Math Ladder Concept

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Success in math is dependent upon mastering all the concepts, one step at a time. As each school year progresses, students face increasingly difficult challenges in math. At Sylvan, we are experts in pinpointing a student’s math needs and creating a personalized learning plan that will equip your student to climb the math ladder and achieve his or her academic goals.

Call for your FREE Sylvan Math Checkup!  888-YES-SYLVAN

How Healthy Are Your Child’s Math Skills?

How Healthy Are Your Child’s Math Skills?

Sylvan Learning Located In Cleveland, Youngstown and Cincinnati Offers Free Math Check Ups For 1^st-12^th Graders To Measure Preparedness For New School Year

With school back in session, many students and families are now focusing on homework and grades—paying special attention to crucial subjects like math. Developing strong math skills during the school years is critical, since success in math during middle and high school is increasingly tied to accomplishment in college and beyond, and basic math skills are now a requirement for almost every career opportunity that exists today. To help students gain a better understanding of their math skills, Sylvan Learning, a leading provider of tutoring to students of all ages, grades and skill levels, is offering a free math assessment, "Math Check Up,” from now through October for students entering first through twelfth grades.

Based on the Ohio academic achievement standards and the Ohio math curriculum, Math Check Up is a 30 minute skills locator that measures a child's math proficiency and skill level in math. The assessment provides parents with a free analysis of their child’s preparedness in math and some actionable steps aimed at helping their child achieve lasting math success in school.

“Mastering the fundamentals in math at an early age is critical for student success in algebra, trigonometry, and other advanced mathematics,” says Randy Rohde, Executive Director of Sylvan Learning. “Most students often struggle with some portion of math and algebra and parents are always searching for answers to help their kids. With these assessments, our aim is to help families take the first step in measuring their child’s math proficiency at the beginning of the school year.”

An understanding of the importance of math in their lives puts students well on their way to academic success, so it’s critical that parents play an active role in boosting their child’s understanding of math, and in cultivating an interest in numbers. According to the Nation's Report Card: Mathematics 2009, a little more than a third of American 4^th and 8^th grade students performed at the ‘proficient’ level in mathematics for their grade levels. And there was “no significant change in the performance of the nation’s 4^th graders in mathematics from 2007 to 2009.” This marks the first instance of stagnation in the almost 20 years since the national test was first administered in 1990. While education officials evaluate big-picture mathematics policy and instructional issues for our nation as a whole, parents can act now to become vocal mathematics champions for their children.

The free math check-ups are available through October. Parents can call (888) YES-SYLVAN to register their child for the assessment.

“My son took Sylvan’s free Math Check Up recently and it’s amazing how much we learned after the assessment! We now have a solid understanding of where he needs the most help at the beginning of the school year and are looking forward to working with his teachers to make sure he can improve his math skills.” said Mrs. Hooper. “ The assessment is indeed very valuable and timely.”

For more information on math resources offered by Sylvan Learning, please visit www.sylvanlearning.com or call (888) YES-SYLVAN

Unlimited Learning at Sylvan

We’re excited to announce a very special promotion for January! For this month only, parents can purchase unlimited tutoring from now until the end of June.

Unlimited tutoring includes:

• Unlimited Tutoring in any Sylvan Subject
• Unlimited Homework Support
• Unlimited Use of BookAdventure.org
• Unlimited Skills Assessments
• School Conferences
• Parent Conferences
• Unlimited Sibling Skills Assessments
• Unlimited Practice SAT or ACT Tests
• Unlimited Test Prep (SAT, ACT or ASVAB)
• Unlimited Early Learning Academy
• Unlimited College Prep (College Writing and Advanced Reading)

Choose the payment option that works for you:

• Financing
• Prepayment
• Four Monthly Installments

This is a great time of the year to get students into Sylvan and a great opportunity to help students finish the year strong! We have never done this before and are very much looking forward to seeing students more often in the center. Call us today to get started!
1-800-EDUCATE

Surviving the Teen Years - pt 2

Facing Academic and Emotional Challenges
As students make the transition into middle and high school, many adolescents encounter a larger-than-life, more impersonal, more competitive, and grade-oriented environment than they experienced in the primary grades. The National Association of Secondary School Principals states, “In this environment many students’ grades decline, and they do not attend school as regularly as they should. They also develop a more negative view of themselves and feel an increased need for friendships.”
Studies have shown students’ perceptions concerning high school reveal both excitement and fear. According to the National Middle School Association, “They look forward to more freedom and more personal choice. However, they also admit to being ‘nervous’ and ‘scared’ about older students teasing them; getting lost in a larger and unfamiliar school; and, most troubling to teens, is making bad grades.”

