More information:
- Frequently asked questions about my courses (admission policy, class size, etc.)
- My students' test scores and high-school/college acceptances
- Summer courses
Note: Course dates and times listed on this page are subject to change.
This page was last modified on Sunday, 07 August 2011 03:36 PM.
Intensive PSAT Prep
- Open to students in grades 9-11, with enrollment preference given to freshmen and sophomores, and to all returning students
- Advanced 7th and 8th graders may be admitted to the class by special permission
Section A -- SOLD OUT
- Saturdays, 10 AM - 12 PM, plus one Sunday class (Sept. 19, 2-4 PM)
- Sept. 11 - Oct. 9, 2010; no class on Sept. 18
- 5 classes total; 10 hours of instruction (4 Saturday mornings and 1 Sunday afternoon)
- One opt-out date will be allowed (during the five classes from Sept. 11 through Oct. 9)
Section B -- SOLD OUT
- Sunday, Sept. 19, 4:30-7:00 PM
- Sunday, Sept. 26, 4:00-6:30 PM
- Sunday, Oct. 3, 5:30-8:00 PM
- Saturday, Oct. 9, 1:30-4:00 PM
- 4 classes total; 10 hours of instruction (3 Sunday afternoons and 1 Saturday afternoon)
- One opt-out date will be allowed
Visit the College Board's official PSAT website to learn more about the PSAT/NMSQT.
Course
description: This class will prepare students for the
October 13th (Wednesday) or October 16th (Saturday) PSAT/NMSQT (National
Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test), which high schools administer
to all juniors and most sophomores. We will cover all three sections of
the PSAT: Critical Reading (textual analysis, logical reasoning, and
vocabulary); Writing (multiple-choice grammar and usage); and Math.
Materials will include actual PSATs from past years.
For students who are not taking the PSAT in October (i.e., junior-high students as well as freshmen and sophomores whose high schools do not offer them the option of taking the PSAT this year), this course will serve as an introduction to the three sections of the PSAT and SAT: Critical Reading, Writing, and Math. These are also the three most important skill areas tested on the ACT (Reading, English, and Math). Students who are not taking the PSAT this October should nonetheless plan to take this course as a prerequisite for the SAT/ACT Critical Reading and Math course that will take place from late October through mid-December (see course description below).
Each week, students will be expected to complete 60-90 minutes of homework, except for the first and last week of the course, when students will be assigned a full-length practice PSAT (2.5 hours, to be completed in one sitting if possible).
SAT / ACT Critical Reading, Vocabulary, and Math
- Open to students in grades 9-11, with enrollment preference given to freshmen and sophomores, and to all returning students
- Advanced 7th and 8th graders may be admitted to the class by special permission
Section A -- SOLD OUT (as of Sept 2010)
- Saturdays, 10 AM - 12 PM
- Oct. 23, 2010 - Dec. 18, 2010 (no class on Nov. 13 or Nov. 27)
- 7 classes total; up to two opt-out dates will be allowed
Section B -- SOLD OUT (as of Sept 2010)
- Sun 10/24, 4-6 PM
- Sun 10/31, 1-3 PM (note time change)
- Sat 11/6, 1:30-3:30 PM
- Sun 11/21, 4:30-6:30 PM
- Sat 12/4, 1:30-3:30 PM
- Sun 12/12, 4:30-6:30 PM
- Sun 12/19, 4:30-6:30 PM
- 7 classes total; up to two opt-out dates will be allowed
Course
description: Both the SAT and ACT test students on reading
comprehension (critical reading -- short and long passages) and math. In addition, about 30% of the
SAT Critical Reading section tests students’ knowledge of advanced
vocabulary. Most students find the Critical Reading section of the SAT
(and the Reading section of the ACT) to be the most difficult part of the test: they often run out of time, and they have trouble
understanding and comparing lengthy, complex passages.
In
this course, students will learn how to use advanced vocabulary words
(not only by memorizing definitions, but also by using these words in
sentences); hone their critical reading skills (by analyzing and
discussing not only sample SAT/ACT passages, but also New York Times
articles and excerpts from college-level literature, social science,
natural science, and humanities texts); and review math. The reading and
analysis skills that students gain in this course will help them
perform better in their high-school courses and prepare them for college
and professional life.
