Making the Most of Parent Teacher Conferences
Asking the right questions during an elementary parent-teacher conference is crucial for understanding your child's progress and how you can support their education. Here are some beneficial questions you might consider asking so that you gather as much information as possible:
How is my child performing in comparison to the class standards?
This question helps you understand where your child stands academically compared to the expected grade-level standards.
Can you show me examples of my child's work?
Asking for specific examples provides a clearer picture of your child's strengths and areas that need improvement.
What are my child's strengths and weaknesses?
Understanding both strengths and weaknesses helps you support your child's learning more effectively.
How does my child interact with classmates and participate in class?
Social interaction and class participation are as important as academic performance in most situations.
Does my child seem engaged and enthusiastic about learning?
A child’s attitude towards learning can impact their academic success.
Are there areas where you think my child could improve?
This question helps identify specific areas for potential growth and development. What are some goals that the teacher has for the student?
How can I support my child's learning at home?
Suggestions from the teacher can guide you in reinforcing learning at home.
Is there anything happening at school that I should be aware of?
Staying informed about school events and any issues can help you provide better support.
How does my child handle stress or challenges in the classroom?
Understanding how your child copes with challenges can help you provide appropriate support at home.
The Liddane team supports students from elementary school to adulthood. If your are concerned about your student’s individual progress, please reach out.
First Quarter Grades Are In!
As the first quarter of the Seattle schools school year comes to an end, the reality of grades can set in for many students and families. For college bound students, the emphasis on academic performance and course rigor is crucial for admissions, especially with many colleges no longer requiring SAT and ACT scores.
Maintaining high grades can be difficult as the school year progresses. Some students may find themselves falling behind or struggling with challenging classes. That’s why hiring a tutor can be a smart decision. A tutor can help students master the content and skills they need to excel in their classes and can help reduce the stress and pressure that students and their families may feel.
At Liddane, we are committed to helping students achieve their academic potential. We offer customized tutoring services that match your needs and goals. Our qualified tutors can help you with any subject or assignment and provide you with individualized attention and feedback. Our tutors are experts in their fields and have extensive experience working with students of all levels.
We know that every student can learn and succeed. Whether a student needs help with writing essays, executive function and time management skills, preparing for tests or improving grades , we are here to support you along the way. Contact us today to find out more about our services and how we can help you reach your academic aspirations.
Sign Up for Free Demystifying the College Application Online Workshop
Join us November 7 for a free online workshop featuring LB Kussick, owner of Kussick College Coaching, and Andrea Liddane, Founder/Executive Director of Liddane Tutoring & Learning Services. With the uncertainty surrounding SAT and ACT scores, it’s become even more important to look at the college application process holistically. In this workshop, high school sophomores, juniors, and family members will learn about the current college admissions landscape, including the long-lasting impact of the pandemic on higher education and college admissions. We’ll also cover how to build a college list, whether to test or not to test, and the essential components of the application process. Additionally, we’ll discuss how AI can both help and hurt a student’s college applications, and what colleges mean when they look for “rigor.” Finally, we’ll provide useful resources for researching colleges and a few key things to know about financing. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn from the experts! Register.
October Rigor
Given that many colleges are no longer accepting SAT and ACT test scores, the focus on class rigor and GPA is even more critical to the admissions process.
And this is the time of year when grades that started out high in September start to slip. Hiring a tutor to help navigate challenging classes can support students in learning the content as well as performing to the best of their abilities. It is also a way of relieving some of the stress and pressure experienced by students and their families.
At Liddane, we understand that keeping up with schoolwork can be challenging. That’s why we offer personalized tutoring services that are tailored to your needs. Our experienced tutors can help you stay on track with your studies and provide you with the support you need to successfully navigate classes.
Whether you’re struggling with a particular subject or just need some extra help managing homework, our tutors are here to help. We offer one-on-one tutoring sessions that are designed to explain complex content, reinforce academic concepts, and stay on track. Our tutors are experts in their fields and have years of experience working with students of all ages.
We believe that every student has the potential to learn and find success. That’s why we work hard to provide you with the tools and resources you need to achieve your goals. From essay writing to doing your personal best in classes, we’re here to help you every step of the way.
Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you achieve your academic goals.
Join us this week for Demystifying the College Application Workshops.
We are proud to be able to partner with companies and schools eager to help students get the best chance possible of realizing their college dreams.
Our free Demystifying the College Application Workshops online workshop is a great opportunity for high school sophomores, juniors, and family members to learn about the current college admissions landscape. The pandemic has had a long-lasting impact on higher education and college admissions, and it’s important to stay informed about the latest developments.
