Assessing ROI Of A College Degree

Assessing ROI Of A College Degree In terms of bang for your buck public colleges may have a better return on investment that previously thought. An article in the Washington Post cited an article from SmartMoney magazine, which measured the value of colleges by their graduates salaries in proportion to the tuition they paid as students. However, this is only a value metric, and SmartMoney magazine admitted that its scale is far from perfect. Its analysis does not take financial aid into consideration. Some colleges post high tuition prices but offer huge scholarships to nearly every student. Its a marketing ploy. Many Ivy League schools fall into that category, as they give out enough financial aid/scholarships to most of their students, which end up reducing the net price by half or more. But, the report still offers some general but valuable information. The report measures a colleges graduates salaries at two points: one when they just graduate and another at mid-career. It then forms an estimated, averaged salary. Dartmouth graduates have the highest salaries of all other grads with mid-career earnings at $123,000. Dartmouth, an Ivy League school, has a rich history of producing high-earning graduates. It ranks 21st on SmartMoneys list of most valuable colleges, which is about the highest ranking for any private university. Carnegie-Mellon graduates earn the most right after graduation with $62,400, but the university ranks 23rd on the list of overall value, which is still fairly high for a private college. Sarah Lawrence College has the highest tuition and living expenses in the nation at $148,570. But, that number does not reflect student aid, and Sarah Lawrence College gives out a tremendous amount of student aid. The colleges grads earn a lot of money, and the school ranks at 50 on the overall value list. The value metric does not consider specific schools within colleges. It only accounts for overall earning figures of all graduates. For example, Purdue, which ranks 7th on the list is a huge engineering school. Engineering is one of the highest-paying fields, and that likely tips the scale in Purdues favor. Again, this list is not completely accurate, and its authors even admit that. This is a good resource to students, but it should not be the only factor in selecting a college. Here are the top 10 most valuable schools, private and public, according to SmartMoney Magazine. Private Colleges Princeton Dartmouth Harvard Carnegie-Mellon Bucknell University of Pennsylvania Colgate University of Richmond Cornell Yale Public Colleges Georgia Tech UT Austin University of Florida University of Georgia University of Illinois Clemson University Purdue University Colorado School of Mines Miami University (Ohio) UC Berkeley

ACT Reading Online ACT Prep Online Tutoring Tutorpace

ACT Reading Online ACT Prep Online Tutoring Tutorpace Master ACT Reading with Tutor Pace Online Tutoring! Although most students who take the ACT have been reading for years, the test requires specific reading skills that can stump even proficient readers. The key to having a high score on the reading portion of the exam is to understand exactly what the questions are testing you for and then working to improve those skills through guided repetition. Tutor Paces online ACT Reading tutoring gives you access to a tutor with extensive experience helping students succeed on standardized tests. What makes Tutor Pace unique is that our tutors are available 24/7 for personalized, one-on-one sessions to prepare you for the exam. Once you sign into your account, you have access to a wealth of information that will help you excel on the Reading portion of the ACT. Our tutors cover following ACT reading topics: Prose Fiction Humanities Natural Science Social Science ACT Reading Help that covers all the Bases An effective ACT Reading tutoring program has to address everything you will encounter in the actual test. Our tutors are familiar with all of the core concepts of the ACT, and they can expertly guide you through the maze of test preparation. Tutor Pace will help you gain proficiency with: Breaking down a passage into its parts Understanding both the direct and implied meaning of a text Reasoning through passage contents in order to create comparisons and grasp cause and effect relationships Creating an analysis of the voice and method of the author/narrator Making generalizations about the passage in order to answer questions For comprehensive training that offers unparalleled value, Tutor Paces online ACT Reading tutoring is the only service that can completely prepare you for a higher score on your examination.

