Our service is different from content based tutoring. Subject-specific tutoring may be a good fit for students in certain instances. However, oftentimes the issues which hold students back from doing their best are not related to content at all, but are more connected with the overall approach students take toward their school work. They lack what are known as executive function skills.
Working one-on-one, our coaches teach and practice the core skills that are essential for success in school, and help to prepare the student to face future challenges independently. The coach works collaboratively to apply both executive function and study skills to the student’s current school workload, thereby making the sessions productive in both the short and long-term.
Working one-on-one, our coaches teach and practice the core skills that are essential for success in school, and help to prepare the student to face future challenges independently. The coach works collaboratively to apply both executive function and study skills to the student’s current school workload, thereby making the sessions productive in both the short and long-term.
Here is what a typical session looks like:
1. Connecting
Developing rapport and offering friendship is the key to building trust. The student is invited to talk briefly about how things are going in their world. This helps the coach to evaluate the student’s readiness to learn.
2. Reviewing
The coach asks the student for feedback on the prior week’s objectives and evaluates where progress has been made. The coach offers encouragement to continue making choices which have led to improvement and provides perspective on overcoming lingering challenges.
3. Establishing the Agenda
The coach begins by asking the student to identify where they need specific help. Planning for current tasks and assignments is always prioritized over any added curriculum since these represent the most immediate impact on achievement.
4. Identifying and Applying the Skills
The coach and student identify a particular challenge and consider how to effectively apply executive function skills to the task. Examples of this work include selecting a topic for an assignment, doing research for an essay, preparing a study sheet for an upcoming test, planning an essay, or using a calendar app for help with time management.
5. Weekly Commitments
The coach reviews insights which have been uncovered by the session, and asks the student to commit to being mindful of these in the upcoming week. Examples here include reflecting on the importance of being coachable, using a new strategy for keeping organized, or working on an essay outline.
6. Follow up with Parent
The coach reflects on the session and usually provides the parent with an email update about what was covered, what worked well, and possible next steps. The coach may also connect with the student between sessions to offer encouragement and give reminders.
1. Connecting
Developing rapport and offering friendship is the key to building trust. The student is invited to talk briefly about how things are going in their world. This helps the coach to evaluate the student’s readiness to learn.
2. Reviewing
The coach asks the student for feedback on the prior week’s objectives and evaluates where progress has been made. The coach offers encouragement to continue making choices which have led to improvement and provides perspective on overcoming lingering challenges.
3. Establishing the Agenda
The coach begins by asking the student to identify where they need specific help. Planning for current tasks and assignments is always prioritized over any added curriculum since these represent the most immediate impact on achievement.
4. Identifying and Applying the Skills
The coach and student identify a particular challenge and consider how to effectively apply executive function skills to the task. Examples of this work include selecting a topic for an assignment, doing research for an essay, preparing a study sheet for an upcoming test, planning an essay, or using a calendar app for help with time management.
5. Weekly Commitments
The coach reviews insights which have been uncovered by the session, and asks the student to commit to being mindful of these in the upcoming week. Examples here include reflecting on the importance of being coachable, using a new strategy for keeping organized, or working on an essay outline.
6. Follow up with Parent
The coach reflects on the session and usually provides the parent with an email update about what was covered, what worked well, and possible next steps. The coach may also connect with the student between sessions to offer encouragement and give reminders.