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By admin, August 26, 2009 7:21 pm

If you think it’s too late to go back to school or continue learning, think again! Here are some encouraging annual Delaware statistics:

• Over 5,500 adults receive instruction through community programs
• About 750 people take their GED test and pass
• Approximately 1,100 inmates take part in prison-based educational services

If you are currently not attending school, give some thought to furthering your education. Whether you are looking for employment, trying to get ahead in a current position, get vocational training, enter college or learn English, there’s a place for you in the education world. And Back to Basics can help you succeed. We serve clients up through adult age. If you are returning to college and have been away from the books for a while and need some study skills, we can help you no matter what your goal. Some of our subjects specifically of interest to older adults include:

• Adult Literacy
• Computer Skills
• ESL
• Foreign Languages
• GED Instruction
• Art

We also operate a 1-on-1 private school and offer original credit courses if you need educational options or want to enhance your transcript or resume. Don’t let your age limit your possibilities…Aim High with Back to Basics!

Back to Basics has been recognized as the area’s undisputed leader in one-on-one tutoring. In addition, the firm offers a unique Delaware private school for all grades. Back to Basics is the 2010 Better Business Bureau Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics.

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By admin,

ACT or SAT, which one is right for your student? Many colleges now accept either test so it benefits students to take the test they are best suited for, according to their skills. For example, the ACT tests a student’s knowledge of what was learned in high school. If a pupil has received good grades in challenging courses, the ACT may be a good choice. SATs are more of a reasoning test and measure aptitude. A student with good deductive skills may find the SATs a good fit. Below are some differences between the two tests in four basic areas.

CONTENT-ACTs focus on grammar and punctuation, contain 4 sections: English, Math Reading and Science and the math portion covers some trigonometry. SATs emphasize vocabulary, contain 3 sections: Critical Reading, Math and Writing and cap off at Algebra II regarding the math section.

STRUCTURE-ACTs are all multiple choice questions, the level of difficulty is fairly consistent throughout and it contains about 215. SATs require some student-generated answers, difficulty increases as the test progresses and there are 140 questions. Both test require the same amount of time so student have less time per question with the ACTs.

STRATEGY-The ACT does not penalize for wrong answers. If time is running out, guesses are suggested on unknown or unfinished questions. The SAT does penalize for incorrect answers so ii’s best to eliminate two choices is possible then make an educated guess at your answer.

SCORING-Each section of the ACT counts for 36 points then a composite score is obtained by averaging the 4 sections. SATs can earn a maximum of 800 points per section.

No matter what test your child decides to take, he/she doesn’t have to prepare alone. Back to Basics tutors can work with your student 1-on-1 to focus on the exact areas he/she needs. Not only will subject matter be addressed but also timing and strategies for taking the tests, such as pacing and “educated guessing” techniques will be covered as well. Help your children get accepted to the college of their choice with Back to Basics!

Back to Basics has been recognized as the area’s undisputed leader in one-on-one tutoring. In addition, the firm offers a unique Delaware private school for all grades. Back to Basics is the 2010 Better Business Bureau Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics.

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By admin,

With the new school year just around the corner, rising juniors and seniors may turn their thoughts to college. One important concern is standardized admissions tests, ACTs and SATs. But when should your student take these tests?

It is recommended that you initially sit for these exams in junior year, preferably the March date or later. By that time in the school year, much of the content area of the tests will have been covered in the school curriculum. This will also allow time to receive scores and retake the tests on an upcoming date of the current school year, which is May & June if you wish. As a senior, it is advised that a student take the October or November tests, at the latest, to be sure that college application deadlines for the following fall are met.

Students can contact their guidance department or consult the College Board website for further information on test dates and registration.

Back to Basics has been recognized as the area’s undisputed leader in one-on-one tutoring. In addition, the firm offers a unique Delaware private school for all grades. Back to Basics is the 2010 Better Business Bureau Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics.

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By admin,

The simplistic definition of executive functioning is basically how we mentally steer through life. This theory has come about over the past 20 years. It has seen an increase in interest among those who treat individuals with cognitive disabilities, including, but not limited to learning difficulties and ADD/ADHD. A more professional definition of executive functioning, as put forth by researchers, psychologists and other experts is this. It is putting in place, tracking, evaluating and adapting different strategies in order to accomplish different tasks. It necessitates the ability to analyze, plan, focus and hold attention and adjust accordingly to get a job done. it is believed that there are six cognitive clusters involved in executive functioning. They are:

• Activating
• Focusing
• Putting forth effort
• Emotional management
• Memory skills
• Action

Children who suffer from dysfunctional executive functioning have a less than smooth road to accomplishing successful results when their cognitive functions interact. Below are some functions used and a sign that your child may have a problem in that area.

