. In other words, you will be able to save time and tuition money because your free high school AP class served as credit for what you would have had to have taken as a foundational college course. 2) Good AP scores can help garnish scholarships. 3) AP classes prepare a student for the demands of college. This will make the transition from high school to college just that much easier. 4) A College admission leg up. High AP scores (4 & 5’s) may help you to stand out from the other students, when any bit of advantage counts. 5) Many high schools give extra weight to AP classes leading to improved GPA’s. B’s in an AP class would be considered higher than getting an A in a regular high school course. Are there disadvantages to AP courses? The important thing to remember is your own level of burn-out. The course load can be heavy so you have to make sure that you can remain in balance. Extracurricular activities are also important to a college admission as well as good for ones self interest. Community investment also looks good on the application and is good for the soul. If you take on too many AP classes they can work against you. The heavily weighted grades can really hurt your GPA is you start receiving C’s and D’s. Low AP exam scores can also alert institutions-however, to reiterate, you do not have to report your low scores. Final Thoughts While on paper the benefits to AP classes outweigh the negative, knowing what you can and cannot handle is just as an important part of the learning process. There is no judgement in having solid grades in the normal high school courses. For AP exam overview and scheduling: https://apstudents.collegeboard.org/ap-exams-overview
So, we’re a few weeks into school, the newness has worn off and now we are faced with reality—how do we keep the kids motivated to do their homework?! Lack of motivation is not the same as lazy! First let’s talk about Motivation, or lack thereof. Lack of motivation does not mean a child is lazy, a common reason that kids lack motivation is because they are having problems with academic skills. It is possible they have a learning difference such as executive functions or dyslexia or maybe they are challenged with anxiety or ADHD. Maybe the work isn’t challenging enough or their learning style isn’t being addressed. It could simply be low confidence. Point being, there is usually a reason for lack of motivation and pinpointing it is going to make a world of difference. Another thing to keep in mind about motivation is that kids like having a degree of agency and autonomy. They want to work on projects that feel personal-at least in the choices of how it gets done. The more pro-active a child can feel in the process the easier it is to keep them engaged. Let your child/teen talk to you about what they feel works for them. Co-Planning Study Time It’s good to have structure for both your kid/young adult and you. So make a plan together on how best to stay on top of the school year. You and your child should set out a plan of action that includes: The time of day the homework gets done, and how much time should be spent studying. How to prioritize weekly assignments. How often are breaks taken and what do they include? ie; going for a walk or run, maybe a snack and drink. What sort of a reward system should be built in? Maybe a favorite treat or screen time. Anything your child feels is worth putting effort into! How to keep the stress at bay. Again maybe walks (exercise should definitely be encouraged), time with a pet, music, etc. Making sure this is all implemented. Do you use timers, or color coded calendars, or what system works for your kid? Minimize frustration for yourself as the parent! Try to focus on what is being learned rather than the outcome of test grades. Progress not perfection is the adage. Kids (and teens) learn at different paces, so don’t forget to be aware of the little steps and enjoy watching the process happen. Check in and talk to your kid about how they are feeling about the work. Promote and encourage small bite sized goals versus “you must get all A’s”. In the end there will be less of a fight for you and your family and a greater sense of pride and desire to achieve in your son or daughter. CREATE THE WORKSPACE As a tutor who spends time in the homes of my students, I can say another motivational factor that often gets overlooked is the actual workspace. “A learning space involves educational, environmental, physical (engineering), and socio-emotional factors to maximize learning potential.” A space created for work determines attitude. I am not just referring to a desk space, but a space designed with the intention of motivated, creative, stress-free learning. Make sure this space has no distractions. No TV, people in and out, little siblings, video games etc. Let your child choose the space. Maybe there is a hall or closet they love. Maybe their bedroom is best. ALSO, make sure they have good light. Low light is bad for the eyes and may make them drowsy or fidgety. Make a comfortable zone, flat workspaces with lots of space for pens and paper, shelves, comfy chairs. DO not use beds, this is uncomfortable and makes the student sleepy. Calendars and visuals and organizing boxes to keep it clutter free help. Make sure all the necessary tools are at hand (calculators, scissors etc. Talk to your child about what tools they may need). Let the student decorate the space with their touches. They are the ones that need to feel part of it and inspired in. Finally, the last tip is don’t do their work for them! Guide them, make suggestions but let them learn. If motivation continues to be a problem don’t be afraid to get help. Talk to teachers, tutors, maybe even Drs. to determine if there is a learning challenge that needs to be addressed.