One of the most important steps in the college application process is building a college list. This workshop will provide valuable insights into how to build a college list that is tailored to your needs and preferences. Another important consideration is whether or not to take standardized tests. The workshop will explore this topic in depth and provide guidance on how to make an informed decision.
The essential components of the application process will also be covered, including how AI can both help and hurt a student’s college applications. Additionally, the workshop will explain what colleges mean when they look for “rigor.”
Useful resources for researching colleges will be provided, along with key information about financing. It’s important to understand the financial aspects of college applications so that you can make informed decisions.
Our online workshop is an excellent opportunity to learn about the college application process and gain valuable insights into how to succeed in this competitive landscape.
Why Executive Functioning Matters
At Liddane, we want our tutors and our students to develop and share skills that will support the efforts of each. That is why most of our tutors are trained in executive function and why we work with many adults and students on how to make the most of their brains.
Executive function skills are a set of cognitive processes that help individuals plan, monitor, and execute their goals. It is a crucial aspect of our daily lives that enables us to think, act, and solve problems. Foundational skills such as response inhibition, working memory, emotional control, flexibility, sustained attention, and task initiation are essential for developing executive functioning abilities. These skills allow us to focus on relevant sensory information, organize our environment or schedule, inhibit behavior that flouts social expectations and norms, plan for the future, mentally evaluate the possible outcomes of different problem-solving strategies, choose actions based on the likelihood of positive outcomes, estimate time and effort necessary to achieve an outcome, and initiate tasks necessary to carry out decisions.
Advanced executive functioning skills such as planning, prioritizing, organization, time management goal-directed persistence, and metacognition are necessary for living independently and competently. These skills enable us to learn new information, keep new or recent information in our minds, and use this information to solve problems of everyday life. They also help us improve our abilities to stay focused, plan ahead, regulate our emotions, think flexibly and creatively. In conclusion, executive functioning is a vital aspect of our cognitive abilities that helps us all thrive.
Support for Students with Busy Schedules
Tutoring can be an effective way to help students stay on track with their schoolwork, especially for those who have other commitments such as sports or theater performances. Our tutors work with athletes and other busy students to understand their learning style, identify areas of improvement, and provide exam preparation. Having expert support can help alleviate stress for families and for students.
Tutoring can be beneficial for students who are involved in any extracurricular activities. One on one work with a tutor can help students improve their grades on assignments and stay on track with scheduling and completing assignments. Tutors can also offer additional individualized learning to support the classroom experience.
At Liddane, we offer one-on-one learning that allows tutors to establish unique relationships with students and families, enabling them to be trusted mentors, teachers, and coaches. We provide short-term support for students working under tight deadlines, without requiring a packaged commitment or minimum number of sessions. Contact us for a free consultation to get started.
How Young is Too Young for a Tutor?
Parents often wonder if their young children in first or second grade need a tutor. Teachers and child development experts suggest that young children continue reading, writing, or practicing math outside of school hours and while on break. However, in busy families, making time for this can be difficult. A tutor can help provide lively, learning-based enrichment and reinforce lifelong skills such as patience, self-advocacy, and goal setting.
Tutoring is flexible and can focus on the specific needs of each child and family. Whether it is best to start tutoring right away or wait to see how a student does on their own will depend on the individual student. Reach out to us to see how we can help your elementary student lay a strong foundation, easing stress for your whole family.
Planning for SAT ACT Changes Fall 2023
Students who will be taking the ACT/SAT this year know there will be some major upcoming changes to testing.
We are here to help navigate the process. We believe fall will get booked up early. The SAT is filling almost as soon as it opens.Given that the SAT is going digital this winter/spring, we understand that people will be rushing to take the SAT/ACT this fall before the changes kick in. The best way to manage this sometimes-challenging process is to stay on top of it. We are here to help.
Beginning the School Year with a Tutor- What to Consider.
Parents often struggle in deciding whether to begin the year with a tutor on board or to wait to see how their student does in school and then make the decision. For student athletes with practices, or drama rehearsal after school, the fall can start to feel very full. Our recommendations on what to consider:
What grade is the student entering?
For elementary or middle school students, we encourage families to make a decision based on what works for the family. Struggles in early grades can often be reframed as a learning experience by a parent or teacher and may not require engaging a content expert early on. If a parent has the bandwidth to find extra support or challenge inside school or at home and also feels they are able to monitor progress, then we recommend holding off on tutoring. A trained elementary or middle school tutor can step in later, if needed.
For high school or higher, however, beginning the year with a tutor is often a better choice. We are frequently contacted by families whose student’s grades have dropped significantly. Playing catchup for the remainder of the marking period can be stressful and overwhelming. While we believe that experiencing a bit of failure can lead to growth for many students, for others, it is counterproductive or even damaging to their confidence as learners.
Will the student be going through a transition in fall?
When a student has been receiving tutoring and is getting ready for a transition to a new level in school (e.g. middle to high school or high school to college) or going through a significant challenge (e.g. illness or divorce), we recommend that families keep tutoring in place for the first part of the school year. Typically, this means through October or the first marking period.
Does the child have learning differences or other issues that will impact their education?
Students can benefit from some time to establish a trusted tutoring relationship at the start of the school year if they have a learning difference, executive skills deficits, ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, significant medical issues, or mental health struggles. When a student with such challenges becomes overwhelmed by school content and organization, finding a tutor and establishing a network of support on top of their workload can compound stress. Therefore, in such cases, we advise that students begin the year with tutoring in place and lessen the support once it is apparent that it’s no longer necessary.
How does the student handle stress?
Finally, consider how the student reacts to stress and their ability to push themselves when life is challenging. Do they shut down, ignore homework, avoid school altogether, or become withdrawn? Or do they dig in, meet with teachers regularly, or form study groups? Having a tutor in place can help guide a student through turbulent times as they develop resilience and solidify healthy habits.
At Liddane, our goal is to be honest and encourage families to do what’s best for their child. We value being a part of students’ lives and want the absolute best for each of them. You can be assured that we will give you a genuine answer if you choose to discuss this with a tutor or with Andrea. We are always willing to be a sounding board - reach out if you need anything. And have a great back to school season!
Stressed About School Restarting? We Can Help.
The approach of the upcoming school year can cause students and families stress. Coming out of the pandemic, many report gaps in the understanding of subjects that keep students feeling perennially behind, particlularly in math and science. One way to get a handle on stress before the school year starts is to begin working one on one with a tutor now to address these gaps in learning. Liddane tutors work with students across disciplines and subjects in an effort to get a real understanding of where the student is and to address areas where the student needs to practice skills that will allow them to catch up.
Students working from home over the Covid years also lacked the opportunity to practice social and emotional learning with their peers. For many this has resulted in a diminished ability to focus during school with so much going on around them. Teahers are stretched and have limited resources to address each student's gaps, thus leaving students feeling overwhelmed and frustrated.
If you or your family is experiencing stress over the upcoming school year, please reach out to talk with Liddane's intake professionals. We have helped- and are helping- students from elementary to college age get back on track and stay there.
Summertime and the College Essay
For high school juniors and seniors, summer can be a rush of jobs, practice, friends and needing down time to explore interests and ideas. It can also be a really generative time for thinking about college application essays. A student’s college application checklist contains all of the obvious pieces: grades, scores, activities, coursework. However, the overall picture, including essays, personal statements, and supplemental questions, can be challenging to pin down. Who is the student? What are their strengths and interests? What will they bring to the campus community? How will they contribute to the culture and mission of the school? Summer is a time when students have experiences they want to write about for their essay. Combining experience with navigating the application process is what our team at Liddane does so well.
Representing these more subtle aspects of a person can make writing a college application essay challenging for strong students as well as those who struggle with executive functioning skills or a less than “perfect” story to tell. Showing the true nature of oneself in a way that is compelling can be an incredible hurdle for many.
LTLS college application tutors have been trained to draw out the best elements that represent the student. Many people know how to write a good essay, but the expectations for college applications are unique. Having a qualified outside person step back and look at the entire application helps focus the writing and elevate the application toward a multi-dimensional view of the student. A trained eye can direct students toward distinctive topics and divert them from those that are overused. In an effort to tell a more complete story, college application tutors coach students to use their precious word count carefully and effectively. We want your student to feel positive about the story they are bringing to the table. Our one-on-one tutors are here to work with them. Fall dates for our Demystifying the College Application Process webinars about the entire process are open for registration now.
How to Navigate Summer, High School Students and the College Application Process
Applying for college can be a stressful time for both students and their families. You may feelburdened by the many choices, requirements, and deadlines that come with this important decision. How can you balance summer downtime, academic goals, interests, and economics without feeling overwhelmed? This especially applies to families who do not want to be hovering around their teenagers' heads all summer but know that this important process should be happening right now.
We can help navigate through the college application tasks (and, hopefully, take the edge off of the stress) with our Demystifying the College Application webinars as well as our college application tutoring. Using our team of experienced tutors to work with students over the summer to prep and be ready for the process and the school year takes the pressure off of families and provides support for this very important summer work. Let us know how we can help!