5 Things First-Generation College Applicants Should Know

5 Things First-Generation College Applicants Should Know The following is a guest post written by Sarish Kasat of Admissionado, a premier college admissions consulting company focused on helping students get into their dream schools. No matter your background, the college application process can be a beast. From targeting schools and taking campus tours, to tracking down letters of recommendation and (maybe the most important thing of all) telling a compelling narrative throughout your application, theres, well, just a ton to consider. And if you dont have the good fortune of having parents, siblings, relatives, or friends who have actually gone through the process themselves, things can get even hairier. Welcome to the world of first-generation college applicants. Whether a student is considered a first-generation applicant simply because their parents never attended college, or because their parents are immigrants who have never navigated the U.S. college landscape, the additional barriers these students face can be daunting to say the least. Lets face it, applying to college isnt simple for anyone. When you start with the complexity that is the nature of the beast, and then add elements such as language barriers and a lack of a natural support system, the process can get downright scary. And many times, it can contribute to continuing on-campus struggles. Its not all bad though. There are a plethora of helpful resources available to first-generation students. The key to success is simply figuring out how to gain access to or utilize these resources. Thats why weve put together a quick list of advice for first-generation college applicants. 1. Mentors can provide much-needed, real-world guidance2. There are scholarships and grants out there, specifically for you3. Many resources are available in the community4. Many campus resources are available to help you succeed5. Professors and advisors are there to help (so talk to them!) Now, lets break these things down one-by-one with some next steps to help guide you through the process and get you started. 1. Mentors can provide much-needed, real-world guidance Three words: find a mentor. It could be a teacher, guidance counselor, advisor, or coach. It could be the older sibling of a friend whos already gone through the college application process, or even a member of your local community center. The basic thing to remember here is that there are a ton of people out there who are willing to help you, but you have to raise your hand and ask them for help. Its important to find someone who can guide you through this process and help you make more informed decisions. If your head is spinning trying to think about who is the best candidate, simply start by asking a trusted teacher or stopping by your guidance counselors office to talk about college. The possibilities here are endless, but the mantra is singular: find a mentorsomeone you trust. 2. There are scholarships and grants out there, specifically for you What if I told you that there is money out there that exists specifically to help pay for your college education? Believe it? Its true. Now, more than ever before, people (and companies) are taking note of the obstacles first-generation students face, and many organizations are trying to find ways to help. One of these ways is by offering scholarships specifically for first-generation college students like you! Open your favorite browser (if youre not in it already) and start looking for opportunities. Google is your best friend here. You can also use websites like Fastweb, College Board and Unigo to help find scholarship opportunities that are relevant for you. The Admissionado First-Gen Ten is a great scholarship opportunity to check out as well, as it is specifically for first-generation students. And, as always, dont be afraid to ask your mentors for help in the search. 3. Many resources are available in your community Its no secret that academic advisors and counselors are often spread thin across hundreds and hundreds of students. This can make it difficult to schedule a meeting with them, and can leave students (and parents) feeling like theyre getting the short end of the stick when it comes to advising them on their future. Luckily, there are organizations like ImFirst.org that exist specifically to help guide first-generation students and their parents through the process. Find local organizations like this in your community or connect with national ones like Im First. 4. Many campus resources are available to help you succeed Once youre on campus, its easy to become overwhelmed with your surroundings, but rest assured, the majority of your surroundings are designed to help you succeed! Aside from talking to your professors and advisors regularly (which well get to in a moment), make sure you visit your schools career and writing centers whenever possible. These are free resources that can help you think through your career path and make sure youre on the right track in terms of identifying a major, minor, courses, and everything else that will help you maximize your college experience. You should also consider joining a first-generation student organization at your school. An organization such as this will expose you to older students who have been in your shoes and are brimming with good advice. Additionally, an organization like this will, in time, give you the opportunity to mentor and support incoming first-generation students. Pay it forward, right? Check out the Campus Life section of your schools website to look into any on-campus organizations you think youd like to join. Lastly, look for opportunities to land an on-campus job, become part of other on-campus organizations, and/or take part in resident-life activities in your dorm. Especially if language is a potential barrier for you, these are amazing opportunities to 1) meet and engage with other people and 2) practice your soft skills. This not only forces you out of your comfort zone, but also encourages you to nurture existing interests and find some you didnt even know you had. 5. Professors and advisors are there to help (so talk to them!) Much like weve advocated that you talk to your high school teachers and guidance counselors, once youve enrolled in college, start building relationships with your professors right away. We recommend attending office hours and introducing yourself to at least one or two professors that you genuinely admire or respect. Get to know them and make sure they know you as well. It can definitely be intimidating to introduce yourself to a professor (which is why so many students coast through their courses without doing so), but youll find that, in almost all situations, theyre very happy to interact with you. Making sure that you stand out to them, as both a human being and a courteous, engaged student, will pay dividends in the future. Additionally, most new students are assigned an academic advisor when they start school. Make sure to utilize this person! Your advisor can help guide you through selecting a major, minor, specialization, and/or concentration, as well as provide you with valuable information on specific courses. They can also connect you to other types of academic support services available on campus such as tutoring and writing centers. Once youve decided on a major, your faculty advisor will be another resource. They can offer you real-world guidance geared specifically toward the field youve chosen to study, which is extremely valuable. All in all, its important to remember that you arent in this crazy college thing by yourself. There are so many people and resources available to help you succeed, both on the way to college and once youre there. Sometimes, the hardest part is just finding them and being courageous and disciplined enough to utilize them. Be confident in yourself, and youll be hurdling every obstacle in no time! The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

