Every business owner knows what they want from their efforts: clients, cash flow and profit!  Marketing has a significant part to play in reaching those goals.  This is a look into what a business can realistically expect from a well designed web presence.

How Reliable Are Intelligence Tests?

From my dictionary: re·li·a·ble, adj- that may be relied on; dependable in achievement, accuracy, honesty.  This article looks at IQ tests in terms of reliability.

From the SAT Expert: SAT Cheating – Long Island and Beyond

Nearly a year ago, members of the faculty at Great Neck North High School on Long Island in New York State heard rumors of students paying others to take the SAT for them. Sadly, it appears that there was truth to those rumors. To date, twenty persons have been arrested: four test-takers and sixteen student-clients who paid them to take the test in their stead. This article looks at reactions to this story.

Arguments Against the Use of Standardized Testing

There’s no point in hoping that standardized testing will go away.  However, being aware of the potential problems can help students, parents and teachers mitigate the worst effects.  This article discusses the ways testing can hurt more than help.

Exactly What Math is Needed for the SAT?

Nearly every college-bound high school sudent takes the SAT in the spring of their junior year.  You should be thinking about it LONG before that, however.  This article is a 'laundry list' of the Math you should prepare. 

Why so MUCH Standardized Testing?

These days students take so many standardized tests.  Beginning of the year.  End of the year. Qualifying. Placement. Quarterly Progress.  Someone must think them important enough to justify the considerable cost of creating and scoring them and the time it takes to administer them. This article looks at some of the advantages these tests provide.

A Teacher's Ramblings: This Is Why I Teach

I am a teacher.  I've taught college, high school, and adult school.  I'd never want to be anything else.  In this installment of my ramblings I talk about why.

College Writing: An Outline of Outlines

You simply can't write without an outline.  No, seriously.  For one thing, how else do you know when you're done?   Whether we structure it the way our English Teacher taught us, or just hold it in our heads, we outline. This article takes a bird's eye view of a great outline.

From the Tutor: 12 Things You Need to Know About Bullying

Bullying exists in nearly every school in every city, village and town.  Everyone knows that.  But here are some things about bullying every parent, school administrator and teacher should know.

6 Things Parents Can Do to Help a Child Through Trauma

As a private tutor I am often a part of the path to recovery for a traumatized kid.  In this article I offer advice to parents on what to expect and how to respond.

4 Things to Look at OTHER than Your Child's Standardized Test Scores

Standardized testing has been a mainstay of education since the 1960’s, and it seems to be here to stay.  But SHOULD it?  CAN a standardized test really tell you how well your child is learning?  Could you do without these tests completely?  This article describes some alternatives to business as usual.

Writing a Better Pursuasive Essay for the SAT or ACT: Having Examples Ready

Standardized test essays are short in both time and length.  Nonetheless, to earn a good score your essay must be well-structured and well thought out, and this, in turn, requires that you be prepared to discuss a subject effectively without any advance notice.  The key to this preparation is having good examples in hand to support your argument.  This article will show you how to be ready for ANY essay prompt you may face.

5 Things to Look For in a Great 21st Century School

Science and technology are basic parts of modern life. In the 21^st century study of the “STEM” [Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics] fields is more important than ever, and not just for future scientists and engineers; it is essential for every student.  Unfortunately, while more and more students go to college, fewer and fewer graduate with degrees in STEM areas.  American schools at every level need to promote STEM if the US is to remain competitive in the world.

Tutor Tips - Turn Your Math Lesson Plans Up-Side Down

Should you turn your Math lesson plans ‘upside down’?  Research suggests that it might be a good idea.  This article reviews findings from a study of 231 eighth grade math lessons worldwide and their implications for lesson planning.

Literary Analysis - Step 4 Example – The Lady or the Tiger?

To analyze literature it is essential to study not just the storyline but also the characters that populate and create the story.  Here is a look at the characters in Frank R. Stockton’s classic short story, The Lady or the Tiger?

Literary Analysis Step 4 – Focus on Characterization

To analyze literature it is essential to study not just the storyline but also the characters that populate and create the story.  Think of any work of literature and you think of characters: likeable, hateful, beautiful, important, but above all, memorable, if the work itself is to be remembered.  In this article you will find an overview of the literary ‘types’ of characters and the purposes they serve in a story.  So much of what we can learn about a story comes from ‘listening’ to the characters, so don’t short-change this Focus.

Geometry for Real People – Points, Lines and Planes

Geometry is a study of descriptions. It is the mathematical method for describing shapes and spatial relationships. Geometry begins with a network of definitions that are then combined to make other definitions that are then used in proofs of even more definitions. In this article, I will focus on the simplest definitions and relationships: those that deal with Points, Lines, and Planes. 