What Parents Can Do
Teach your children how to develop the skills, habits, and attitudes that lead to lifelong success. That means recognizing the importance of higher education, actively supporting the goals of the school, and encouraging/requiring school attendance.

You can help your child in many ways:

• Set a good example and turn off the television, iPod or cell phone – and read or write.
• Understand your child’s personal learning style and work with him or her in ways that complement the individual learning process. To determine your child’s learning style, visit the “Parent Resources” area of www.SylvanLearning.com and take the Learning Styles Quiz.
• Keep open communication with your child’s teachers to ensure you are aware if struggles arise.
• Be aware of academic requirements needed for future classes. Does one version of middle or high school algebra lead to college preparatory math, whereas another version fulfills the math requirement but does not prepare the student for more advanced courses in math and science? Help your child keep his or her college and career options open by helping to select the “right” courses.
• Foster your teen’s strengths, talents and interests. Give praise for increased effort and celebrate successes.

Surviving the Teen Years - pt 1

Does thinking about the first day of school hatch butterflies in your stomach wondering how to navigate around a large and new school, if friendships will be developed, and whether homework will become overwhelming? If you are asking yourself these questions as a parent, imagine the uncertainty your child feels as he or she begins the journey to middle or high school.

Middle and high school are times of great change, numerous “firsts” and transitions. Thankfully, you and your tween or teen don’t have to cope with the impending changes all at once, and certainly not during the first few weeks of the new school year.

As your child prepares for heading back into the classroom, what is important during this vital transitional period?

Parental Involvement
Ask parents who has the most influence over decisions and behaviors of their children and most will reply, “Their peers.” Yet, research confirms that when teens are asked who has the most input over their actions, they overwhelmingly reply, “My parents.”

Despite the eye-rolling and often demonstrated (and completely natural) push for independence, middle and high school students need you - their parents. Who better can provide the guidance, direction, love, and support to guide them into adulthood?

Yet, a National Middle School Association study confirms that parental involvement too often declines during the crucial secondary school years. Among children in kindergarten through Grade 5, 69 percent of parents were highly involved in school. Among children in grades 9 through 12, however, only 39 percent were involved in their children’s school activities.

According to the Parent Teacher Association (PTA), the reason for this decline in parental involvement, just as teens are entering middle and high school, is two-fold. First, maturing children have a growing need to develop a sense of self and independence that is separate from their families. The PTA reports, “Teenagers begin to weigh choices and consequences, make more decisions on their own, learn from their mistakes, and establish their own set of values to guide their decisions and actions. They begin refusing help from their parents.”

Second, parents’ roles begin changing, in order for children to develop self-identity. While parents continue to offer encouragement and guidance, they begin stepping back a little in all aspects of their children’s lives in order to show their respect for their children’s growing independence. The PTA recommends, “Parents must begin to let adolescents make their own choices - good and bad - and have teenagers take responsibility for their actions and decisions.”

What Parents Can Do
Talk with your tweens and teens in ways that encourage information sharing about school activities and their personal concerns while reinforcing your support – emotionally and academically.

Discussion questions for parents and teens include:
• Discuss what worries you most about the middle/high school transition years. Ask your teen what are his or her biggest concerns?
• Parents, what is the best way to know how things are really going at school? Discuss with your child how best to strike a balance between involvement and independence in the teen years.
• High school parents, talk to your teens about what they want in a university. How much stress does he or she feel during the admissions process?

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Getting in Gear: A Back To School Survival Guide - part 2

Despite the warm temperatures and sunny skies, many students are feeling a shadow looming as back to school season creeps closer. After weeks of lazy, summer days, late nights, varying routines and minimal mental stimulation, the return to school can seem overwhelming to students of all ages.