The Midpoint Formula Tutors

The Midpoint Formula Tutors A 2-dimensional coordinate plane consists of X and Y axis and in this plane any point can be located by representing it through the x and y coordinates. If a line is joining two points represented as (x1, y1) and (x2, y2), then we can find the midpoint of the line using the formula: [(x1 + x2)/2, (y1 + y2)/2]. This midpoint formula helps us calculate the coordinate of the point which lies in the middle of any line in the 2-dimensional coordinate plane. Example 1: Find the midpoint of the line whose endpoints of the line are A (2, 3) and B (4, 5). Given points: A (2, 3) and B (4, 5) Midpoint of a line, (x, y) = [(x1 + x2)/2, (y1 + y2)/2] Here given point A= (x1, y1) = (2, 3) and point B= (x2, y2) = (4, 5) This gives: midpoint of the line AB = (x, y) = [(2+ 4)/2, (3+ 5)/2] = (6/2, 8/2) = (3, 4) Hence the midpoint of the given line AB is (3, 4). Example 2: Find the midpoint of the line whose endpoints of the line are X (-1, 4) and Y(3, -6). Given points: X (-1, 4) and Y (3, -6) Midpoint of a line, (x, y) = [(x1 + x2)/2, (y1 + y2)/2] Here given point X= (x1, y1) = (-1, 4) and point Y= (x2, y2) = (3, -6) This gives: midpoint of the line XY = (x, y) = [(-1 + 3)/2, (4+ (- 6))/2] = (2/2, -2/2) = (1, -1) Hence the midpoint of the given line XY is (1, -1).