From the Chemistry Professor: Lesson Plan Outline for Reactions in Aqueous Solutions

Are you in the middle of Chemistry 1 and stumbling with Reactions in Aqueous Solutions?  Are your students not GETTING it?  This article describes the breakdown of specific lessons that can help students be much more successful with this topic.

From The Tutor: Important Advice On Getting The Most From Your Tutoring Session

I am an expert tutor in math and science. You’re paying a lot for my time. How can you get the most out of it? One part of the answer is simple enough:  make sure that you get prepared for the session before I show up. This article will give you a Get Ready Checklist to help you get value from every minute of our session.

College Writing #6 – Between Research and Outline – Developing the Picture with the FIVE P’s of Snapshot Text

Your accumulated research [organized in the computer or on index cards] sits staring you in the face.  Here is where you exert your power over the entire project.  Focus on the assignment, zoom to the audience’s point of view and CAPTURE your Snapshot Text.  This article describes the “FIVE P’s of Snapshot Text” and how to make your best choice from them.

College Guidance: Campus Move-In Checklist – The Essential 220 Things

SOoooooo now it’s time to actually move to campus.  Are you excited?  You should be – so much ahead!  Like any project, planning makes moving all the smoother.  Use this Checklist to decide what to bring, and to make sure you forget as few things as possible.

Literary Analysis – Step 3 Example – The Lady, or the Tiger?

Literary Analysis Series #3: Focus on Scenes

Now that you have read through a work once for the pleasure of it and come to understand the unfamiliar words in it you are ready for the real work of analysis.  This article will define the terms and describe the process of analyzing the plot of a work of fiction.

Will Your Son or Daughter Be Ready for Algebra?

When is It Time to be Concerned About Standardized Test Scores?

College Writing Course #5 – Writing Process – Research

College Financial Aid – Help to GET – Help to AVOID

Literary Analysis Step 2 – Example – The Lady, or the Tiger?

Literary Analysis Series #2 – Focus on Vocabulary

Chemistry Series #1 - Molecular and Ionic Equations

College Writing Course #4 – Simplify, Simplify, SIMPLIFY!

Literary Analysis – Step 1- Example -- “The Lady, or the Tiger?” by Frank Stockton

Literary Analysis Series #1 – Focus on Story

Literary Analysis Series Introduction – What is Literary Analysis For, and How Would I Do That, Anyway?

How to Choose or Create a GREAT After-School Program

When to Schedule and Prep Standardized Tests

College Writing Course #3 - Nouns that SPEAK

<<< Go back to College Course Writing #2

College Writing #2 – Sentences That MOVE

College Writing Course #1 - The Power is in the Verb

 

Getting Ready for Organic Chemistry

SMART Guessing - Standardized Test Taking Tips

Test Time - How to get Through It

So Now You Have to TAKE that EXAM…

…You’ve done all you are going to do about studying.  Worked all semester.  Crammed all last weekend.

NOW let’s talk about actually TAKING the exam!

Time Management

For a lot of students just getting DONE on time is a struggle.

Keep these things in mind:

·         Bring a watch.  The wall clock may not be working, and you need to keep track!

·         Look over the test BEFORE YOU START and settle on a schedule for yourself.  If there are essay questions and multiple choice questions give yourself more time for the essays.  Leave 5 or 10 minutes at the end for ‘go-backs’ and looking over your answers Before writing the essays, take the time to write a quick but organized outline of each essay. Use the  margin of the test itself, or the cover of the blue book.  Seriously now – WRITE IT DOWN!

·         If you have a multiple choice test, don't spend too much time on any one questions. If there's anything you don't know, skip it and go back to it later. Your "backburner" memory may kick in and cause you to remember.

Relieving Test Taking Anxiety

Nervousness can actually help.  It can keep you focused and alert  --  up to a point.  But you need to keep it from getting out of hand.

·         Stretching. Stop every few minutes and stretch your neck, hand, legs – wherever you feel tension.  It is worth the 30 seconds to FEEL better!

·         Don't watch the other students.  Writing continuously doesn’t mean a good score.  DEFINITELY finishing early means nothing about the grade.  Just do your test at your pace.

·         Focus on the questions before you, not that running script of worry in your head.  No, this test is NOT the end of the world, probably not even the end of your grade in the class.  CERTAININLY it only measures what you know about the subject today, NOT if you are a good and valuable PERSON or anything else important.  Worry some other time,  ANSWER now.

·         Deep Breathing.  Every  time you turn a page – take three DEEP calming breaths.  Amazing how much this helps!

Sad but true – that was it!  Turn in the best paper you can – and move on to the NEXT thing.