SAT / ACT Essay-Writing, Grammar, Math, and Vocabulary
- Open to students in grades 9-11, with enrollment preference given to freshmen and sophomores, and to all returning students
- Advanced 7th and 8th graders may be admitted to the class by special permission
Section A
- Saturdays, 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM -- SOLD OUT
- Jan. 22 - Mar. 26, 2011
- 10 classes total; up to three opt-out dates will be allowed
Section B (mostly on Sundays, 4:30-6:30 PM)
-- SOLD OUT- Sun 1/23, 4:30-6:30 PM
- Sun 1/30, 5-7 PM
-
Sat 2/5, 4:30-6:30 PM- Sun 2/13, 4:30-6:30 PM
- Sat 2/19, 4:30-6:30 PM- Sun 2/27, 4:30-6:30 PM
-
Sat 3/5, 4:30-6:30 PM- Sun 3/13, 4:30-6:30 PM
- Sun 3/20, 4:30-6:30 PM
- Sun 3/27, 4:30-6:30 PM
- 10 classes total; up to three opt-out dates will be allowed
For more information on the SAT and ACT, visit the official SAT website and the official ACT website.
Course
description: The SAT and ACT test students on grammar and usage
(multiple-choice questions) and essay-writing skills. Because about 70%
of the SAT Writing score (and 100% of the ACT English score) is based on
multiple-choice grammar questions, grammar skills are the key to
scoring well. Thus, we will devote nearly half of the class time to intensive
grammar review.
The
SAT requires students to write a 25-minute persuasive essay, which
accounts for about 30% of the Writing section score and is also scored
separately (on a 2-12 scale); a copy of this essay is sent to the
colleges to which a student applies. Similarly, the ACT includes an
optional Writing Test (30-minute persuasive essay, scored on a 2-12
scale), which most selective colleges recommend or require. Many
colleges compare this essay to a student’s application essay(s) to judge
the authenticity of the latter; some colleges also use the SAT/ACT
essay to determine college course placement. This course will develop
students’ ability to think, develop logical arguments, and write well
under pressure. We will do in-class brainstorming, outlining, and
writing exercises, and students will practice writing and critiquing SAT
and ACT essays. We will also cover some advanced vocabulary each week
to enhance students’ ability to express their thoughts precisely. The
grammar, thinking, and writing skills that students gain in this course
will help them succeed in high school, college, and beyond.
Finally,
about 30% of the course (and possibly more than that, if the students enrolled in the class need extra reinforcement of math skills) will be devoted to SAT and ACT math review.
Students will take math practice tests, and we will review difficult
problems in class.
Each week, students will be required to complete 60-90 minutes of homework. Homework assignments will include writing sample SAT and ACT essays; reading and reviewing explanatory material on grammar, math, and writing; completing multiple-choice practice questions in grammar and math; and a small amount (5 minutes) of daily vocabulary study.
Intensive SAT / ACT Prep: Writing, Reading, & Math
(preparation especially for the May or June SAT & ACT)
- Open to students in grades 9-11, with enrollment preference given to freshmen and sophomores, and to all returning students
- Advanced 7th and 8th graders may be admitted to the class by special permission
Section A
- Saturdays, 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM
- Apr. 9 - May 21, 2011 (note: the May 21 class will meet from 1:30 to 4:30 PM)
- No class on Apr. 23
- 6 classes total; one opt-out date will be allowed
Section B (mostly on Sundays, 4:00-6:30 PM)
- Sun 4/10, 4:00-6:30 PM
- Sun 4/17, 4:00-6:30 PM
- Sat 4/30, 4:00-6:30 PM- Sun 5/8, 4:00-6:30 PM
- Sun 5/15, 4:00-6:30 PM
- No class on 4/24
- 5 classes total; one opt-out date will be allowed
Course
description: Intensive review of the Writing (English), Math, and
Critical Reading (Reading) sections of the SAT and ACT, with emphasis on
the SAT essay and ACT Writing Test. Brief review of the ACT Science
section. Ideal for students taking the SAT or ACT in May or June, but
open to other students as well.