How Higher Order Thinking Skills Lead to More Effective Problem Solving

How Higher Order Thinking Skills Lead to More Effective Problem Solving Solve Problems More Effectively Through Higher Order Thinking ChaptersWhat Is Thinking About?What Are Problems Solving Skills?How to Turn a Student into a Problem SolverThe Role of Problem-Solving in Higher Order ThinkingAs we all know, some problems have easy solutions and others require a bit more thought.By that, we obviously don’t mean thinking about a problem for a longer period of time while using the same parameters and variables.Problem-solving entails examining a situation from a variety of perspectives and with a host of different aspects to arrive at the best solution â€" not just for that problem but for the larger framework in which it manifested.What, exactly, are we talking about, here?We do not mean to infer that word problems in a math assignment represent the opportunity to apply problem-solving skills in the classroom.Such problems demand logical thinking, not critical thinking which leads to problem-solving.Who knew that there were so many different types of thinking involved in solving problems?This article examines the p remise of higher-order thinking, its component part called problem-solving and how critical thinking skills are vital to the effort.By asking the right questions, teachers are instrumental in helping student groups think Image by succo from Pixabaya single definition that wholly characterises thought.  Specialists in educational psychology are equally at loggerheads over the issue.Clearly, students must be given information â€" that is done by someone who is knowledgeable of facts... in other words, a teacher.Ideally, students would process that information, arrive at conclusions and connect concepts to form a knowledge base into which they will integrate new facts.Now things get a bit more tricky.Our school teachers are very good at imparting information. Given the chance, they would be equally adept at guiding students as they work with this information.The trouble is, in our current curriculum standards, there is usually only room for one learning activity: either presenting new information OR working with said information.Generally, the latter aspect of learning is relegated to homework assignments. In such instances, tutors are instrumental in helping students gain thinking skills.To be a problem solver, you must be an active listener! Image by Couleur from PixabayWhat Are Problems Solving Skills?Problems are opportunities in work clothes â€" Henry Kaiser, IndustrialistIn the workplace, problem-solving is generally defined as the ability to manage difficult situations and complex challenges.Do such situations exist in classrooms across the UK?As far as academics go, primary and secondary school students are usually not confronted with situations where they would need problem-solving skills.However, cultivating such abilities in the early stages of education would serve students well a bit later in life, perhaps at the undergraduate and graduate levels; and most certainly will impact their career goals.Thus, were students trained to solve problems as early as possible, it would benefit not just student learning but society as a whole.The question remains: if students are unlikely to encounter situations where problem-solving skills are needed, how should those skills be taught?Let’s break down exactly what problem-solving skills involve:Creativity â€" an aspect of student intellect that is unfortunately suppressed in the course of formal education.Communication: there is a distinct lack of opportunity for talking in class!Active listening â€" we hope our kids listen to their teachers but there is little chance in a group setting to practise active listening.Research and analysis: these skills play a limited role in classroom learning; they are more the purview of after-school assignmentsTeam building: in the current teacher-led instruction model, there is no place for this facet of problem-solving.Even under the current teaching demands, there is still room for teachers to help their students cultivate these skills.Do you know the difference between critical thinking and higher-order thinking?How to Turn a Student into a Problem SolverWe’re not taught how to think â€" Sasuke, university studentThis particular undergraduate student hit the nail on the head with her assertion.As far as our general education standards are concerned, a school teacher’s primary function is to push information and do their best to ensure high test scores.For educators, this is particularly galling because it appears that those aims and student achievement are mutually exclusive propositions if you consider that said achievement should mean that every student would become a critical thinker and problem solver.An effective way around that is to embrace active learning and creative thinking in everyday class activities.Teaching strategies could evolve to include asking open-ended questions which would challenge students’ comprehension of the material at hand.Naturally, inviting discussion would not necessarily work well in math and science classes; STEM facts are pretty much indisputable.  In such classes, a certain amount of memorization is necessary but the assigned work need not be a test of memory.For teachers of those subjects, group study would be an effective way to cement new knowledge. Furthermore, assigning project-based learning activities could have a formative influence on student learning.Here’s how such an assignment may look.Subject: math. The topic: percentages. The assignment: calculate a budget for a fictitious country.Students must first discuss what must be paid for: education, healthcare, environmental protection, civic matters such as road maintenance and policing, to name a few.Next, they would collectively calculate what percentage of funds should be allocated to each. The assignment culminates in a presentation of each group's proposed budget.Classroom activities such as these encourage students to think beyond their personal experiences and they elicit interest (who doesn’t l ike money!) all while making use of their newly-gained math skills.As for the educator in the room, s/he needs only to go from group to group, asking the types of questions that would stimulate further thought.Such a pedagogy is the trademark of a master teacher; it sets the stage for student engagement better than any teacher-centred methodology ever could!Allowing students to work as a team is a good way to build problem-solving skills Image by Alexas_Fotos from PixabayThe Role of Problem-Solving in Higher Order ThinkingWe described in a sister-article how higher-order thinking comprises of both critical thinking and problem-solving.The concept of higher order thinking itself has its roots in various learning taxonomies, among them Blooms Taxonomy.Benjamin Bloom, an American educational psychologist, theorised that learning follows a certain hierarchy determined by the complexity and specificity of what being learned.There is more than one way that we learn and, to make learning e ffective, all three domains should be addressed.Remember how we used the words affective, cognitive and psychomotor  earlier in this article?According to his theory, those are the three domains under which learning is classified.Applying this model, we see that psychomotor learning starts very early â€" in infancy, and then effective learning follows shortly after, as toddlers discover emotions and how to manage them.Cognitive learning really takes off once a child starts school; in fact, throughout a person’s academic career, this type of learning is the one that is overwhelmingly addressed while the other two domains are mostly ignored.That assertion poses a very serious question: if we do not teach students to reason according to emotional as well as intellectual knowledge, are we creating cognitive disparities that will ultimately affect how people function in society?Instructional strategies that incorporate both problem-solving and critical thinking would be an effective sol ution to that admittedly gloomy projection.Posing higher order thinking questions such as ‘Can you give me an example of...’ or ‘What is the difference between...’ takes students away from the mere spilling of facts on demand and smack into critical thinking territory.They draw on students’ prior knowledge and cause them to reflect on dissimilar or not-conspicuously related concepts.Let’s go back to our fictitious country budget example, only this time we project a student who has a severe medical condition that causes many trips to AE.As s/he reflects on the assignment, s/he remembers how many times s/he has taken ambulance rides and has had emergency medical treatment.Drawing on this experience, s/he would urge his group to include funds for emergency medical care into their budget â€" a facet of government budgeting that perhaps other students would not think to incorporate into their plan.This student and that group have moved beyond rote work. They are drawing on th eir multiple intelligences to complete that assignment most creatively.Later, as they share their work in class, other students could learn from their example, meaning that everyone enjoys enrichment!Meanwhile, the teacher may bask in the warm glow of being a knowledge facilitator...Tutors: know when to back off of a higher-order thinking exercise!