Good Luck!

by: Jo Karabasz
Overlook Tutorial Academy

Download this article as a file HERE

Turbo Study for that TEST

TURBO Study

Take out all your stuff -  your notes and your book
include tests and such – they each need a look
Homework and quizzes were important to do
and now will have help to offer to you

Use sense for your work spot right off the bat
get light on the table and send out the cat
Find now both some food and a drink
but don’t forget sugar makes it tougher to think

Remember time is short – choose topics with care
focusing on projects as a guess is quite fair
Check the questions that were on past tests
that they’ll turn up again is a good guess

Be positive – this can all work out
study with a friend – and neither of you pout
55 minutes an hour – remember what I said
stop with a few hours to go and get to BED

One last thing – make a single sheet covered with the best
go for ideas, not facts – those help the most on the test
And this advice is not new  -- no matter how you do
it’s much less of a ZOO  -- if you study not ONE night, but TWO!

I know you hear ALL THE TIME not to cram for tests.  I actually DISagree.  Last minute TURBO STUDY can be a solid PART of you overall success plan.  Notice ‘part’?  Take the advice of my little poem, and get the MOST out of it.

Good LUCK!

Jo Karabasz
Overlook Tutorial Academy

Download this article as a document HERE

Aesop and Organizing Advice for Middle Schoolers

Aesop and Advice for Middle Schoolers

Stress is hard on kids just like it is on adults.  There are a lot of reasons for stress you can’t do much about, but one thing you CAN do is take control of ORGANIZING your life and your work. 

Aesop may not have known a lot about modern life but here are a few of his fables to remind you about getting organized.  Click the title to read the original fable.

The Boy and the Filberts

  A BOY put his hand into a pitcher full of filberts.  He grasped as many as he could possibly hold, but when he tried to pull out his hand, he was prevented from doing so by the neck of the pitcher.  Unwilling to lose his filberts, and yet unable to withdraw his hand, he burst into tears and bitterly lamented his disappointment.  A bystander said to him, "Be satisfied with half the quantity, and you will readily draw out your hand."

Don’t get your hand stuck in the pitcher by grabbing too much – work step-by-step!

Decide what is REALLY important to you – what things you want to accomplish.  Write these goals down so you never forget.  Then do at least ONE TINY thing every day that is JUST meant to move toward a goal.  For instance, if you have a goal of running a 5K race, you might do something as small as replacing your shoelaces in your running shoes if you have only that much time to spend.  You will get there faster than you imagine that way. 

Make a to-do list for EVERY day.  Include what MUST get done, what might get done AND your ‘tiny steps’.  Don’t try to do ALL of a big job at once – do it one…’handful of nuts’ at a time.

The Farmer and His Sons

  A FATHER, being on the point of death, wished to be sure that his sons would give the same attention to his farm as he himself had given it.  He called them to his bedside and said, "My sons, there is a great treasure hid in one of my vineyards."  The sons, after his death, took their spades and mattocks and carefully dug over every portion of their land.  They found no treasure, but the vines repaid their labor by an extraordinary and superabundant crop.  

Take care of your work first.  If you put it off you KNOW you will never get to it!  Talking with friends, a favorite CD, a video game, a TV show or just daydreaming will always be more fun.  But, in the long run you will be happier with your day if you took care of everything on your to-do list.

It’s true! Getting tasks DONE eases stress and putting them off increases stress  --  and  --  this kind of stress can RUIN your day and get you in trouble at home and at school,

Just as it was for the Farmer’s sons - hard work will definitely pay off for you.  So grab your shovel and DIG IN!

The Hare and the Tortoise

  A HARE one day ridiculed the short feet and slow pace of the Tortoise, who replied, laughing:  "Though you be swift as the wind, I will beat you in a race."  The Hare, believing her assertion to be simply impossible, assented to the proposal; and they agreed that the Fox should choose the course and fix the goal.  On the day appointed for the race the two started together.  The Tortoise never for a moment stopped, but went on with a slow but steady pace straight to the end of the course.  The Hare, lying down by the wayside, fell fast asleep.  At last waking up, and moving as fast as he could, he saw the Tortoise had reached the goal, and was comfortably dozing after her fatigue. 

Be ON TIME!  Be as quick as the Hare, if you can, but leave yourself enough TIME to be a Tortoise!

I had a friend in school that was always late.  It made her crazy with worrying about it.  Being early is SO MUCH EASIER.  Get up 5 minutes earlier in the morning, use the alarm on your phone, and even get a friend to call you to remind you about something IMPORTANT you need to get to, if necessary.  Before you go to bed at night, get out your clothes and pack your backpack…that way you might not have to be COMPLETELY awake before you leave the house!

The Ant and the Grasshopper

  In a field one summer's day a Grasshopper was hopping about, chirping and singing to its heart's content.  An Ant passed by, bearing along with great toil an ear of corn he was taking to the nest.