Advanced Core Skills & Selective-Enrollment Prep:
Writing, Reading, Math, Vocabulary, Critical Reasoning, and Test-Taking Skills
- SOLD OUT
- For students in grades 7-8
- Tuesdays, 4:15-6:15 PM, and some Sundays, usually 2-4 PM
- Sept. 21, 2010 - Dec. 21, 2010 (13 classes total -- see class dates and times below)
- Tuesday, Sept. 21, 4:15-6:15 PM
Tuesday, Sept. 28, 4:15-6:15 PM
Tuesday, Oct. 5, 4:15-6:15 PM
Sunday, Oct. 10, 4:30-6:30 PM
Tuesday, Oct. 19, 4:15-6:15 PM
Tuesday, Oct. 26, 4:15-6:15 PM
- Tuesday, Nov. 9, 4:15-6:15 PM
- Sunday, Nov. 21, 2-4 PM
- Tuesday, Nov. 23, 4:15-6:15 PM
- Tuesday, Nov. 30, 4:15-6:15 PM
- Tuesday, Dec. 7, 4:15-6:15 PM
- Sunday, Dec. 12, 2-4 PM
- Tuesday, Dec. 21, 4:15-6:15 PM
- No class on the following Tuesdays: Nov. 2, Nov. 16, Dec. 14.
Course
description: This is an intensive, advanced version of the basic Core
Skills course (see description below). Students will cover higher-level
material in all areas: writing, reading, math, and critical reasoning.
They will also continue to hone their test-taking skills in preparation
for high-school entrance exams.
Core Skills & Selective-Enrollment Prep:
Writing, Reading, Math, Vocabulary, Critical Reasoning, and Test-Taking Skills
- For students in grades 5-6 (note: this course is intended primarily for returning students who took the 2009-10 Accelerated Enrichment course as 4th and 5th graders; new students may be admitted to this course, but only if there is room and if they demonstrate advanced ability)
- Mondays, 4:15-6:15 PM
- Sept. 27, 2010 - May 18, 2011
Fall term: Sept. 27 - Jan. 31 (13 classes total; no class on Oct. 11, Nov. 15, Dec. 20, Dec. 27, or Jan. 3)
Spring term: Feb. 7 - May 9 (no class on Feb. 21, Mar. 7, Mar. 14, or Apr. 18)
Course
description: By focusing on the core skills that students entering high
school (or seeking admission to selective high schools) must have,
including test-taking skills, this course prepares students for the
following tests:
7th-grade Iowa tests or equivalent (a major factor in admission to elite Chicago public high schools);
Chicago Public Schools selective enrollment exam;
ISEE & SSAT (for independent schools and boarding schools);
HSPT (for Catholic high schools); and
high-school placement tests (especially math and English).
Students
will read, analyze, and discuss challenging texts; write analytical and
persuasive essays; review important grammar points; and learn to use
advanced vocabulary. Analogies and other logic exercises will help
students hone their critical reasoning skills. We will review key
concepts and problem types in math, including percents, basic algebra
and geometry, and word problems. In addition, students will learn how to
demonstrate their full potential on standardized tests – how to manage
time effectively, how best to approach each type of question, and how to
minimize careless errors. Finally, there will be some discussion of
study skills and time management.
Students who hope to gain admission to competitive high schools like Northside and Payton should start preparing for 7th-grade standardized tests while still in 6th grade (or earlier).
Accelerated Enrichment:
Writing, Reading, Math, Vocabulary, and Test-Taking Skills
- For students in grades 4-5 (note: this course is intended for new students, not returning students; returning 5th graders should enroll in the Monday-afternoon Core Skills course described above)
- Thursdays, 4-6 PM (switching to Tuesdays, 4-6 PM, in May)
- Dec. 2, 2010 - May 26, 2011 (dates are tentative and subject to change)
Fall term: Dec. 2 - Mar. 24 (10 classes total; no class on Dec. 23, Dec. 30, Jan. 6, Jan. 13, Feb. 3, Feb. 10, or Feb. 24)
Spring term: Mar. 31, Apr. 7, Apr. 14, Apr. 28, May 3, May 10, May 24, May 31 (8 classes total; no class on Apr. 21 or May 5)
Course
description: This enrichment course for younger students will cover
fundamentals -- writing (both creative and expository), reading,
vocabulary, math, and grammar -- in the context of challenging,
thought-provoking texts (Greek & Roman mythology, folktales,
and classic or award-winning books). Creative
and expository writing (both in-class exercises and homework
assignments) will be an integral part of the course: students will write
poems, stories, and short analytical essays. I will provide detailed
feedback on all students’ writing. During class discussions and in
writing assignments, students will strengthen their critical reasoning
skills, going beyond the “book report” format of typical school
assignments to express original insights about what they read. The
course will include vocabulary work (forming sentences using vocabulary
words from the text) and review of grammar and punctuation. We will
spend at least 20-30 minutes on math every week. Coaching
on test-taking skills (especially for standardized tests, such as the
ISEE) and study skills (organization, test preparation, and time
management) will be integrated into the course.