The goal of this Blog is to inspire our readers by sharing news about teaching and learning at every level from preK through college and beyond. Welcome to My Learning Springboard!
College Test-Optional Policies: Make Sure You Read The Fine Print!
Over the last several years, in response to the pandemic and DEI initiatives, many colleges have implemented test-optional policies for admissions. But have you read the fine print? What does test-optional really mean for you? Our advice to all of our students and families – plan to test and submit ... Read More
The Best Approach to SSAT or ISEE Preparation
Most competitive private day schools and many selective boarding schools are back to requiring standardized testing as part of the application process to grades 3 through 11. And whether testing is required or not, test-optional policies ought to be considered cautiously given holistic review application processes. We strongly recommend planning ... Read More
Understanding Pandemic Learning Loss
Parents and educators have observed firsthand that the pandemic caused massive disruptions in the academic, emotional, and social lives of students. The compounded effect of the past three years is responsible for significant pandemic learning loss. Meira Levinson and Daniel Markovits note in their article for The Atlantic that no ... Read More
Addressing Math Gaps
Math Gaps and How to Fill Them What happens to students who fail to master fractions by 6th grade? Nothing much, apparently; they continue to work on more advanced areas, building on shaky foundations. Among the myriad of topics covered in mathematics, the following three have a disproportionate effect on ... Read More
AP and IB Programs: Why Consider Them?
Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) Programs—we hear these phrases with varying degrees of frequency in public and private high schools across America. What do they mean, and what are the differences? How do AP and IB programs factor into college planning, and, more importantly, in your learning and ... Read More