What to Know About AP Exams in 2017

What to Know About AP Exams in 2017 Because tests are constantly evolving, it can be difficult to keep track of everything you need to know. As we enter into 2017, it may help to think about AP exams in their entiretyevery test you could take, when theyre scheduled, and what youll need to do to prepare. While knowing the logistics of your exams is only the beginning, it is a crucial step in achieving your testing goals. Here is what you should know about AP exams in 2017: Where and when do I take my 2017 AP exams? If you remember the month of May, youre in good shapeall AP exams for 2017 take place during two weeks in May (May 1-5 and May 8-12). For a more specific breakdown, check the College Board's schedule. Students are not allowed to take AP exams early, and local coordinators will announce test locations. If youve got two exams at the same time, you can reschedule one of them for later in May. By July, you should know how you did on your examby mid-July, you should have the results of any exams youmay have rescheduled to take later in May. [RELATED: A Scoring Guide to AP Exams] How do I register for my 2017 AP exams? Of course, youll have to first register for AP exams, which must be done through your school with an accompanying fee. Begin by inquiring as to whether or not your school has an AP exam coordinatorthat person should have all the information necessary and can advise you on appropriate coursework, though you are not required to take the corresponding AP course in order to take the exam. If your school does not offer AP classes (or if youre homeschooled), you should contact AP Services no later than March and ask them to put you in touch with a local coordinator who can help you out. What should I bring to my AP exam test days? While it may seem like months away, it doesnt hurt to know well ahead of time what youll need to have with you test day. For instance, youll need to know your schools six-digit code (theres one for homeschooled students as well). If youre taking an exam at another school, be sure to use the code for the school you attend. For a more comprehensive list of materials you can and cannot bring, check the College Board site. How should I prep for my 2017 AP exams? Believe it or not, May will be here before you know itand students who study appropriately are more likely to perform infinitely better on their AP exams. Now is a great time to commit to taking one or more exams. Knowing theres a test in your future makes it easier to pay attention and form a study plan that will work for you. If you havent already, consider meeting with your high school guidance counselor to seek any advice on AP exam prep. You may also want to take a closer look at identifying your learning style. Both of these actionable steps can help you tailor an AP test prep plan that works for you. Bonus tip: dont forget about practice tests! There are many free AP practice tests to help you determine your strengths and weaknesses. [RELATED: What You Need to Know About the New AP Calculus Exams] Finally, make a detailed timeline to give you an idea of what will be necessary and when as you prepare for your 2017 AP exam(s). If youre taking a corresponding AP class, you might note when youre going to cover certain topics, particularly if you feel like you may need extra study time with them. If youre taking the exam without an accompanying course, make a more detailed schedule of when youll independently cover exam topics. Be sure to give yourself plenty of time to address problem areas and sharpen your skills. Take preparation seriously and youll be on your way to a stellar AP score! Any topics you want to know more about? Let us know! The Varsity Tutors Blog editors love hearing your feedback and opinions. Feel free to email us at blog@varsitytutors.com.