Halloween has long been a big ‘to-do’ holiday in the States. I grew up with homemade costumes, pillow cases of candy, carved pumpkins and in school Halloween parties. But like fall, change is in the air and the idea of Halloween celebrations in the classroom is changing. School districts have begun cancelling Halloween. As an educator I like to put topics on the table to view from all angles. This is not an opinion piece but a chance to explore the conversation academically. If I was a math teacher I would take this opportunity to create a pie chart (pumpkin of course) of pros and cons. However, as this is a blog I will simply lay out some of the elemental concerns on both sides of the fence. BUT FIRST A LITTLE HISTORICAL CONTEXT: Halloween has its origins in the Celtic Festival Samhain, which marked the end of the harvest season (Oct. 31st would be the celebration eve and November 1st the end of Harvest). The belief was that during Samhain the ‘spirits’ or ‘souls’ of the deceased would go to their old homes looking for hospitality and a meal and the Celts would appease them with food and drink to ensure that they and their livestock survived the dark winter months. One could say they were “warding off the evil spirits”. In the 8th or 9th century the Christian church decreed the ‘Feast of All Saints’ (which had been in May) be moved to Nov. 1st. The pre-eve vigil became “All Hallows Even,” or “Hallowe’en”–the roots of the Halloween we know today. WHY NOW NO-WEEN? REASON 1 -RELIGIOUS CONCERNS Long answer short, as a nation we have children from a myriad of ethnic and religious backgrounds in our schools. Many Evangelical Christians feel the holiday is pagan and is seen as celebrating the devil. Conservative Muslims also believe it represents “shaytan“(the devil) and is forbidden (haram), and Jews who are observant of their religion, do not celebrate Halloween as a holiday because it has non-Jewish roots. All in all the holiday has become a part of our on going Church/State debate. It is argued that schools have always celebrated Halloween as a secular holiday and therefore religion should have no place in the debate. But the concern stands: Halloween activities will alienate children and staff who do not celebrate for personal/religious reasons. REASON 2 -ECONOMIC SENSITIVITY Not all families are able to afford costumes. Some students have the money for elaborate costumes, while others will be teased for not having the money to buy any. REASON 3 -INAPPROPRIATE COSTUMES With some children, putting on a costume entails donning a character’s attitude. Teachers have experienced behavioral problems in children wearing costumes that involve violent or action based characters REASON 4 -TOO MUCH CANDY Straight up too much candy! People are concerned that between obesity and Attention Deficit Disorders, school Halloween festivities are adding to the problem with copious amounts of sugar. Pro-Ween While there are some who believe school should be for educational purposes only, there are many parents who feel that fun is part of the education. They believe Halloween parties promote creativity and a break from the mundane and grind of school work. Pro-ween parents say Halloween is a learning tool. It offers the opportunity to have creative lessons discussing different religions, cultural beliefs, and celebrations. The idea being rather than negating a cultural celebration, schools should find ways to be more inclusive and incorporate more and lesser known religious/cultural celebrations. In the same vein, many feel this is a holiday in which kids from all economic backgrounds can feel included. One solution would be creating costumes in school. A portion of art time can be dedicated to costume design and useful skills such as sewing. THE FINAL DECISION At the end of the day, it is the school that gets to decide. In these cases, there will always be someone who is not happy with the final choice. Please try to respect all sides and all decisions. If the school chooses not to have festivities, you can have them at home. If the school chooses to have festivities, maybe there is a quiet room your child can go to or you have an at home day. Either way, sit back and enjoy that pumpkin spiced tea!
