Summer Enrichment Opportunities?

Are you looking for a creative activity to keep your child engaged this summer?  Champion’s own Rebekah Brooks, one of our math and foreign language teachers, works for Light House Studio, a wonderful local nonprofit organization. She’s excited about their upcoming programs and wants you to know more. Please visit their website or pick up a flyer here at Champion.

Do you want to be a Filmmaker? If you’re a student between the ages of 11 and 18, then Light House Studio has something for you! You could make a Public Service Announcement that promotes safe drinking wateraround the world, or make a music video that assists children who have learning differences. Light House Mentors will teach you the fundamentals of animation, documentary and narrative films, and help you produce your own short films.  Their student films have been recognized at national and international film festivals, such as the LA Film Festival. Light House has introductory and advanced day-camp workshops throughout the summer, which are a great way to get involved. So what are you waiting for? For more details, please visit their website and check them out on Facebook.

Looking Ahead

I’m a bit jealous of those fabulous Spring Break vacations—Boston, Miami, even Costa Rica are on some families’ lists of destinations.  Meanwhile, Jay and I will be holding the fort down here at Champion, warding off more potential snow, and waiting for everyone to come back relaxed, rejuvenated and ready to hit the ground running for the last nine weeks of school.  Congratulations to those of you who are using the break to visit colleges, and good luck narrowing that list down to your best-fit school!

This time of year, we always face questions from students making tough decisions about their junior and senior courses.  I can’t even begin to fully grasp the parameters of block scheduling, but it sounds like many schools are returning to year-long courses for 2011-2012, with some exceptions.  Regardless, I realize a lot goes into scheduling—and some of it depends on mere logistics—but I do have some general tips.

First, colleges want to see that you’ve challenged yourself beyond your school’s minimum requirements for graduation. Even if the thought of another year in math triggers nausea, I do encourage you to sign up for a math course (it doesn’t have to be AP Calculus—but if you’re planning to declare Engineering as a major, Calculus is a good idea, if not a must).  Unless you’re headed off to school for modern dance, or your artwork is already displayed in museums, it’s generally wise to take core subjects (math, science, English, History, foreign language) all four years. And regarding languages: yes, it’s preferable to pick one and stick to it through the 4th or AP level, rather than doing a year of Latin, a year of French, etc.

Second, rigor is important—to a point.  Here’s where my own philosophy may clash a bit with recent trends I’m seeing.  On the one hand, I know getting into college is a more competitive game than ever; I’m aware that in order to have an edge, you have to take AP classes.  But I still feel you’re better off being selective—signing up for courses that genuinely interest you, or that demonstrate expertise in an intended major—than taking every single AP class offered.  If you plan to be an Art History major, I think you’re off the hook with respect to taking AP Chemistry.  It’s okay not to excel at everything.  And even better to really excel at one or two things.

The official word I’m hearing: course selections are due soon (and may have been due already, depending on your school’s deadlines), but you have until June 1 to make any final changes.  In other words, if you get a second wind and realize you’ve been secretly dying to read Virgil’s Aeneid, it’s not too late!

Make yourself visible to your guidance counselor.  And while you’re at Champion, please feel free to discuss your course questions with your tutor, who knows your strengths and weaknesses, and may be able to give you advice about whether AP Physics is worth a try.  Because our tutors have experience working closely with your classroom (and AP) curricula, they can often help you make decisions based on your readiness to tackle a more advanced subject.

Danielle DeRise, Executive Director

One Down—More to Go?

With the March 12 SAT behind us, students are now turning their attention to the less-discussed Subject Test. Questions we frequently hear: what is a Subject Test?  Which ones do I have to take? When do I sign up? Do I have to study?

In a nutshell, SAT Subject Tests (also called SAT-IIs) are content-based. Whereas the SAT evaluates you on the ability to logically apply knowledge & make sensible inferences, the Subject Tests more directly measure the material covered in a particular classroom subject (Spanish, Physics, etc).