To help students get ready for the new school year, here are several tips to ease the transition from the beach to the classroom and jumpstart sluggish summer brains.

For many students, the first day of school doesn’t only bring new teachers and new friends - it can also be a source of anxiety with homework assignments and tests just around the corner. Starting the school year off on the right foot can help minimize students’ stress levels throughout the year.

Get Cleaning. A dirty, cluttered room is not conducive to studying. Get organized before homework starts piling up.
• Remove seldom-worn clothing.
• Pack away belongings not used on a regular basis.
• For smaller children, label areas so they can easily see where belongings should go.

Carve Out A Homework Spot. Whether it is in your bedroom, the basement, or a family office, find an area where you can work distraction-free and claim it as your official workspace.
• Pick a place that is always available and where you feel comfortable doing schoolwork.
• Stock the area with all of the supplies and tools that are needed to complete homework.

Get Organized. Organization is key to ensure you stay on top of the requirements for each subject.
• Use separate, labeled notebooks for each class.
• Create files for each subject. The folders can hold assignments, essays, handouts and notes taken during classes.
• Purchase a planner or calendar to keep track of important dates and deadlines.

Set Educational Goals. Whether it is striving for an A in a certain subject, handing in all homework on time or preparing for tests well in advance, setting goals can help establish a routine for the new year.
• Set goals that are measurable, specific, reasonable and have personal value.

Stay On Schedule. Minimize last minute cramming or deadline mix-ups by creating a detailed school schedule.
• Include all classes, assignments and key dates, such as project deadlines and test dates. Fill in new dates as they arise.
• Schedule specific times for studying, projects and extracurricular activities. The more thorough the schedule, the more helpful it will be to you.

Know The School. If you ever feel swamped with back to school madness, ask for help. Schools assist students with transitioning from one grade to another. Meet with your guidance counselor and/or teachers. If you are still nervous, ask your mom or dad to drop you off at school on the first day of class.

Be Adventurous. Step out of your comfort zone this school year by trying new things academically and in terms of extracurricular activities.
• Try every type of class and/or activity. You never know what your strengths are until you experience as much as you can.
• Challenge yourself. If you have the opportunity, take the hardest classes - not the easiest subjects.
• Ask questions. There is nothing wrong with not always knowing the answer. Asking questions is the best way to learn!

Think Positive. Yes, going back to school means homework and early mornings. It also means reconnecting with old friends, meeting new people, resuming fun extracurricular activities, learning more about your favorite subjects and improving on your last year’s performance.

Getting in Gear: A Back To School Survival Guide - part 1

To help parents and children get ready for the new school year, here are several tips to ease the transition from the beach to the classroom and jumpstart sluggish summer brains.

While the idea of waking up at the crack of dawn to prepare lunches, fighting over appropriate school attire and regulating the amount of television watched might have you frazzled, take solace in the fact that you can play a big part in getting your children motivated and excited to tackle a new school year.

The following are helpful ideas to ease kids of all ages back into learning mode:

Help Your Child Discover His/Her Learning Style. Because each child is special, with different learning styles and academic needs, it is important to personalize the learning process. People learn in at least eight different ways, according to the Multiple Intelligences Theory: visually, verbally, physically, mathematically, musically, naturalistically, through group activity or through quiet thinking time. Talk to your child’s teachers about your child’s learning strengths and how best to support them.

Get Back In The Routine. Ease the transition from lazy summer days to the structure of the school year by re-establishing bedtime, mealtime, reading and homework routines. Talk with your child about the importance of structure and how routines help ensure that he is not overtired or overly anxious about schoolwork.

Develop A Family Event Calendar. One of the most helpful tools for getting organized is a family event calendar. To ease the chaos, track school programs, volunteer work and after-school activities. Family time management is essential if you are going to avoid the tumultuous frenzy of disorganization.

• Depending on your children’s ages, this calendar can be on construction paper with large squares to write in all necessary information, or it can be produced on a white board so that it is easy to revise.

• If it is color-coded by family member, you can clearly see who has an activity scheduled and when the event occurs.