As we start shifting our focus to the upcoming school year, parents start asking me about when and how their kids should start college prepping. They want to know if AP classes are the right choice, when SAT prepping should start to happen, can they study for ISEE at the same time as PSAT,etc. So many acronyms create so much worry! I promise we will look at preparing for AP (Advanced Placement) and studying for the ISEE (Independent School Entrance Examination) in my next couple of blogs. For today, let’s breakdown PSAT, SAT, and ACT. These are all standardized exams used for college admissions and designed to demonstrate college readiness. They are multiple choice and done with pencil and paper. The SAT and ACT are an important and necessary factor with most college admissions. THE PSAT (short for Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) https://www.collegeboard.org IN short, the PSAT is a practice SAT. It is most often taken by high school Juniors. However, one can take the PSAT a total of three times in high school, but only once per year, so you can start as early as Freshman or Sophomore. PSAT is a little easier than the SAT and there is a little more time to answer the math questions, however the test itself is about 15 minutes shorter than the SAT. They have similar questions, but the scoring is different. The PSAT scores between 320 and 1520 while the SAT is between 400 and 1600. Of course the real question is, ‘Is it necessary?’ The PSAT helps predict SAT scores. It highlights what needs to be focused on when studying for the SAT. The other important thing to know; PSAT scores are used for awarding National Merit Scholarships. (https://www.nationalmerit.org/s/1758/interior.aspx?sid=1758&gid=2&pgid=424). PSAT’s are not required and will not have a negative impact on college admissions. Some colleges will use the PSAT scores as part of their recruitment, but for the most part PSAT’s are used as a great opportunity for growth and possible scholarship if a student qualifies (scores need to be at least 1420 to 1480 to qualify). THE SAT (previously stood forScholastic Assessment Test) https://www.collegeboard.org College Board offers the SAT six times a year: October, November, December, January, May and June. There is a fee per exam but it’s best to check the College Board site for current prices and be sure to pre-register about a month ahead. The SAT is 3 hours long. There are a 154 questions and a reading test that takes 65 minutes, a 35-minute writing and language test and an 80-minute math section The SAT does not include an independent science section but incorporates science questions throughout the exam. * There is no longer SAT Essay or SAT Subject tests THE ACT (American College Testing) https://www.act.org ACT is offered 4 times per year- Sept., Oct., Dec., and Feb. It is also necessary to pre-register and check the fee on the ACT site. ACT lasts two hours and 55 minutes, plus the ACT continues to offer its optional 40-minute writing test that accompanies the exam. There are 215 questions and the ACT is comprised of a 35-minute reading test, 45-minute English test, 60-minute math section and 35-minute science test. ONE IS NOT EASIER THAN THE OTHER! All US colleges and universities accept scores from either the ACT or SAT, and ONE IS NOT MORE IMPORTANT THAN THE OTHER. (BE AWARE: Check your state. The necessity of SAT or ACT actually does change per/state.) BUT there are some personal choice differences. My top 5 FUNDAMENTAL PERSONAL CHOICE differences: On the reading section the SAT has evidence supports questions, meaning two part questions where one question supports another. If you don’t get the first one right you probably wont get the second one right. ACT does not have these. However ACT does NOT stick to questions in chronological order like the SAT-meaning it might be easier to find the answers in the SAT reading passage as the questions go in order of the reading. ACT is a little more focused on grammar, punctuation and structure as well as big picture questions. While the SAT is a little more vocabulary and writing style focused. However if the student’s strength lies in writing, the ACT optional essay allows the student to analyze a passage and give their own opinion on the topic discussed. 3. SAT has less of a time crunch, more time to answer each questions means less stress for each question. But the scoring and questions are more diffused so a student cannot move quickly go through a section they are more confident in. 4. If you are a Science person ACT’s science section is 1/4 of total score. SAT does not have a designated science section. 5. If you are a Math person, it accounts for 1/2 of the total SAT score but only 1/4 for ACT. *THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THE MATH DIFFERENCES The SAT does have some math questions that are not multiple choice-the student will need to fill in their own answers. With the multiple choice there are 5 answer choices on SAT vs. 4 on ACT. Meaning if you need to guess there is a higher chance of getting the answer on the SAT. SAT does have diagram of math formulas, on ACT you have to remember them. There is a larger emphasis on geometry and trig on the ACT. While SAT is more algebra and data analysis focused. ****There is a school of thought that believes most math based students prefer the SAT and the English Language Arts student prefer the ACT. Really the best way to help a student make a decision is take the full-length practice tests for each. Then put the time into studying the one that puts them into the highest percentile. Either way students test scores are going to be better with study and practice!
