Power Academics Workshop Series

Schoolhouse Tutors offers a unique workshop series for students in Grades 3-12.  This intensive series provides students with coaching in technology-based study and test prep, time management, and learning methods.  In addition, this series offers rigorous writing and reading instruction that enables struggling students to meet and exceed grade level expectations.

In Power Academic sessions, students learn and apply new skills, and develop the power to solve problems and learn new concepts without the help of others.  The focus is on getting better at skills that can be applied to any subject at any grade level and learning how to use those skills independently.

The Head Coach is Dr. Jennifer Jones, a former teacher and learning specialist, with over 17 years of experience in preparing students of all ages.  Dr. Jones uses engaging, hands-on, interactive techniques that keep students moving, thinking and growing with each task. Activities include everything from computer-based thinking assignments to “On the Road” field trip experiences at local cultural and academic institutions.  

Power Academics Workshop Curriculum

Introduction to Basic Academic Skills

In The Learn Garden workshop, students meet as a group for the first time, engage in open dialogue about personal strengths and skills they wish to build.  A positive group dynamic is fostered, and students work together to establish personal and academic goals for the series. Students are introduced to resources including guidebooks and Internet sites that will be used throughout the series. 

In an integrated fashion, several basic skills are introduced through role play and short sample assignments performed under timed pressure.  Demonstrations are done to explain techniques for study and test preparation (notetaking, Internet searches, class participation, memory and retention strategies, etc.).  Each student is given a brief writing and reading challenge based on the results of his/her pre-workshop evaluation.

Organizational skills are modeled, and students are asked to incorporate these into all workshop assignments, using systems to better organize and manage academic and personal responsibilities.

Achieving Academic Independence and Becoming More Engaged

Students meet at a pre-determined location (museum, library, etc.) and complete interactive assignments involving research and personal interviews. 

Students are guided in specific techniques that enrich and simplify study and research, and each student is asked to demonstrate independence in the skills demonstrated to date.  All students complete writing and reading challenges under timed pressure, applying latest set of skills learned.

Students are coached in group work strategies and methods of constructive interaction and critique.   Students are assessed in proficiency with skills taught to date. 

Building Sophistication in Math/Science Work

In The Learn Garden workshop, students engage in a combined math/science assignment that requires use of all previously learned skills, including group interaction.  This assignment is completed under timed pressure and with a writing/reading research requirement.

Students participate in a group discussion providing one another with constructive feedback and suggestions for improved performance.

Building Sophistication in Humanities and Social Science Work

Power Academics One-on-One Coaching

Most students experience problems in school when their basic skills are weak.  These skills typically include studying and notetaking, organization, test taking, writing, using software and the Internet, and communicating with the teacher.

Power Academics is a new approach to academic preparation that addresses these critical skills through “personal training” that engages the student in active and applied study and homework scenarios.  Students leave Power Academics sessions knowing how to study and complete assignments independently, how to “catch up” in subjects where they are behind, and how to use specific resources and techniques to improve performance across all subjects.

In a normal tutoring session, a student might receive coaching in a narrow set of skills or a singular assignment.  Power Academics, by contrast, provides coaching that enables the student’s academic independence, fosters greater self-confidence, and instills him/her with a set of skills necessary for academic success in all grade levels, and in life beyond school.  

Power Academics Coaching is organized by skill zones as follows:

Zone 1 – Basic Academic Skills

q       □ Studying

q       □ Math/Science-Specific Studying

q       □ Notetaking

q       □ Researching

q       □ Test-Taking

q       □ Organizing

q       □ Using the Internet

Zone 2 – Communication Skills

q       □ Writing Skills

q       □ Reading Skills Level I: Becoming a Reader

q       □ Reading Skills Level II: Author Study

Zone 3 – Interpersonal Skills

q       □ Building Student-Teacher Relationships

q       □ Establishing Behavior Patterns

Parents can choose to have their child receive coaching in one or more zones, or in a specific skill set within a zone.  Coaching is private and personalized. Timelines for completion are based on the schedule of the child’s availability and readiness.  Each session lasts 90 minutes. 

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