• Memory and recall-When finishing a reading passage, your child forgets key points from the material
• Organizing-Your child can not outline for an essay or report
• Focusing-Your child can not stay on task and is easily distracted
• Time Management- Student does not pace herself properly and set milestones in order to complete a project from beginning to end
• Managing frustration- Student is frustrated or angry when she needs to change gears or tasks

If your child has difficulty in any of these areas, give Back to Basics a call or visit our website. Our study skills instruction, offered in both a small group setting and as 1-on-1, addresses many of these issues and can assist your child with these important academic skills. Techniques covered in our study skills sessions include time management, goal setting, organization, note taking, test taking strategies and more. We also provide 1-on-1 academic coaching to address these needs. Don’t wait. Contact us today and help your child face the next school year confident and prepared!

Back to Basics has been recognized as the area’s undisputed leader in one-on-one tutoring. In addition, the firm offers a unique Delaware private school for all grades. Back to Basics is the 2010 Better Business Bureau Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics.

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By admin,

Many parents may give a great deal of attention to their children’s ADD/ADHD medications during the school year because they try to keep their students on track. When summertime comes, school is out and this concern could take a back seat. This shouldn’t be the case however. Summer is the perfect time to assess or re-assess your child’s needs.

BEFORE DOING ANYTHING, YOU SHOULD CONSULT YOUR CHILD’S PHYSICIAN FOR ADVICE AND GUIDANCE. THIS ARTICLE IS PROVIDED FOR INFORMATION ONLY.

Children with ADD/ADHD should have regular medical check- ups. This may be a good time for a re- evaluation of your child’s condition and medications. If you are thinking of stopping medications for the summer, this may be an appropriate time for a trial run. Also, if your child’s sleep, eating habits and other daily activities are affected by his medications, you may want to consider an adjustment for the summer. A summer camp for children with ADD could help your child acquire new skills that can be applied during the next school year.

Remember to consult your child’s doctor before altering or stopping any current regimes. But with the help of your physician and other support resources, your child can have a healthy, happy and productive summer!

Back to Basics has been recognized as the area’s undisputed leader in one-on-one tutoring. In addition, the firm offers a unique Delaware private school for all grades. Back to Basics is the 2010 Better Business Bureau Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics.

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By admin,

by Dr. Lauren S. Lineback

Psychoeducational testing is appropriate for individuals who want to have a more sophisticated understanding of their cognitive functioning (what is my “ability?”), their math, reading and/or writing skills, their memory skills, and whether emotional factors may be contributing to or affecting learning in school. While I assess individuals from six years old up to middle-aged adults, other psychologists specialize in developmental issues, and evaluate children between infancy and five years old. Some psychologists assess individuals in the later stages of middle-age including the geriatric population.

This article will address assessment of school-aged children and college-aged young adults. A typical referral question might be, “My second grade son is struggling with math, and despite extra help from the teacher, he continues to obtain poor grades in this subject. Is it possible that he has a learning disability?” Psychoeducational testing could help determine if the individual has a learning disability in math or any other area, and the psychologist will provide recommendations to the parents and the teacher as to how to improve the student’s ability to learn math.

Another referral question might come from a college student who recently completed their freshman year, and despite feeling that they “studied hard,” they obtained poor grades. Perhaps this individual found it difficult to concentrate during class, and is wondering if she has Attention- Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Predominantly Inattentive Type.

Some high school students who have already been identified as having a reading disability may feel they will benefit from extended time on the SAT. A psychoeducational evaluation would be appropriate for this student in order to document the need for extended time.

While a “battery” of measures within a psychoeducational evaluation may differ from psychologist to psychologist, a typical battery will often consist of a measure to assess intellectual functioning and a measure to assess achievement levels (often math, reading, and spelling and/or writing). In addition, many psychologists also include a measure to assess visual-motor functioning and a measure to assess memory skills.

In order to ensure that the evaluation is addressing the referral question, the psychologist will typically gather a great deal of background information. This information could include, but would not be limited to, the following: when developmental milestones were met, medical history, school history, and whether there is any family history of mental health issues or learning difficulties. If the parents or student perceive there to be any emotional difficulties that could be affecting learning in school, additional measures may be included. For example, behavior rating scales to be completed by the parent, the student and sometimes the teachers are often included, and at times additional assessments may also be included to learn more about the individual’s emotional functioning.

At times, the psychologist may also gather information from the examinee’s teachers, and will often wish to review recent report cards and any previous evaluations. A typical assessment session takes between four and six hours, depending on the individual. While some students prefer to complete the evaluation in one sitting, other students, particularly young children, may benefit from completing the assessment over the course of two or even three sessions.

After the assessment is complete, the psychologist writes a report which includes the scores from each measure, as well as a description of the measure and what the scores mean. The report will also answer the referral question, and many recommendations are provided. The psychologist then reviews the results of the evaluation with the family, and can answer questions about the report, as well as how to proceed.

Back to Basics has been recognized as the area’s undisputed leader in one-on-one tutoring. In addition, the firm offers a unique Delaware private school for all grades. Back to Basics is the 2010 Better Business Bureau Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics.