Make-up Credit

Have you discovered that your student has failed a subject for the year, and your already-scheduled vacation conflicts with summer school? If so, Back to Basics can fulfill school requirements with one-on-one instruction.

This summer, your student can benefit from STATE APPROVED, one-on-one instruction at Back to Basics for either Makeup Credit (H.S.) or Summer School (1st – 8th).

Original Credit

Your student can take a course one-on-one this summer that he/she would have taken next school year, so he/she can lighten their course load or enhance transcripts.

In your home or in our Center.

For more information, please visit www.backtobasicslearning.com or call our Center at 302-594-0754.

For 25 years, 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.

• August 16-August 27, 2010
• Mon-Fri, 1.5 hrs/day
• Morning and evening classes offered
• $375

SUMMER READING LIST. One-on-One Instruction. Do you spend your summer reminding your student to finish his/her required summer reading? If so, let Back to Basics help. Our experienced instructors will work one-on-one with your student to read, comprehend and retain his/her summer material. These sessions will give them the knowledge and confidence to carry out the required assignments related to reading, such as reports, projects and tests.

• All sessions held at our Center on Stone Hill Road
• Please call for customized schedule
• 15 hours of instruction
• More than 10% off our regular hourly fees
• $659

Final Deadline for Scheduling is August 9, 2010

SUMMER MATH PROGRAM. One-on-One Instruction. Summer is the perfect time to build and strengthen mathematics skills for the upcoming school year. Your student will work one-on-one with an experienced instructor to review and learn concepts and create fun ways to remember them. Each session is tailored to the individual student to meet his/her needs, interests, level of background knowledge and learning style. Homework will be given to reinforce the material learned during these interactive sessions.

• All sessions held at our Center on Stone Hill Road
• Please call for customized schedule
• 15 hours of instruction
• More than 10% off our regular hourly fees
• $659

Final Deadline for Scheduling is August 9, 2010

For 25 years, 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.

For more information, please visit www.backtobasicslearning.com or call 302-594-0754.

“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.

For 25 years, 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.

This article was originally printed in the Community News, January 2010:

“It’s impossible pick up a newspaper these days without reading doom and gloom about the state of the economy. And while its effects are being felt all over the country, it’s especially true here in Delaware. According to a recent Delaware Business Ledger article (January 3, 2010), “Delaware is likely to see a shrinking economy well into 2010. Delaware is being weighed down by an increase in unemployment claims [currently 8.5%] and a decrease in building permits.”

The trickle down effect of the national economy can be felt in every aspect of our daily lives, but nowhere is its effect more detrimental than in our education system. Budget cuts from every corner are forcing districts, schools and even individual teachers to make truly tough choices.

But, there is good news! Delaware most creative educators are somehow still able to provide our children with the services that they need by identifying their unique population and its individual needs! No strangers to squeezing the most from every dollar, this year Delaware education professionals been challenged to go ever further – and are answering the call with innovative solutions.

For example, most schools continue to provide important after school programs — a safe haven, homework assistance, and a sense of community. Others with a high population of non-native speakers offer crucial English as a Second Language (ESL) courses. There are free remedial math and reading programs.  And, alternatively, Talented and Gifted classes for exceptional students. Because it is crucial to address the diverse needs of all students, somehow each of these programs must be financed.

So, just how are Delaware educators able to surmount the obstacle of critical budget shortfalls? One way is the growing number of partnerships between public schools and private educational service providers.

These contracts make more sense than ever before. Independent educational services can provide teachers “a la carte” – sometimes for just one marking period — allowing the school to realize a substantial cost savings. And, by working with independent firms for certain applicable educational services, schools are able to maximize their use of budget dollars for other necessities like teachers’ salaries and classroom materials, while continuing to offer a quality education including a full range of subjects for the students.

As a nation, our economic woes will not disappear overnight. But I want to commend the educators of Delaware for their innovation and their dedication to finding educational solutions that provide the next generation with a solid foundation for success!”

For 25 years, 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.

Since 1985, the tutors at Back to Basics have been helping students reach their full academic potential. The firm works with remedial, special education, and enrichment students and offers instruction in more than 60 subjects. Back to Basics employs 90 tutors, all of whom are experienced professionals holding Bachelor, Master or Doctorate degrees. In addition, the firm partners with major corporations and small businesses for interpretation/translation, English as a Second Language (E.S.L.), time management, writing, foreign languages, and other skills vital in today’s business world.

Back to Basics offers a competitive salary and benefits for both part-time and full-time employees, the ability to create an individualized schedule as well as other location and scheduling options, plus the joy of making a serious contribution to the academic and personal life of another.

The Back to Basics’ employment application and filing instructions can be found at www.backtobasicslearning.com

For more information call 302.594.0754 or visit www.backtobasicslearning.com

For 25 years, 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.

It’s not a new model of stair- stepper exercise equipment. ReadiStep is a two-hour multiple choice test created from college-readiness standards that represent rigorous academic content matter. Some see it as a scaled down version of the PSAT, containing 1 section of each of the following: critical reading, writng and math. The test was made available in the fall of 2009 for initial administration.

As with any new concept, there are pros and cons being voiced. Some say it’s a good idea to have early benchmarks to work with so that the most can be made of the high school years in preparing students for college. Others debate that more emphasis should be put on classroom assessments instead of what they call “snapshot” tests. Whatever the case, most would agree on one account: Any investment in furthering the education of students who will be our future is a worthwhile cause.

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

For 25 years, 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.

The firm’s beginnings, however, were significantly more humble. As a teacher, Beverly Stewart had a vision of reaching every student. Her six years of experience in a traditional classroom had shown her this was not always the most effective method of instruction. So, in 1985 she established Back to Basics Tutoring Service as a sole proprietor working from her one-bedroom apartment. From the onset, the firm was significantly different because it focused on the benefits of one-on-one instruction and a permanent student-tutor match, unlike national chains using group instruction and multiple tutors per student.

Although she had a true passion for education, Stewart recognized that she had no practical experience in running a business, and so enlisted the help of SCORE to learn skills, strategies and practices that would help her fledgling business grow. From accounting, to strategic planning, to management skills, the teacher became the student. And in just four short years, Back to Basics grew so large that a permanent tutoring center was necessary to accommodate its students and staff. In 1989, Stewart purchased a three-story building at 1824 N. Scott Street in Wilmington, Delaware.

She also began to increase the firm’s offerings. In addition to a thriving customer base of 1-on-1 tutoring and educational testing for regular and special education students, she further expanded into tutoring and instruction for adults of all ages. From languages like Mandarin Chinese, Japanese and Spanish, to work-related skills like computers and business writing, Stewart provided resume-building options for adults to increase their marketability in an increasingly competitive workplace.

In response, major corporations flocked to the facility. By providing such valuable services as English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction, translating, sign language and interpreting, Stewart built a successful corporate client list including Fortune 500 companies DuPont, Hercules, ICI, Astra Zeneca and more. Stewart’s entrepreneurial spirit paid off and after only six years in business Back to Basics was named one of the “Top 100 Fastest Growing Private Companies” by the Philadelphia Business Journal.

In 1999, having completely outgrown the N. Scott Street building, Stewart was faced with a major business decision, whether or not to take the plunge and move to a larger space. Once again, she enlisted the services of the SBA through the SBDC for counseling and advice. And in 2000, Back to Basics expanded yet again to the current 6 Stone Hill Road address. The move increased classroom and office space by 250% and in conjunction with the move, Back to Basics Tutoring Service, Inc. was renamed Back to Basics Learning Dynamics, Inc.

The move allowed Stewart to once again increase, not only the firm’s much-needed classroom space, but also its educational offerings. Back to Basics became a state-approved private school with a focus unlike any other school in the state. Today, this unique private school provides students 1-on-1 kindergarten-12^th grade instruction for state credit toward graduation, through personal, customized curricula. Stewart’s vision of creating a place where she could reach every student had finally come true.

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

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.

Communication is something new for children and they are still learning to use words. Actions and imitating others are often at the forefront of communication skills and language may be the last piece. There are times where adults find themselves at a loss for words. Emotionally or physically challenging situations can render us speechless but young children may deal with this on a daily basis. So what can we do to foster positive communication with young children?

• Speak to children in an age-appropriate manner.
• Do not be condescending or speak down to children. They’ll know it.
• Watch for the various ways that children communicate. They may change habits and begin to draw or doodle to express themselves.
• Children may feel more secure communicating through imaginary means, like a stuffed animal. Allow them to say, “My puppy doesn’t like…”
• Let children set the pace for their communication development. Don’t try to rush them.

The most important things to remember when communicating with young children are to have patience, understanding and keep practicing. With these traits as beginner building blocks, you’ll be on the way to effective communication with youngsters!

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

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.

Don’t despair, you do have choices. According to a Department of Education Enrollment report, issued by the State of Delaware in 2006-2007, 18.5% of all students attended nonpublic schools. This includes religious-affiliated and independent schools. Let’s look at three types of schools, as defined by Answers.com:

• Alternative: school that is nontraditional, especially in educational ideas, methods of teaching or curriculum
  
• Homeschool: An educational program outside of established schools, especially in the home
  
• Private: A secondary or elementary school run and supported by private individuals or a corporation rather than by a government or public agency

Back to Basics Learning Dynamics, Inc.’s private school combines qualities from all three of these school types. With regards to alternative, our method of teaching and curriculum are unique. Our teaching is done 1-on-1 instead of in the context of a large classroom population. While following required standards, curriculum for each student is based on his or her individual needs and levels. In addition, students are taught and assessed in ways they can be successful.

We incorporate homeschool ideology in that we assist parents in educating their own children by offering full or supplemental schooling options. Homeschool parents can choose to have Back to Basics teach their children the core subjects plus electives or any combination thereof. As a private school, we are run, supported and backed by a corporation as opposed to a government agency. Our 1-on-1 setting provides the atmosphere of a private school with low enrollment and individual attention.

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

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.

Important dates and times:

• The National Gallery of Writing Opens at 12:01 a.m. Eastern time, on Tuesday, October 20.
• A Web cast of the national event will air live from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time, on Tuesday, October 20.
• On Thursday, October 8, the U.S. Senate passed a resolution declaring October 20 as the National Day on Writing!

This event and the National Gallery on Writing is sponsored by the NCTE (National Council Teachers of English).

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

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.