Education is a timely and costly endeavor. In elementary school students are prepping for the challenges of middle school. Once in middle school they are looking towards the right high school. In high school they are preparing for University! Since the average family does not have a cache of spare time or money, maneuvering the sea of scholarships and grants becomes a time-consuming headache. WHERE TO BEGIN?? First, let’s start with grant vs. scholarship. Grants are given according to financial need, meaning they are usually reserved for lower income families. Grants are given by schools, nonprofits, states, and the federal government. For federal aid go to the FAFSA website (https://studentaid.gov). *The application deadline this year is Oct. 31st. Scholarships are different in that they are based on particular qualities or academic acumen. As there are many scholarships the real time saving trick is “Know Thy Self”. What makes your student uniquely them? When you hone down what type of person your student is, it will help cut down the research. 3 Popular Scholarships: Academic/Merit Aid Academic/Merit Aid scholarships are given based on a student’s skill or academic abilities. Usually, a student must maintain a certain GPA to receive this aid. If your GPA and standardized test scores are high enough, you may receive a full ride to your university. If students take the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test and qualify, they can resource The National Merit Scholarship Program. In terms of academics, some non-profits and private companies will ask a student to write an essay. The organization will often base the grant only on the essay and not on an overall GPA. If your student is a good writer I would suggest visiting: https://www.scholarships.com/financial-aid/college-scholarships/scholarships-by-type/essay-scholarships/ Athletic If you are a stand out athlete there are athletic scholarships. These scholarships are beneficial to colleges because they help attract/recruit athletes to play for them. However, only 1% to 2% of undergraduate students receive athletic scholarships, and they are usually partial scholarships. It is common that this aid requires a student to maintain a level of leadership, behavior and a minimum GPA. Diversity/Identity In an effort to support marginalized communities, Identity Scholarships are awarded for race, ethnicity, gender, and religion. Often the goal is to promote participation in activities or groups that have been historically homogenous. These scholarships are often outside parties such as the Hispanic Scholarship Fund or BIPOC Scholarship for LGBTQ students. (BIPOC Scholarship for LGBTQ Students,Hispanic Scholarship Fund.) Furthermore, there are scholarships for Musical Abilities, Military, Extracurricular, Unique Traits, Community Service and so on. In other words, if you have a Chess kid look for a Chess Scholarship-chances are, they are out there. Start early, and be efficient, use what you have! Rather than thinking about this as a chore, enjoy highlighting the qualities that make your student special. Two Helpful Sites: FastWeb Scholarships.com
If you are at the ISEE (Independent School Entrance Exam) preparation point I’m sure you have already put loads of thought into your child’s education and how to get a leg up. You’ve done your research, you’ve looked at private schools, you know what you want for your child. Now you are ready to take those next steps. Or are you? You are now being faced with the ISEE which is a whole new level of preparation. Most likely your child has always done well and is reading above grade level and scoring well on math. However, ISEE testing is different than how your child is assessed in school. * This exam is designed to be much higher than grade level in the way it is scored. What is the test? On the surface it appears to be split into 4 normal levels for grades 2-12: Primary (2-4), Lower (5&6), Middle (7&8), and Upper (9-12). The Subjects Covered: Verbal Reasoning,Quantitative reasoning, Reading comprehension, Mathematics Achievement, and A Writing sample. According to ERB (the ISEE test makers) “The ISEE consists of carefully constructed and standardized verbal and quantitative reasoning tests that measure a student’s capability for learning, and reading comprehension and mathematics achievement tests that provide specific information about an individual’s strengths and weaknesses in those areas.” This sounds innocuous enough BUT BE AWARE! The questions are designed to be tricky. There is more critical thinking, multi-step questions, unusual questions formats, and deeper reading between the lines than what is received in a classroom. It is mentally strenuous and it is quick. The ISEE specifically pushes the age brackets. There will be information students have NOT yet come across in their classroom learning, and the ISEE is asking for prerequisite knowledge. GIVE YOURSELF PREP TIME It is suggested to start preparing at least 6-8 months in advance. A decent goal is to shoot for 45-90 hours of instruction time, plus homework. This can be achieved with 1:1 programs, online practice tests, and of course tutors. PRO -TIPS Make a consistent study schedule. This is the key to not feeling overloaded. Look at test taking strategies. All strategies help, and will help calm nerves, though that will not be enough in terms of academics. Study vocabulary and challenging reading texts from grades above. Take the practice tests!! There are tests online and will help immensely in seeing where your child is at both academically and comfort wise. Leave time to take the test twice if necessary. ISEE’s can be taken once per testing season (Fall, Winter, Spring/Summer) which totals three times per year. During TEST Things to Think About: Answer All questions. There is no penalty for wrong answers on the ISEE so you might as well guess. Make sure however to keep track of time, if there is left over time go back and make sure all questions are filled in. Make sure to read all your questions CAREFULLY! Pay attention to key words and underline them. When reading, first try to predict answers to the question without looking at the choices. The choices maybe tricky and misleading so try to be solid with your own answer. Similarly