Before scrambling to meet the next registration deadline, come up with a solid game plan.  First, narrow down your list of college preferences and consult those websites to see which Subject Tests, if any, are mandatory for applicants (many seem to require the math Subject Test, which is nobody’s favorite!) You don’t want to spend valuable time and energy taking a certain set, only to discover that you have to take more to meet basic requirements. Next, consider subjects in which you naturally excel, especially if they’re “off the beaten path” (like Latin). A high enough score may exempt you from introductory college courses, or allow you to skip directly into the advanced levels. Finally, if you plan to declare a major on your application—let’s say History—it’s advisable for you to take the History Subject Test (one, because you’re likely to do well; and two, because this shows your preparedness to take on that major and to contribute positively to the university’s department).

Ideally, it makes sense to take the Subject Test close to when you finish your coursework in that topic. Buying a prep book is a great idea, and studying this book is even better.  But remember, the Subject Tests are supposed to measure what you already know. If you paid attention in the class, you have a good chance of doing well with only a little extra preparation.

All in all, Subject Tests are yet another opportunity—taken alongside GPA, SAT I scores, admissions essay, extracurricular activities—for you to set yourself apart from the rest of a competitive applicant pool.  And based on our application-reading days, Jay and I both can attest that a stellar SAT II score can make a positive impression, and can sometimes even soften any negative impact from a less-than-ideal SAT I score.

For more detailed information, please visit http://www.collegeboard.org. And once you’ve considered all the above factors, it may help to make an appointment with your guidance counselor to narrow down your list and potential timeline.

Champion has teachers who can help with the following SAT-II tests: Latin, Spanish, French, Chinese, History (US & World), Literature, Math (1 & 2), Biology, Chemistry & Physics.

Danielle DeRise, Executive Director

Take a Deep Breath: It’s Only your Future

We’re in the thick of another SAT season, with students scrambling to get the edge on preparation for test day—while simultaneously studying for AP classes, participating in dance or theater, and/or keeping track of thosedemanding & constantly-changing spring athletic schedules.  It’s dizzying to be college bound in 2011.  I’m reluctant to admit this because it means I’m sort of old, but when I was a junior, I took one lone SAT prep class: it was held for a few hours on a Sunday and led by my AP English teacher.  Oh, and I do recall sitting down with my math professor father, who attempted to distill semesters of Algebra & Geometry review into a few brief tutorials that invariably culminated in yelling.  I was—am—impatient, and didn’t have the stomach to revisit subjects I’d already cast aside once.  Thus, I pretty much went into the SAT cold and thankfully did well enough on the verbal portion to mitigate my thoroughly unimpressive math score.  It just wasn’t a huge deal back then.  Not the way it is these days, with colleges requiring ever-higher scores, more competitive GPAs, and personal statements that some of our great American novelists couldn’t themselves have penned.  I feel your pain.  I guarantee that if I were an 11^th grader in 2011, I would own stacks of books and devise an obsessive study regimen that included taking breaks only to indulge my panic attacks.  But I’m here to tell you that in these few days leading up to March 12, it really does pay to take a deep breath.  Try, at least on that morning, to adopt a “no big deal” attitude.  Studies show that getting a full night’s sleep, eating a nutritious breakfast, and making a point of relaxing can really make a difference—surely more so than memorizing the word “byzantine” five seconds before entering the test center.  Think of it this way: if you blew off the preparation you now realize you should have done, you still have more chances ahead.  And if you studied hard, chances are it will pay off.  Even if you don’t receive the score you think you “need,” remember that the SAT is only one part of a complex admissions process.

Danielle DeRise, Executive Director

The May and June SAT dates are quickly approaching. Some of the questions we’re asked most frequently deal with how to effectively apply test-taking strategies. To help merge content preparation with strategy, Champion is offering two classes in March. Each three-hour session will provide a solid foundation upon which students can build when studying either independently or with a tutor. Students who sign up for either or both sessions will earn a 10% savings on a package of four one-on-one sessions of SAT prep.

