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By admin, February 27, 2010 10:16 am

Susan Said What?! www.susansaidwhat.wordpress.com is a lifestyle blog created by Delaware-based freelance writer Susan McNeill. Recently, Susan enrolled her son at Back to Basics for test taking preparation. She recounted her experience on the blog, an excerpt of which follows.

“It’s hard for me to believe, but my son Matt will be entering high school in the fall. In Delaware, the choice-magnet-charter-private school competition is nothing short of fierce. He’s extremely bright and has top grades, so initially we weren’t concerned. He took the placement test for the Charter School of Wilmington (the state’s top academic public school) along with 800 other students for a chance at 225 freshman slots. When he didn’t make the 1st cut and was assigned to “interview status,” we were understandably worried (although after his interview he was accepted).

For his next placement test we targeted prestigious private prep school Archmere Academy (Vice President Joe Biden is an alum). This time we decided to take no chances – so we looked for some testing taking / test prep help, so that that he could do his best. Enter Back to Basics Learning Dynamics.

If you aren’t from Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania or New Jersey, you’re probably not yet familiar with this firm. Back to Basics is the area’s undisputed leader in one-on-one tutoring, homeschooling, testing like SAT prep and ESL instruction. For over 24 years Back to Basics has served the varied educational needs of over 11,500 children and adult students!

Matt was paired with an exceptional tutor who proved to be the perfect match — both in teaching style and personality. Sessions on test taking, timing, eliminating answers on multiple choice questions, and many, many practice tests later, we thought Matt was ready.

He took the placement test last week. Not only did he score well, he scored so well that he was eligible for several thousand dollars academic scholarship money. Not too shabby!

I can’t thank Back to Basics enough! Many of the firm’s policies and procures differentiate it from a Sylvan of Huntington – or really any of the big chain services you may see advertised. Although Back to Basics is small in comparison (just under 100 tutors) their careful matching of a student and tutor make a student’s success much, much more likely. In fact, Matt has made such dramatic strides in such a short time, that I think we will be continuing with weekly sessions to get him ready for the more challenging academics he’ll face in September.

If you want to learn more, you can visit them at www.backtobasicslearning.com. You’ll be glad you did!”

This excerpt was reprinted with permission by Susan McNeill, www.susansaidwhat.wordpress.com. For more information, please visit www.backtobasicslearning.com or call 302-594-0754.

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By admin, February 12, 2010 1:38 pm

Beverly Stewart, a Delaware-based educational entrepreneur and founder of Back to Basics Learning Dynamics, Inc. was recently welcomed into the Hall of Fame of Delaware Women. The Hall of Fame honor is sponsored by the Delaware Commission for Women and is the state’s foremost event honoring outstanding women.

The Hall of Fame was established to recognize the lasting contributions and achievements of Delaware women. Traditionally held during Women’s History Month in March, the Hall of Fame honors women for their distinguished contributions toward improving the lives of others. Recipients of the award have made remarkable contributions to their neighborhoods, communities, cities and state. They also have often made strides in the chosen field at a national or international level. Their contributions represent a variety of fields including government, medicine, business, education, law, advocacy, and volunteerism.

Since it was founded, 102 women have been inducted into the Hall of Fame. Former winners include such recognizable names as former governor Ruth Ann Minner, Judge Jane Brady, former Secretary of Education Valerie Woodruff, and Genevieve Gore.

“It is an incredible honor,” says Beverly Stewart, “to be placed in the company of other Hall of Fame award recipients like Roxana Cannon Arsht, Margaret Rose Henry, and Frances D. Swift Tatnall. The fact that I am being recognized for my contributions in the field of education is truly a testament to how crucial it is to improve our educational system and provide Delaware’s students with a top-notch education at all levels.”

For more information, please contact Back to Basics Learning Dynamics at 302-594-0754 or visit www.backtobasicslearning.com.

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By admin, January 27, 2010 10:20 am

Beverly Stewart, founder of Back to Basics Learning Dynamics, Inc. was recently asked to speak at the 2010 Women Mean Business Summit on January 30. The event, which will be held at the Hilton Wilmington/Christiana in Newark, Delaware, is an annual women-owned business forum sponsored  by National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO), Delaware chapter.

“I was incredibly honored to be asked to speak at the annual event,” says Beverly Stewart. “This is a tremendous opportunity for women business owners to put themselves and their companies on a positive track for 2010 and learn to dream big.”

Stewart will be a part of an exclusive panel discussion group for the “Conversations with Women Extraordinaire: Learn the Secrets of Women Who Have Built Million Dollar Businesses” session. In this session, attendees will meet some of the state’s most successful women business owners and learn their secrets of success. In addition to Beverly Stewart, the session will also feature Ellen Barrosse of Synchrogenix Information Strategies and Patricia Troy-Brooks of Advanced Staffing.

The Women Mean Business Summit provides access to inspiring information, motivation, and small business resources that today’s women business owners need. The 2010 Summit will include a host of workshops, keynote and business resources with national entrepreneurial expert, author and consultant, Mary Cantando, networking and relationship-building opportunities and resource information and helpful seminars from small business entities and their experts.

Registration includes: continental breakfast, panel discussion, workshop, pre-lunch networking and exhibits, luncheon, keynote and choice of one sponsor seminar. For more information or to register for the event, please contact:

Event Chair:                                        NAWBO-DE Administrator:

Caren McCabe                                    Maureen Curry 

(302) 750-8363                                   (302) 559-9080

carenmccabe@comcast.net                 info@nawbodelaware.org    

For more information about Beverly Stewart, Back to Basics Learning Dynamics, or to book Beverly Stewart as a speaker for your event, please call 302-594-0754 or email beverly@backtobasicslearning.com.

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By admin, January 12, 2010 6:51 pm

The following is an excerpt from a recent interview and article on outstanding University of Delaware alums, including Beverly Stewart, ‘79 and ‘85. To read the article in its entirety and to see the other 9 outstanding graduates, please visit University of Delaware Career Services Center

“Describe your current position and what led to your job.

I am currently the President/Director of Back to Basics Learning Dynamics, Inc. I began my tutoring company and private school in 1985 after leaving classroom teaching. I felt a very strong need to tutor and teach 1-on-1 so that I could reach every student.

What has been the most rewarding/challenging moment in your career?

The most rewarding moments are nearly daily. We have so many testimonials from students (children and adults) and parents about how we’ve changed their lives, given them self-esteem, and set them on a positive path, that this is why I do what I do.

The most challenging times are the ones we’ve been in the past couple of years due to the economy.

What is the best career advice you have received?

The best career advice I have received is to never give up. The best career advice I give others is to follow your passion. When I left classroom teaching to begin my business, I had (and still have) a passion for educating and building self-esteem and I had to follow my vision and mission.

What would you recommend to someone interested in working in your field?

I would recommend to someone working in my field to have an education background as well as some business courses. It is also crucial to have
drive and a ton of commitment.

What skills are necessary or what prepared you the most for your career?

I earned both a Bachelor’s (1979) and Master’s (1985) degree from the U of D. My bachelor’s is in Elementary Education and my Master’s is in Special Education. These have been invaluable in my business. The other skills that are critical in running a business are common sense, a willingness to ask for help, the ability to see the bigger picture, and perseverance.

What professional associations have aided in your professional development?

The professional associations I belong to are Education Industry Association (EIA), New Castle County Chamber of Commerce, Delaware State Chamber of Commerce, National Association for Female Executives (NAFE), and Wilmington Women in Business (WWB).”

For more information, please visit Back to Basics website at http://www.BacktoBasicsLearning.com

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By admin, November 30, 2009 7:08 am

Beverly Stewart, a Delaware-based educational entrepreneur and founder of Back to Basics Learning Dynamics, Inc. was recently asked to join the Board of Directors of the New Castle County Chamber of Commerce. 1,700 members strong, the New Castle County Chamber of Commerce is involved in government affairs, special events, providing emerging businesses with support and services, offering health and insurance benefits to members, and overseeing a wide range of programs for businesses of all sizes.

“I was incredibly honored to be asked to join the Board,” says Beverly Stewart. “For almost 85 years, the New Castle County Chamber of Commerce has been supporting local businesses and creating opportunities for its members. Over the next three years, I am looking forward to making a real difference in my local business community.”

Stewart’s own business success will make her a valuable addition to the Board; by sharing her knowledge and experiences, she will be able to help other companies grow and succeed. Stewart is the President and Director of Back to Basics Learning Dynamics, Inc. in Wilmington, Delaware. Founded in 1985, Stewart began her business as its sole employee. Now, over 24 years later, her firm employs over 90 professional, degreed tutors, offers 60+ subjects for children and adults, and has served the varied educational needs of over 11,000 students in the tri-state area. Back to Basics is also a state-approved private school, providing a full-time curriculum of math, English, social studies, and science, plus electives for students in grade K- 12th.

In addition to her recent appointment to the New Castle County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Stewart is also a Board Member and valuable committee member for several diverse organizations and firms including the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce’s Superstars in Education Selection Committee since 2003, and founding Board Member of the Wilmington Women in Business Foundation, Inc., (currently Director Emeritus). Stewart also currently serves on the Boards of Success Won’t Wait (literacy non-profit), McNeill Designs for Brighter Minds (educational game company), Horizon House (mental health non-profit), New Castle County Chamber of Commerce, and the Leon Weiner Education Foundation, where she is a Founding Board Member.

For more information, please visit Back to Basics website at http://www.BacktoBasicsLearning.com

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By admin, September 30, 2009 7:10 am

Beverly Stewart, a Delaware-based educational entrepreneur and founder of Back to Basics Learning Dynamics, Inc. was recently asked to speak at the 2009 EDventures Conference in New Orleans. EDventures is the annual education conference held by the Education Industry Association (EIA), an organization comprised of providers of private education services, charter schools, investors, and others who are stakeholders in private education.

