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Frequently Asked Questions About Focus on Learning
What is Focus on Learning?
Focus on Learning is a privately owned learning center that has operated for 26 years and is owned by Ene-Kaja Chippendale, Ph.D., a teacher and diagnostician. The experienced teachers at FOL work with students of all ages and in most subjects. We recognize that your student's learning style will affect how he or she processes and retrieves information, and we modify instruction accordingly. We want your child to experience the joy of learning.
How are tutoring sessions organized?
All tutoring sessions are one-on-one and run for an hour (minimum of 50 minutes). Your student will work with an experienced specialist in his or her individual area of expertise. All sessions are held in a private room, which allows your child to ask questions without fear or embarrassment.
What ages and subject areas do you work with?
Teachers work with students of all ages (elementary - college) and in most subjects including reading, writing, basic math, algebra, calculus, chemistry, biology, Spanish and Japanese. Tutoring sessions use both school and supplemental materials.
Do you teach study skills?
Study skills are essential for school success, and we incorporate content specific skills into individual subject tutoring sessions. Your child can also enroll in a structured study skills class that is offered both individually or in small groups. The class curriculum includes strategies for time management, organization, note taking, test preparation, and test taking. During the school year, these classes use school materials that allow immediate application to each student's work.
How do you select material for my child?
We use a combination of school and FOL materials, depending on your student's specific needs. We do not use a one-size-fits all curriculum. Our goal is not simply to teach to a test but to promote growth and understanding. We want your child to experience the joy of learning.
Who are your teachers?
All teachers at FOL are experienced professionals who are trained in a specific subject area. Our teachers have a minimum of a BA or BS degree, most have an MA or MS, and several have earned Ph.D.s. Because our teachers are subject specialists, they are able to identify your student's needs and meet them.
Do you provide assistance with IEPS or 504 Plans?
Dr. Chippendale will work with you to help evaluate or develop an IEP or 504 plan. She is also available to accompany you to a school staffing.
What type of testing do you require or offer?
Both formal and informal testing is available for your child. All students who enroll for math tutoring take a basic math test as part of their first session, but no other testing is mandatory.
Dr. Chippendale evaluates your child if he or she is behind in reading or writing or if the initial math screening suggests further testing is desirable. She uses both standardized and informal evaluations, depending on your child's needs. Numbers on tests alone do not tell the story. Dr. Chippendale will identify your child's learning strengths, and our teachers will incorporate them into their teaching.
There is no standard testing regime for every child, but Dr. Chippendale can administer tests ranging from the Wechsler IQ tests to individual tests in reading, writing, and math. Please contact our office for a complete list of testing. Dr. Chippendale also screens for ADHD.
How often will my child attend Focus on Learning?
You will be asked to sign a contract that stipulates rates and conditions, such as how we deal with missed appointments. However, you are not locked into any long-range contract.
Most students attend once a week, some come twice, and a few require more sessions. Since all sessions are one-on-one, an hour at Focus is roughly equivalent to three small group sessions. At Focus, we consider three students a class, not individualized instruction.
The frequency your child attends will be determined solely by his or her specific requirements. You will be involved in determining the plan of action.
What college preparatory services do you offer?
College is no longer an option but a necessity for your child to become competitive in the 21st century economy. The competition for college acceptance and shrinking scholarship dollars is growing yearly.
Our tutoring program helps your child develop the skills that lead to high grades. College preparation begins in elementary school. Our ACT programs help your child find and gain admission to the college this provides the best fit.
All options are explained in detail on our Website.
If you have any questions, please send us an email at
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