Space for both of these classes is limited.

 

Admissions Essay: If You Say you’ve Changed, You Better Prove It

There’s nothing more American than a good old tale of redemption. We love them! Politicians, athletes, celebrities—you name it, if they’ve made a big boo-boo, we’re just counting down the hours for their tear-filled apology broadcast on live television. But I’ve learned that someone else likes the redemption stories as well—high school seniors. And there are loads of admissions essay about just that thing.

Now, don’t get me wrong. There are plenty of students who legitimately have overcome any number of hardships during their academic career. That’s not the issue. The problem is writing about how you’ve turned your life around and there’s little evidence of that on your transcripts or extracurricular activities. In a time when getting into a school is increasingly difficult, make sure you know how to wow that admissions board.

Many things go into a school’s decisions to accept a student. That essay is becoming more and more important. Be yourself, be interesting, and write it well. And, most importantly, get someone you trust to read over those essays and provide feedback.

Jay Varner, Assistant Director

An Arts Education Is About More than Drawing

There’s no denying that states—and schools—are staring down the barrel of some near-impossible budget crises. There’s no doubt that cuts are coming in many cases. It’s just a matter of where.

As has been the case for as long as I can remember, the humanities will most likely face a good hard look on the chopping block. That’s not saying that the sciences don’t lack value—obviously they do. Nor should sports face the axe. All of these things, when combined, create an educational experience that builds a solid base for students to face whatever life comes after college.

I want to spend a moment on why an arts-based education is so valuable. Now, I’ve heard politicians—both sides!—emphasize the business aspect of an education. We need better business professionals, better doctors, better scientists. Absolutely. But do you know what helps spark the creativity needed in those fields? The arts. Playing an instrument, learning a language, and critically examining literature all teach a brain problem solving. There are other ways to get it, sure, but the arts provide a unique experience while also allowing students express creativity and personality.

More than anything else, a strong humanities program teaches us how to communicate. In the age of the text message and emoticon, that’s ever more important. Whether it’s in the corporate world, medical field, or anywhere else, you’re going to need to know how to communicate. And communicate good—er, I mean well.

I don’t have any suggestions of what to cut in budgets. Whoever invests in education now will reap the benefits in the future. Let’s hope whoever has the red pen out going line by line over budgets understands that as well.

Jay Varner, Assistant Director

The Promise of Technology

In the past few weeks, I’ve followed the uprisings spreading across the Middle East. As a former journalist and long-time news junkie, I’m always fascinated with not just current events but the business of news. There was one thing I noticed on CNN: we rarely see the old-fashioned map pointing to the location of a journalist along with a mugshot. Instead, there’s a videophone or Skype provided a digitized picture not much better than a Super Nintendo game and audio with more hiccups and burps than an old record. Still, we can see the reporter. As technology evolves, that video and audio will get clearer—and who knows what else will come about?

It occurred to me that in the near future, there will be a kindergarten class that won’t know a time when the people at the opposite end of a conversation. iPhones already provide the technology, provided you’re lucky enough not to have AT&T drop your call (the jury is still out on Verizon). Locally, classrooms are chatting through Skype with classrooms at the other side of the country. All of the local schools have embraced social media. Facebook and especially Twitter provide a chance to communicate with students, parents, and the community in lightening fast speed. Grades are now viewable online for parents. And teachers utilize blogs in their classes, generating communication amongst their students. However, Twitter also gives you a chance to immediately ask a question—so long as it’s less than 140 characters. iTunes provides free lectures from Ivy League schools which are a fascinating listen—well, okay, if you’re a Civil War nerd like me, they’re fascinating. Maybe your area of expertise is on there as well. Not too long ago, I had to jump start a car—something I had no idea how to do without frying my brains out. YouTube provided the answer. While YouTube might provide instructional videos that might be great for cooking or jumping a battery, what happens when it comes to Latin or calculus? If you have a question, too bad.