“I was incredibly honored to be asked to speak at the annual event,” says Beverly Stewart. “This is the 9^th year I have addressed a group of my peers from around the globe and each year I marvel at the level of dedication and commitment that is exhibited to improving the quality of education. By sharing our best practices, tips, and specialized knowledge, I know that students all over the country benefit.”

At the event, Stewart gave four individual talks including topics such as “Best Practices for Learning Centers” and “Business Opportunities in These Economic Times.” In addition to these and other relevant presentations, round table discussions were conducted on such diverse subjects as “Strategic Planning for Schools,” “The Privatization of Alternative Ed,” and “Private Sector Alternatives to Increase High School Graduation Rates.” The EIA-sponsored event also hosted keynote speakers from the U.S. Department of Education; Tom Vander Ark, former Executive Director of Education for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and special guests from the Recovery School District of Louisiana. 

EIA, formerly the Association of Educators in Private Practice (AEPP), was founded in 1990 for the purpose of peer support, networking, professional development and advocacy in the education industry. Members represent every area of the diverse industry including school improvement and management services, charter schools, alternative education and special education services, professional development for teachers and administrators, educational content providers and suppliers, private providers of undergraduate and graduate education, as well as tutoring and state-approved private schools like Back to Basics Learning Dynamics.

For more information, please visit Back to Basics website at http://www.BacktoBasicsLearning.com

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By admin,

Back to Basics is one of over 56,000 schools and public libraries across the nation awarded the Picturing America program.  Picturing America is a free initiative from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) that helps teach American history and culture by bringing some of the country’s great art directly to classrooms and libraries. 

“We are so proud to have been chosen as a recipient of this award,” said President/Director and Principal, Beverly Stewart. “Our students will greatly benefit from this comprehensive program.”

Back to Basics Learning Dynamics, Inc. was awarded 40 large, high-quality reproductions of great American art and a comprehensive teachers’ resource book to facilitate the use of the works of art in core subjects.  Picturing America’s resources are designed to allow each work of art to enhance the study of American history, social studies, language arts, literature, and civics.

“The Endowment is delighted that so many students and citizens across the nation will be benefiting from Picturing America,” said NEH Chairman Bruce Cole. “Picturing America helps us understand our democracy by bringing us face to face with the people, places, and events that have shaped our country. It provides an innovative way to experience America’s history through our nation’s art.”

First piloted to 1,500 schools in January 2008, the program was launched nationally in February 2008 and awarded to over 26,000 schools and public libraries across the country in the first application period.  During the second application period from August 4 through November 14, 2008, over 29,000 schools and public libraries received Picturing America awards.  In addition to schools and public libraries, through a partnership with NEH, the Administration for Children and Families within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Office of Head Start has made Picturing America available to the 20,000 Head Start centers across the nation.  To date, over 76,000 schools, public libraries, and Head Start centers nationwide have been awarded this free education resource. 

Picturing America recipient schools and public libraries are located in all fifty states, the District of Columbia, and five U.S. Territories.  District-wide applications during both application periods have brought Picturing America to major public school districts in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Cleveland, Los Angeles, New York City, Philadelphia, San Antonio, and San Francisco, as well as to school and library districts in Washington, DC. 

In Wilmington, DE, 51 institutions have been awarded Picturing America. A complete list of recipient schools and public libraries by city and state can be found by visiting the media page of the Picturing America Web site at: http://picturingamerica.neh.gov/public_awards.php. 

Picturing America is distributed by the NEH in cooperation with the American Library Association (ALA).  For information about the ALA, please visit www.ala.org

About Picturing America

Public, private, parochial, and charter and home school consortia (K-12), as well as public libraries in the US and its territories, were eligible to receive Picturing America materials. 

Picturing America comes with a comprehensive package of materials that includes:

• Forty large, high-quality color reproductions of the selected masterpieces (24” x 36”)
• A comprehensive teachers resource book providing a wide range of ideas and background information to support educators using the works of art in core subject areas
• Additional resources and lesson plans available through the Picturing America Web site,

       PicturingAmerica.neh.gov

NEH will provide further programming opportunities for Picturing America recipients by offering professional development workshops in summer 2009 hosted by institutions such as museums and historical societies. This grant opportunity is designed to help teachers and librarians form connections with Picturing America artworks and courses in the core curriculum. Interested educators will be able to apply in spring 2009.

About the National Endowment for the Humanities

The National Endowment for the Humanities is an independent grant-making agency of the United States government dedicated to supporting research, education, preservation, and public programs in the humanities.  The study of the humanities — history, literature, philosophy, and the arts — helps us explore what it means to be human.  The humanities enable us to understand the world and our place in it.

Because “democracy demands wisdom,” NEH serves and strengthens our Republic through promoting excellence in the humanities and conveying the lessons of history to all Americans.  Through its programs, NEH provides opportunities for all citizens to embrace the humanities and benefit from their wisdom.  For more information about NEH, visit www.neh.gov.

For more information, please visit Back to Basics website at http://www.BacktoBasicsLearning.com