mAke the grAde
mAke the grAde academic services is a full-time,
full-service academic support company.
mAke the grAde offers tutoring in all subjects
and for all grade levels.
Services Provided
- 1 on 1 individualized instruction face to face and Internet based tutoring
- Specializing in Mathematics, the Sciences, Study Skills Curriculum for remediation, preview, and maintenance
- Full Preparation for all Standard Tests including the PSAT, SAT, ACT, Private School Admissions (SSAT, ISEE), Terra Nova, and others
- College placement counseling and assistance including application and essay preparation
- IEP support and interfacing with teachers, administrators, and school officials in the public and private school forums
- General academic assistance
- Internet tutoring and support via IM and email
- Summer remediation programs
- Summer preview programs
- Customized academic plans
- Excellent personalized ongoingcommunication
- Compose college recommendations for students
METHODS OF INSTRUCTION
One on One Face to Face Tutoring
This focuses on the specific needs of the individual student. The advantages of one-on-one include customized programming, an ability to modify the program as needed, and maximum flexibility.
One on One Internet Based Tutoring
This also focuses on the specific needs of the individual student, but utilizes the technology of the internet: IM, email, text messaging, white boards and other online technology, to provide the most convenient, yet effective tutoring available. The advantages of this one-on-one internet based system include customized programming, an ability to modify the program as needed, and maximum flexibility of being able to 'meet' literally anytime and any place.
Small Groups of Students (2 to 4)
Many students opt to work in small groups. These courses offer the flexibility of one-on-one tutoring, while meeting scheduling and financial needs.
Workshops and Courses
Courses are offered for PSAT** and SAT* preparation as well as programs to teach proper study skills. Courses include 10-20 students in a classroom setting. Workshops and courses are less flexible and are oriented to a predetermined syllabus, although they allow for time to accommodate individual needs.
Subject Specifics
MATHEMATICS: Arithmatic, General Math, Algebra, Geometry, Advanced Algebra, pre-Calculas and Calculus, Statistics and Trigonometry.
mAake the grAde tutors all levels of Mathematics for all grade levels ranging from basic arithmetic through pre-algebra, algebra, advanced algebra, geometry and precalculus and calculus.
Dr. Greene taught middle school and high school math courses for 7 years and has extensive experience in these areas.
While math can be daunting to some people, our approach is systematic, simple, effective, and even enjoyable! It has been our experience that most students struggle in math due to the absence of an effective system of problem solving, or a lack of essential skills. Tutoring concentrates extensively on both of these areas with a focus on methods. We emphasize a "step-wise" method of analysis and problem solving. Skills are modeled and students are given a chance for 'hands on' practice. Tutoring sessions may involve topic review, skills review, homework review, quiz and test preparation and mock testing.
Math course work is provided year-round.
SCIENCES: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Anatomy and Physiology, General Science
Tutoring covers all major science courses including Physical Science, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. Dr. Greene taught science at the Middle and High School levels for 6 years and has extensive experience with these subjects. Each science course offers its own challenges. Physical Science and Biology are 'concept based' and rely heavily on memorization. Chemistry and Physics are more mathematically oriented and require applied work. In all cases, Make the GrAde will help the student establish a fundamental understanding of the topic, and encourage a step-by-step approach to problem solving, fortified with practice work and mock testing. Essential concepts from the course or homework are explained in detail and placed within the context of the course's overall focus.
Science course work is provided year-round.
STANDARD TEST PREPARATION:
PSAT**, SAT*, SAT 2 Series, ACT
Standard Test Prep is a major component of the mAake the grAde service. The SAT* test is a critical component of a student's college admissions package. For many colleges, the SAT* score is often the deciding factor in a student's acceptance. Skilled instruction, sound strategy, and consistent practice are essential to achieving a great score.
The Make the GrAde way is:
Our system is simple and powerful. Students will learn how to answer each type of question using a consistent strategy system that they apply both in practice AND during the exams.
It sounds simple, and it is. But it is also very powerful and effective.
