My Learning Springboard’s tutors and specialists help students of all ages to prepare for standardized tests using our curriculum. Our primary goal is to help students become critical thinkers with a repertoire of strategies. We tailor our instruction to meet the needs of individual students and provide structured practice with a particular test so that students become familiar with the test format, question types, and timing. We ensure success by combining subject-matter expertise, successful test-taking strategies, structured practice, timely feedback, close monitoring, and goal-setting support. We also work with schools to develop and implement test preparation courses as after school programs.
Ideally, we work with students over a longer period of time so that test preparation does not feel like cramming. We find that extended periods of time for preparation help students to significantly reduce test anxiety and to internalize strategies. As a general process, students begin by taking a practice test that serves as a benchmark. Our tutors complete an item analysis and look for patterns of errors. Based on this data, we recommend a plan to maximize preparation time. We often have two tutors working with a student as the math and reading sections require specialized expertise.
Some tests, such as the ERBs (CTP) and other state assessments, specifically discourage students from preparing outside of school and the test publishers do not provide practice materials. In this case, we help students to become more familiar with standardized test formats in general and universal test-taking strategies, such as developing on-the-spot essays, managing time, eliminating answer choices, working backwards, and practicing with multiple-choice items and accompanying answer sheets (bubble forms). We also reinforce reading comprehension strategies and foundational math concepts.
Tutoring sessions are usually conducted at a family’s home. Office spaces or conference rooms can be made available for practice tests. Sessions are typically 1.5 to 2 hours depending on the test and student’s age.