But, how long will it be until we see Watson from Jeopardy! at the front of a classroom? He’s preloaded with information and, if a student asks a question, just might have the answer. It’s a little frightening to think about and, hopefully, is far away. Nothing can replace the value of speaking with a living, breathing human being—whether that’s at the front of a classroom or sitting next to student carefully explaining an answer.

For as fast as things have changed, it goes without saying that if you haven’t adapted to social media and the Internet, you’re… well, I’m sorry, but you’re going the way of the dinosaur. Take a look at The Social Network, a great film from last year. What’s amazing about that film is how it not only captures the cultural zeitgeist but also shows how quickly communication has evolved. Like it or not, things have changed and will continue to do so. And, most importantly, the affect this will have on education is boundless. I’ve barely even touched upon some of the possibilities.

Who knows, maybe the next time I comment on something like this I’ll be projected as a hologram onto your desk.

 

Jay Varner, Assistant Director

A Sad, Stalled Life? Hardly.

There’s a scene in the 1999 movie Election when Tracy Flick, the relentless go-getter so perfectly portrayed by Reese Witherspoon, ponders what the life of her high school socialstudies teacher Mr. McAllister must be like.  Here is a man who stands in the classroom all year, giving—or at least trying to give—students the boost they need for life after high school.  They will go on to greater and better things, but Mr. McAllister remains in his same spot in the classroom, running through the same topics.  That seems like a sad, stalled life to Tracy.  But I think Tracy (or, more accurately, Tom Perrotta, whose novel was the basis for the movie) hits upon something very true—while it’s sometimes bittersweet to see students move on, teachers could often never ask for a greater gift than knowing they had made a difference in someone’s life.

At Champion, I’ve had the chance to work one-on-one with students.  In doing that, I not only see their strengths and weaknesses, but I get to know them.  I know what kind of movies they like, what movies they listen, what sports they play.  Some people might say that this won’t help them write better sentences or perform better on the SAT but I would disagree.  Knowing a student on this level creates a level of comfort in a student that’s often necessary.  Let’s face it, sometimes people don’t want to receive tutoring.  It’s awkward—I remember how much I struggled in math throughout school.  It was embarrassing to stand up at the chalkboard and reprint the algebra problem from the nigh before.  The problem I nearly always butchered.  Behind me were classmates—and, more importantly to my high school mind, girls—excelling while I piddled away at remainders.  The last thing I wanted was to stay later after school—after school!—and speak to my math teacher.  But I was lucky to have a teacher generous enough to stay past the final bell and sit down next to students.  Suddenly I wasn’t standing at the chalkboard in front of the entire class.  I was at a desk and my teacher was right next to me.  That mattered.  Those problems didn’t seem so big anymore.  Math didn’t seen like some secret code I couldn’t crack.

Now, when I tutor a student, I’m not standing at the front of the classroom like Mr. McAllister—and no disrespect for Mr. McAllister—but I’m sitting down next to the student.  I’m looking him in the eye, I’m reading right along in the text, and I’m probing and questioning.  And I’m connecting—I want that same level of comfort I experienced in high school, college, and grad school, the same comfort I tried to create in my classrooms, present when I sit down with a student.

This past week, I saw a student I worked with for ten weeks head off to take a standardized test.  Sure, there was some sadness.  I looked forward to working with him, enjoyed the conversations, and especially enjoyed seeing the progress he made as a reader and writer.  And yes, I was also a bit nervous for him—more than anything, I wanted him to perform well on the test.  But, ultimately, I knew that he could do well.  And that he would.  And if Tracy Flick or anyone else finds that depressing, they need to realize just who it was that taught them anything in the first place.

 

Jay Varner, Assistant Director

Howdy

Coming soon:  Champion Tutoring’s Executive Director Danielle DeRise, Assistant Director Jay Varner, and Owner and President Anna Patchias will be blogging about Champion, education, Charlottesville, and more.  Add the site to your bookmarks and check back in February.