Most students begin Standard Test Preparation for the PSAT** with a shorter program (e.g. 6-8 weeks) in the summer preceding their Junior year taking the PSAT** exam in the middle of October. This is followed over the winter and spring of the Junior year by a more extensive test preparation program (e.g. 12-15 weeks) for the SAT* exams. Following completion of the SAT* Test, students then progress to preparing for the SAT *2 exams, which are subject based (e.g. Math, Writing, etc.). Standard test prep is available year round.
INDEPENDENT SCHOOL ADMISSIONS: SSAT, CSAT, ISEE
mAke the grAde provides preparation for Independent School admissions tests. These tests are essential, and often the most critical, components for admission into several independent and private schools.
The general approach is similar to PSAT** and SAT* preparation in that a strategy is taught for each type of question on the exam. Extensive practice and mock testing reinforce techniques and skills.
Generally these exams are administered in the fall and early winter, so programs tend to run from August through January each year.
However, admissions test preparation is available year-round.
STUDY SKILLS AND TIME MANAGEMENT
Study skills include:
Establishing good time management and study skills is increasingly important as workloads and academic pressures mount.
We teach study, time management, and organizational techniques that are geared toward increasing productivity and decreasing stress. We will show our students how to stay on top of homework assignments and subject matter by teaching them how to stay organized, manage their time, and study effectively and efficiently.
Many of the study skills taught are extracted from the Study Skills Course that Dr. Greene has presented at several schools.
Study skills and time management instruction is available year-round. Also, Make the GrAde's Study Skills manuals are available through our on-line Shopping Cart
EDUCATIONAL ADVOCACY AND INTERFACING WITH ACADEMIC PROFESSIONALS
mAke the grAde will interface with Educational Professionals on your behalf both face-to-face and through correspondence (telephone, email, fax, or letter).
mAke the grAde can help. We advocate on behalf of you and your child. We understand…can communicate this on the teachers' and administrators' "level" using their "language".
Going into an important meeting at a school can impact your child's future. Attending these meetings without an educational advocate is like going to court without a properly trained attorney.
These services are available year-round.
ASSISTANCE WITH EDUCATIONAL EVALUATIONS AND IEP PROCESSES
IST = Instructional Support Team.
An Instructional Support Team (IST) is a team of specialists who…It usually consists of, but is not limited to, a team leader…an administrator--usually an assistant principal--a psychologist, and a grade level advisor and some specialists (e.g. reading, speech, etc.). The IST usually convenes once a week to discuss each "case." Parents are invited to be present during the time their child's case is presented, but are often not asked for input. In PA, every school district must have 3 IST teams (one each for elementary, middle, and high school levels). Some districts have multiple teams at each level. From a business perspective, many parents are confused as to how to access the IST, or how get the IST to consider their "at risk" child. That's where mAke the grAde comes in. We advocate for the parents and convince the IST that the child has specific instructional needs. ISTs tend to underestimate these needs, relying wholly on the opinions of the teachers while disregarding input from parents, whom they consider "lay people." Therefore, having a mAke the grAde representative at the meeting is often a huge advantage for the parent.
Testing = A battery of tests ordered by the IST.
If, following an IST meeting, it is determined that a child is at risk, or has specific instructional needs, a specific battery of tests is ordered by the IST. This phase is called, not surprisingly, "testing." But there are many versions of testing--some state-level mandated and others more random. In a direct sense, the determination of "at risk" can be influenced by the test itself and/or the test interpreter. Again, mAke the grAde provides counseling and education to parents on how to determine if their child has been tested appropriately. Although the IST may order a battery of tests, many parents choose to go outside the system and hire a private psychologist to do testing as well. mAke the grAde has 4 qualified psychologists that we can refer to or recommend.
IEP = Individualized Educational Program.
If a child is tested by the IST and it is determined that there is a need, then the IST (often along with the school or private psychologist) will create an IEP. This generally consists of some instructional recommendations made by the team for inclusion in the day-to-day class curriculum (e.g. providing a book with large text, allowance for untimed testing, etc.), and for supplemental support outside of the classroom (e.g. visits to a reading specialist). Again, parents are most confused at this point: Is the IEP right? Is there compliance at the classroom and/or IST levels? This is where mAke the grAde advocates for and counsels the parents.
