The CEO of the Brain

A complex variety of mental skills that we use on a daily basis to achieve our goals, executive function can be considered the “CEO of the brain.” Executive function as a whole allows each of us to set goals; plan how to complete a project; prioritize tasks; organize time, materials and information; shift approaches flexibly; and hold and manipulate information in working memory and control their behaviors for task completion. Therefore, there is a strong correlation between effective executive function and success in school.

Executive function continues to develop in the prefrontal cortex of the brain until at least the age of 25, which is why we often work with college students, too. While all children and teenagers are developing their executive functions, some children and teenagers have notable and specific weaknesses that may be clinically significant. Regardless of how bright these students are, they struggle to do schoolwork and successfully manage tasks. That’s where a skilled and master teacher or learning specialist can assist with targeted, explicit instruction, or coaching. More significant executive function challenges often go hand-in-hand with ADHD, but all students needs to be working on these skills as part of continuous improvement and effectiveness.

Scheduling a Planning Meeting

If you think that your child or college student is experiencing difficulty with any of the executive function skills listed above, please do not hesitate to reach out to discuss your child’s situation and needs in more detail. Difficulty with executive function can hold many students back from the success they could otherwise achieve in school and beyond. No matter at what point the situation is addressed, there are myriad ways in which to help children, or adults for that matter, become more effective at everything they do. Our team of highly skillful teachers is ready to help!

An initial planning meeting is usually the best way to get started. These meetings can be 30, 45, or 60 minutes by Zoom, by phone, or in person per a family’s preference. A single planning meeting allows us to talk more substantively about your family’s specific needs, priorities, and goals so that we can determine possible next steps. We’re committed to developing unique solutions for unique learners!

We look forward to hearing from you!

Warm regards,
Brad Hoffman and Faya Hoffman,
Co-Founders and Learning Concierges, My Learning Springboard

My Learning Springboard’s leadership team and specialists help students of all ages with standardized test preparation using our curriculum, curated materials, and instructional expertise. Our primary goal is to help students become critical thinkers with a repertoire of strategies.

We tailor our instruction and test preparation work 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.

How Does Planning Work?

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, master content, and internalize strategies.

As a general process, students begin by taking a practice test that serves as a benchmarking exercise. Based on this performance, we recommend a plan in response to stated goals and in consideration of our preparation timeline. Most often, we have two tutors working with a student as the math and reading sections require specialized expertise.

• Middle School transitions should begin during the winter/spring terms of 4th grade;
• High School transitions should begin during the winter/spring terms of 7th grade;
• College transitions should begin during the winter/spring terms of 10th grade.

Which Tests Do We Coach?

We offer test preparation and coaching for all of the following assessments:

• SAT, ACT, and AP Exams
• SHSAT (New York City)
• ISEE (Primary, Lower, Middle, and Upper Levels)
• SSAT (Elementary, Middle, and Upper Levels)
• CTP (ERB’s grade level achievement tests)
• SCAT
• NY State Testing Program and Regents Exams
• GMAT and GRE

Under the leadership of Brad Hoffman and Faya Hoffman, both Board Certified Educational Planners and a husband-and-wife team, My Learning Springboard also offers admissions consulting and school transition support at every level from nursery through college, including specialized school placements for students with learning disabilities and therapeutic school settings.

Scheduling a Planning Meeting

Whatever your need or wonder may be, please don’t hesitate to contact us. An initial planning meeting is usually the best way to get started. These meetings can be 30, 45, or 60 minutes by Zoom, by phone, or in person per a family’s preference. A single planning meeting allows us to talk more substantively about your family’s specific needs, priorities, and goals so that we can determine possible next steps. We’re committed to developing unique solutions for unique learners!

We look forward to hearing from you!

Warm regards,
Brad Hoffman and Faya Hoffman,
Co-Founders and Learning Concierges, My Learning Springboard