Why Do Kids with ADHD Struggle with Transitions

Why Do Kids with ADHD Struggle with Transitions For many kids with ADHD the most difficult times of the day are those that happen when they are transitioning from one activity to another. At school, it may be when they are ending an academic period and getting ready to head to art class or to lunch. Or it may be during more subtle transitions, like when they are moving from circle time on the rug to classwork at their desk. At home, challenging transitions come up when a child needs to settle down for homework time after playing video games, or when they need to transition into their bedtime routine. Transitions are so much a part of our daily lives that they arent something we spend much time thinking about. In general, we tend to assume that transitioning between activities is something that is easy for kids, and it should go smoothly most of the time. In reality, transitioning between activities is anything but simple, especially for kids with ADHD. Why? Transitions tap into several cognitive skills simultaneously and these happen to be the very cognitive skills (or executive functioning skills) that are areas of weakness for kids with ADHD. Lets look at the different steps required for successful transitions and the cognitive skills associated with each step. Stopping an activity. Before a child can transition to a new activity they first need to stop the activity theyre doing already. This may seem simple enough, especially if the activity isnt particularly enjoyable. However, for kids with ADHD stopping or inhibiting an ongoing behavior can be very challenging. This is because the same cognitive skills that are used to put on the breaks and stop an impulsive behavior like calling out in class or grabbing something they want out of their friends hands, are the very same skills that they need to use when abruptly stopping an activity. Putting on the breaks more difficult at certain times than at others. Its particularly challenging when a child with ADHD is hyper-focused on an activity, when the activity is something thats particularly rewarding (like screen time), or when the upcoming activity is something they would prefer to avoid (like a writing assignment or bedtime). Starting a new activity. After a child with ADHD has successfully stopped his or her previous activity, he or she is now faced with the task of initiating a new one. This can be something fairly simple, like lining up by the classroom door, or something more complicated, like starting homework. Either way, it requires the child to tap into his or her cognitive skills related to initiating a new activity. For many kids with ADHD particularly those with the inattentive subtype - initiating a new activity can be overwhelming and exhausting. Not surprisingly, the less rewarding the new activity, the harder it is for a kid with ADHD to muster up the mental resources needed to get started on the new task. Following multi-step instructions (quickly). Starting a new activity often involves following multiple steps in a specific order. If the transition isnt routine, these steps can be a lot for a child with ADHD to process - especially if the instructions are presented verbally and very quickly. Why? Most kids with ADHD have weaknesses in either working memory (the ability to hold information in your short- term memory, and then manipulate this information in your mind) or processing speed (the ability to process information quickly). Some kids with ADHD have weaknesses in both areas. As a result, they may not have fully processed the necessary instructions making it nearly impossible for them to transition successfully. Managing a chaotic environment. Transition points are often the most chaotic times of the day. Imagine 25 kids shuffling papers, chatting with their neighbors, racing to their cubbies, grabbing all their things and lining up at the door for lunch. Now imagine trying to block out this noise while you struggle to stop your activity and follow a sequence of steps that youve only half-processed. When you look at from this perspective its easier to see why kids with ADHD literally get lost in the shuffle and struggle to follow through. Coping flexibly with changes in a routine. Not all transitions are planned. Things come up at school and at home that require kids to be flexible and adjust to a new routine on the fly. For kids with ADHD who struggle with cognitive flexibility, quickly wrapping their head around even small changes can be a big challenge. Managing frustration and emotions. Lastly, but perhaps most importantly, dealing with transitions requires managing emotions and dealing frustration. Kids may feel upset because they dont want to stop the fun activity that theyve been doing. Or they may feel frustrated because they didnt have enough time to finish everything theyd hoped to accomplish. They may feel overwhelmed by all of the noise and activity in the room or feel a sense of dread about the upcoming activity. Regulating emotions and tolerating frustration are areas of weakness for most kids with ADHD. Compared to other kids their same age, its not uncommon for kids with ADHD to have emotion regulation skills that are about 2 years behind. This means that at times of transition, the expectations placed on a childs emotional capacity may exceed their actual ability level. Understanding the underlying challenges that make it difficult for kids with ADHD to navigate transitions throughout the day is the first step in ultimately making transitions easier for the child (as well as their parents and teachers). In my next post Ill provide concrete steps you can take to provide the support a child with ADHD needs to transition between activities successfully. ABOUT DR. MARY ROONEY Mary Rooney, Ph.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of California San Francisco. Dr Rooney is a researcher and clinician specializing in the evaluation and treatment of ADHD and co-occurring behavioral, anxiety, and mood disorders. A strong advocate for those with attention and behavior problems, Dr. Rooney is committed to developing and providing comprehensive, cutting edge treatments tailored to meet the unique needs of each child and adolescent. Dr. Rooney's clinical interventions and research avenues emphasize working closely with parents and teachers to create supportive, structured home and school environments that enable children and adolescents to reach their full potential. In addition, Dr. Rooney serves as a consultant and ADHD expert to Huntington Learning Centers. ABOUT HUNTINGTON Huntington Learning Center is the tutoring and test prep leader. Its certified tutors provide individualized instruction in reading, phonics, writing, study skills, elementary and middle school math, Algebra through Calculus, Chemistry, and other sciences. It preps for the SAT and ACT, as well as state and standardized exams. Huntington programs develop the skills, confidence, and motivation to help students of all levels succeed and meet the needs of Common Core State Standards. Founded in 1977, Huntington's mission is to give every student the best education possible. Call us today at 1.800.CAN LEARN to discuss how Huntington can help your child. For franchise opportunities please visit www.huntingtonfranchise.com. This website does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The material on this site is provided for educational purposes only.