• Place the calendar near the telephone, so when a friend’s mother calls to invite your child to a birthday party, you will know instantly whether it fits within your family plans.

Purchase School Supplies In Advance. Avoid the last-minute rush by purchasing supplies at least one week in advance. Take your child. She can feel excited and in control by choosing her favorite colors and designs.

Be a Cheerleader. Encourage your child to share any concerns he has about returning to school. Reinforce positive feelings by talking with your child about learning and achievement. Support his academic interests and encourage him to get involved in extracurricular activities at school.

In Part 2, we'll discuss ways that students can get ready for that eventful time - back to school!

Summer is the Perfect Time to Prepare for the ACT/SAT

Two of the most important college entrance requirements are a student's academic record and performance on the SAT or ACT achievement test. Increasing a student's SAT or ACT score can increase the likelihood of acceptance into a student’s first choice of college and help bring opportunity for increased scholarship money to the school. Also, successfully graduating from a college or university can help increase earnings by more than four to ten times than a student without a college degree. Therefore, a vital first step in helping students realize their dreams is to help them effectively prepare for the SAT or ACT.

“Interesting and targeted summer programs and test prep can help your teen better prepare for the competitive college admissions process,” explains Rusty Greiff, vice president of Sylvan Learning College Prep. “Summer is a perfect time to ‘get ahead’ through SAT/ACT test prep classes as well core subjects that will help your teen reach his or her full potential.”

College admissions today are more competitive than at any time. New tools, such as the common application, encourage students to apply to more schools. This increases the competition, making it more difficult for students to gain acceptance into the colleges and universities that were once seen as safe bets.

What does this mean for students?

“A well-rounded application, including strong SAT and ACT scores, is critical,” adds Greiff. “Getting into the right college requires a great deal of time, effort and careful planning – as early as Freshman year of high school – for students and their families.”

Report Card Anxiety

Parents around the country will soon be receiving their children's report cards. The following tips, devised by the education professionals at Sylvan Learning Center, are designed to help parents provide their children with positive and constructive responses during what is often a challenging time.

1. Communicate with your child throughout the six or nine-week report period. Don't wait until the report cards are issued -- it's too late then.

2. Clearly communicate your expectations to your child. Also, determine if your expectations are realistic considering the student's ability level.

3. Establish academic goals together with your child. These should be both short and long range and must be appropriate to the age of the child.

4. Meet with your child's teachers. Explore what resources the school offers students such as tutors, homework centers, pre-school day classes or online subject support.

5. Discuss problem areas with your child's teacher. Any skill deficiencies that are causing performance problems must be correctly identified and addressed.

6. Establish a study plan with your child. He/she needs to develop regular study habits and to spend an adequate amount of time daily on homework and studying for tests.

7. Recognize and praise your child's successes. For example, with an elementary school age child, you might talk about how pleased you are about better behavior in class.

8. Get help immediately if you see a problem. Don't fall prey to your child's promise to do better. He may not be able to correct certain issues without help from the adults in his life.

9. Stay in touch with your child's school counselor. The link between home and school is vital. The counselor can request periodic progress reports between grading periods and set up conferences with teachers, parents and students when necessary.

10. Think about what motivates your child. Positive motivators include offering rewards, such as money, video games, CD's, a driver's license or driving privileges, for improved grades. Consequences include grounding your child, restricting phone/Internet time and taking away other privileges such as use of the family car.

11. Reward your child for a good report card. Rather than giving money, spend extra time with your child, go for a walk together, take a family excursion or go to a favorite restaurant.

12. Be sure to keep report cards in perspective. Remember that this is just one measure at one particular time of how your child is doing.

13. Follow these simple STUDY rules:

S - Stay on top of your child's study schedule. Be aware of assignments and whether your student is using time effectively to tackle homework.

T - Team with your child, the teacher and counselor. Work together to develop a meaningful contract that clearly outlines expectations and sets desired goals.

U - Use a daily assignment planner and project calendar.

D - Define your child's deficiencies and identify the skills that are needed to address the performance problems.

Y - You are your child's greatest advocate. Be a partner to help your student achieve his/her highest academic potential.