  "Why not come and chat with me," said the Grasshopper, "instead of toiling and moiling in that way?"

  "I am helping to lay up food for the winter," said the Ant,"and recommend you to do the same."

  "Why bother about winter?" said the Grasshopper; we have got plenty of food at present."  But the Ant went on its way and continued its toil.  When the winter came the Grasshopper had no food and found itself dying of hunger, while it saw the ants distributing every day corn and grain from the stores they had collected in the summer.  Then the Grasshopper knew: It is best to prepare for the days of necessity.

There are a hundred things you need to be able to find when you need them.  Calculator, clean socks, phone charger, colored pens, house key, graph paper…….

It can really waste time and create stress when something is missing – not to mention how parents get mad about running for something at the last minute because it’s lost.  AVOID this situation by putting everything away, every time.  Clear your desk.  Keep your closet neat.  By ALL means get file folders and file all your school papers – by subject.  ‘Old’ papers can be very handy later!

IF you don’t have a desk, put all your study tools in a box, or a bag and pull them out at the table when you are ready to begin each day.  Then PUT THEM AWAY again so they are ready for tomorrow.

The Ant in the story did well all winter – just because he put away food when the weather was good.  BE AN ANT…..not a grasshopper!

The Dog’s House

  IN THE WINTERTIME, a Dog curled up in as small a space as possible on account of the cold, determined to make himself a house.  However when the summer returned again, he lay asleep stretched at his full length and appeared to himself to be of a great size.  Now he considered that it would be neither an easy nor a necessary work to make himself such a house as would accommodate him.  He was cold again the very next winter.

Take care of your health.  Eat right, sleep enough, exercise regularly.

Having to be active when feeling bad has at one time or another made everyone tense and miserable.  It often seems like too much trouble to get out and exercise.  Of course junk food seems to taste better than healthier options.  And we ALL know the best shows are on late!

YOU are too important to short change your well-being.

Aesop’s dog was cold TWICE because he didn’t take the time and trouble to take care of himself.  Learn from his misfortune and take care of YOU.

Jo Karabasz
Overlook Tutorial Academy

Download this article as a file HERE

What SAT MATH Score do you want?

What score would you like to get on the SAT Math Test? 

You’d be surprised to learn that one important way to IMPROVE your math score is to answer FEWER questions!

Every SAT Math test consists of fifty-four questions.  Typically, about fifteen of these are easy, about twenty-eight are medium, and about nine are hard, and they are arranged in a way similar to what is shown below.

Here is a typical pattern for the three math sections:
Sec. 2			Sec. 4						Sec. 8
			Multiple Choice			Grid-In
E	M	H	E	M	H	E	M	H	E	M	H
1 – 6	7 – 17	18–20	1 – 4	5 – 7	8	9 – 10	11–15	16–18	1 – 5	6 - 14	15-16
Question numbers

It is important to remember that the multiple choice questions on the test are scored in such a way that an incorrect answer is worse than no answer at all.  Believe it or not, for a math score of 500 you need to get only about thirty (56%) of the questions correct; to get a 600 you need only about thirty-seven correct answers (69%). The trick is to keep down the number of questions you get wrong!  How can you do this?

Do the “math”:  the total number of easy and medium questions is about forty-three.  If you want to get a 500, you never even have to look at the hard questions, or even the last few medium questions in each set. (Remember, you need only about thirty correct answers!).  For a 600 you still need only about thirty-seven correct answers, so you should answer all of the easy questions, try all of the medium ones, leave blank the medium ones you are really unsure of, and never even read the hard ones!  This strategy has two advantages:

1. You avoid answering the questions you are most likely to get wrong anyway.

2.  You spend more time on each of the questions you have a good chance of getting correct.

Look at these results for Dave, Allison, and Manuel.  (The names have been changed to protect the guilty!)

	Dave	Allison	Manuel
Total Correct	34	34	34
Total Incorrect	20	10	2
Total Left Blank	0	10	18
Raw Score	29	32	34
Scaled Score	540	560	580

Each of the students got thirty-four questions correct, but look at the differences among their scores!  What’s the deal?

Dave tried all of the problems and answered every one. Allison skipped all of the hard questions (How did she know which ones they were? ---  Look at the first chart!) and answered all but one of the questions she worked on, even when she was rather uncertain about the answers.  Manuel skipped all the hard ones, too, but he also left nine medium questions blank because he was unsure how to do them.  Way to go, Manuel!

Bonus tip:  Unlike the multiple choice questions, there is no penalty for wrong answers on the “grid-ins”, so always put an answer for every one of these, even if you haven’t read the question. You’ve got nothing to lose!

Larry Brown
Overlook Tutorial Academy

Download this article as a file HERE