with math, decide what you think is the right answer before you start solving. And use estimations- look at things like bigger/smaller, positive/negative—this will certainly help in eliminate wrong answers. *In each section start with what you feel is easiest for you. This will help with time and confidence. But again, go back and fill in all answers. OVERALL MOST IMPORTANT THING: Slow, steady focus—both in test preparation and test taking. Because the ISEE is designed to push learning age brackets, the student is not expected to get all the questions right. The tests are curved each year and your child will be compared to other students at their grade level. One child cannot know everything, take a steady approach at a range of content and you and your child will have positive results. Remember this is one part of a multi-faceted application. Your child can show their unique abilities and personality in the interviews, applications, visit days etc. The big goal should be to make sure your child feels as little stress as possible for this rather stressful test! HELPFUL LINKS: THE TEST MAKERS WEBSITE: Practice Tests: https://iseepracticetest.com https://study.com/isee/isee-practice-tests.html https://isee.ivyglobal.com/practice
As an educator I have witnessed time and time again students not getting a paper in on time, not studying enough because it was put off till the night before, parents repeatedly yelling at their kids to do their work and stop being “lazy”—but really it all comes down to Time Management. Time management is being able to be productive and efficient with ones time, and know how to prioritize it. It is important to remember that time management is a learned habit, meaning we are not born with this ability and it needs to be patiently taught. We also need to remember that not everyone has the same capacity to manage the amount of work and activities expected in a young persons life. Feeling overwhelmed, anxiety, ADHD, slow processors—these are all real things that may require a little extra patience, flexibility, and time. Of course who has the patience when there is no time!? And in a circle we go. Ideally learning time management skills starts in childhood, setting aside short chunks of time for putting away toys etc. As they get a little older time management can be taught in more fun ways. Make calendars and time charts with stickers, colors, glitter, and fun magnets. Why not try apps? And yes, have rewards for goals achieved! Set timers and make games—‘How fast can you do it?’ ‘How long do you think you have left?’ Have them verbally countdown with you. This is for time awareness so they start getting a sense of it. Family calendars are also fun-this breeds an awareness of other peoples time and how everyone is taking an active part in the household. The 2 most important aspects of time management for kids: 1. Prioritizing— help small kids by using simple phrases like First, Next, Last. Help them map out the day from beginning to end to understand the concept—in other words what are the most important things to do in a day ie; get dressed, brush your teeth. Then start looking from daily, to weekly, to monthly. 2. Allow breathe time. Over scheduling activities and then not scheduling free time is detrimental. The down time allows the brain and body to digest, we learn better when we have some space for self. The constant pressure and go teaches a life of stress, and lends to the feeling of ‘never being enough’ which has the opposite effect of efficiently managing. Teens especially are prone to giving up under an over pressurized schedule. And now, let’s talk about the Teens. If possible avoid falling into the trap of telling your teen to do homework over and over, aside from adding to their feeling of stress and rebellion, it also reduces their responsibilities and doesn’t teach them accountability. It may be more productive all around to help your teen feel a sense of agency with how to manage their time. 1. Let them have some control Find out what your teens goals are that they want to reach (this doesn’t mean just schoolwork, it could be practicing an instrument or exercising.) Then set up a plan with your teen on the best way to achieve those goals.Every person has times in the day when they feel most productive—help your teen to identify their rhythm. It’s ok if they want a 20 minute power nap after school if it will help them regroup. After the nap maybe their evening is broken into timed sections —they will know what works best for them. 2 . Keeping it calm One of the biggest killers of time management is feeling overwhelmed and stressed. There is self pressure to be better and there is pressure from external schedules. This is where and why prioritizing is key. Talk to them about the possibility of starting assignments earlier, letting go of some extra curricular, talking to teachers about extensions, figuring out what the MOST important assignments or tests are. This also pertains to their social enagagements. Teens are not always able to see how one thing affects another and what the consequence may be, so help them talk it through. 3. Early starts Procrastination may appear as irresponsibility but again maybe your teen just doesn’t know how to approach things any other way. Give them some tools; set timers, use alerts, give some form of affirmation when they are early with their work or even on time! One thing that may be effective is having an earned technology time. If they are able to get ready and do their work early it will give them some extra technology time to enjoy. —Though I suggest limiting the technology as it is a big distraction! 4. Workspace Where we do our work can create distractions or give us peace. Take time with your teen to set up a work space. If they help set it up they can feel some pride in it. Use diaries, and whiteboards, calendars and color coded organizers, whatever helps their brain to stay organized and energized to work. Give them a comfortable, organized and clean place to work. And let it be theirs—no siblings running through and other outside interferences. Time management is not the most fun life lesson to teach but certainly an important one—and remember you deserve to schedule a little time out for you as well.