Tips to Help Children Become Better Writers

Tips to Help Children Become Better Writers Writing is one of the most important skills a child will acquire as a studentand also one of the most difficult to master. Why? Eileen Huntingtonof Huntington Learning Center explains that writing involves a combination of skills. Good writers are also good readers and have strong critical thinking and analytical skills, not to mention reading comprehension skills, Huntingtonsays. It is something that takes lots of practice, which can be a challenge when children struggle with any of the underlying building blocks. Luckily, Huntingtonsays there are a number of ways students can build their writing skills from the ground up. Here are a few tips to help students develop and improve their writing skills: Read more. Many teachers say that the best way to become a better writer is to read more and read widely. There are many reasons for this: reading helps children expand their vocabulary, understand the many different uses of language and methods of storytelling or informative writing, and see grammar rules in action. It helps them appreciate the concept of voice in fiction and develop an understanding of how to share information in a clear, coherent, succinct way in nonfiction. Brainstorm first. Strong writers often invest as much into the preparation required to write as the writing itself. For an essay or other writing assignment, your child should become adept at the brainstorming process. If given a specific topic, your childs job is easier, but if not, encourage him or her to think through an approach to the topic before writing. Your child should ask questions such as: What is most interesting about this subject? Who am I speaking to? What facts about this topic might people not already know? Get organized before writing. When writing anything from a two-page book report to a 15-page research paper to an opinion essay, an outline is a must. This helps writers organize their ideas and present them in the most logical, compelling way. Encourage your child to refer back to their brainstorming notes and come up with the big idea of what theyre writing and main three or four points, then confirm that they are answering the questions being asked of them (in an assignment). Even a loose outline will help your child write more clearly and stay on topic when working from a writing prompt or assignment. Become a better editor. Strong writers know that no article, essay or story comes out perfect the first time. Teach your child to think of writing as a process that involves writing, editing, improving (and repeating if needed). After your child writes a draft, he or she should set it aside, then read with fresh eyes no sooner than a few hours later. At this point, your child should mark up the written piece for grammar and spelling mistakes as well as any areas that are unclear, do not follow the outline, do not make sense or could make his or her points stronger. It can be helpful for you to read your childs work as well. Write for fun. For many children, the mechanics of writing make it a frustrating subjectnot to mention the fact that so much of what they write is required for school. Encourage your child to keep a journal, or even make it something you do together each evening. A daily journaling habit has numerous benefits for a childs emotional well-being and stress level, but it is also a great way to think critically through ideas and express opinions and feelings in writing. Writing letters to a friend, grandparent or other family member is another valuable and fun activity. Like any subject, writing is one where practice makes better. The more your child writes, the more he or she will improveand perhaps even enjoy it. Writing well involves using vivid language, organizing ones thoughts and using good grammar and spelling, says Last Name. These are all things students can improve by reading frequently and seeking guidance from their teachersand of course through plenty of repetition. If your child needs help building the skills that writing requires or would simply like some guidance on how to become a better writer, call Huntington Learning Center at 1-800-CAN-LEARNor visit www.huntingtonhelps.com. About Huntington Huntington is the tutoring and test prep leader. Its certified tutors provide individualized instruction in reading, phonics, writing, study skills, elementary and middle school math, Algebra through Calculus, Chemistry, and other sciences. It preps for the SAT and ACT, as well as state and standardized exams. Huntington programs develop the skills, confidence, and motivation to help students succeed and meet the needs of Common Core State Standards. Founded in 1977, Huntingtons mission is to give every student the best education possible. Learn how Huntington can help at www.huntingtonhelps.com. For franchise opportunities please visit www.huntingtonfranchise.com. 2016 Huntington Mark, LLC. Huntington Learning Center, the three-leaf logo, and 1 800 CAN LEARN are registered trademarks of Huntington Mark, LLC. Each franchised Huntington Learning Center is operated under a franchise agreement with Huntington Learning Centers, Inc.