The Digital SAT
As you may have heard, the SAT is going digital. The PSAT will switch to a digital platform in the fall of 2023, and the SAT will change to digital in the spring of 2024. While you may have some concerns about this new format and what your student can expect to see, there are some exciting changes we are looking forward to! This new test will be shorter, 2 hours and 24 minutes rather than 3 hours and fifteen minutes, which means less cognitive endurance will be required. Students will be able to take the test multiple times without as much mental strain or fatigue as before. It will also allow students more time per question and the ability to receive their scores faster than ever. While the testing content will remain relatively the same, in the verbal section, reading passages will be significantly shorter. On the other hand, the questions will be tougher. Another change is that, in the math section, a calculator (Desmos!) will now always be available. Compared to the ACT, the digital SAT will allow a 60.5% increase in the amount of time per question on the verbal section and 59% more time on math. There are considerably fewer reading problems in the math section, and the percentage of questions from geometry and trigonometry will increase. Accommodations will also be better and they will be linked to your student’s access code. Accommodations include text to speech; talk to text; the ability to change the speed of speech, font, and color; extra breaks; and time and a half to complete the test. Some other tools available to students with or without accommodations are a testing timer, reference sheet of commonly used formulas, a mark for review feature, and the ability to annotate text. For students who cannot test on a computer, a paper test will still be available.
Ways to prepare: Taking a mock test can help establish a baseline. After the baseline is determined and areas for improvement are identified, students can work with a tutor to study efficiently and learn test taking strategy. If your student is a junior next year, they will have the unique opportunity of being able to take the paper AND the digital test to see which medium they prefer. One thing you can currently do is download the Bluebook app from the College Board. This is the official app for taking the SAT, and College Board currently offers four full digital practice tests (with promises of more to come!). The digital SAT is being administered now internationally, which will bring even more information about the new test in the future.Let us help you navigate this change. Learn more.
Grade by Grade College Prep Timeline
GRADE 10
Prioritize getting good grades in the most challenging classes you can handle.
Take the PSAT/PLAN for practice.
Hone in on 2-3 activities that you like best and think about how to pursue them in greater depth throughout high school. Step up and engage!
Make a plan for your community service hours so that are productive and don't look like you are checking off a list. It’s more fun and rewarding doing it this way too!
Plan your summer: relax and have fun but think about doing something productive as well:
Summer camps
Volunteer
Summer academic programs
Take a class
Explore an interest
Work
Practice your sport or special talent
If you are an athlete and want to play college sports, you may want to start reaching out to coaches now, depending on your sport.
If you want to pursue the visual arts, fashion, or any degree that might require a portfolio, start saving pieces for your portfolio now.
Don’t stress; make it fun and commit to what you love to do.
GRADE 11
Same as grade 10, and …
If you think you might be interested in a specific college degree program as a direct admit freshman, such as business, engineering, architecture, computer science, nursing, physical therapy, etc., research what the requirements are and make sure you have taken the highest-level courses in the relevant subjects. Explore extra-curriculars and electives that offer insight into these areas of study, or shadow a professional.
If you will be applying to selective colleges, or Honors Colleges within a large university, make sure your classes match the requirements, such as foreign language, 4 years of lab science, etc.
Attend college fair programs in Seattle.
Attend college representative meetings at your school.
Show demonstrated interest to colleges you think might be on your list.
Start thinking about what you are seeing and hearing and what is important to you. What are your values? What kind of academic and social environment aligns with your values?
Start visiting school campuses and explore different kinds of campuses. You do not need to travel to do this. For instance, Seattle University is modeled similarly to other Jesuit universities. Their mission and approach to education is similar throughout. UW is similar to other state, flagship, research universities. University of Puget Sound is a great example of a small, liberal arts education.
Build relationships with teachers so that they know you when you ask them for recommendations. Ideal time for asking for recommendations is at end of Junior year.
Decide if you want to test and, if so, decide which test, ACT/SAT, is better for you. Register early to take the tests (they fill up!)
If you need accommodations for standardized testing, apply for them months in advance. It can take 10 weeks to get approval.
Prepare for ACT/SAT (on own or test prep), take first test in Feb/March.
Other exams: AP, IB. Consider timing so that all testing isn’t happening at the same time.
Don’t stress: you WILL find a best fit college for you!
Summer: make it productive, and begin your applications! Have drafts of your essays completed by start of Senior Year. It will alleviate a lot of stress and anxiety.
GRADE 12
Continue to take challenging courses and don’t let your grades fall.
Make decisions regarding ED, EA, Regular Decision and Rolling Decision.
Finalize your essays, activity lists, brag sheets into counseling office, teacher recommendations, etc. Your first application deadlines will likely be the beginning of November.
Re-take ACT/SAT if needed/wanted.
Arrange to have standardized test scores and high school transcript sent to colleges by their deadlines.
Financial aid forms (FAFSA and PROFILE) can be submitted as early as October 1.
If you have accommodations, make sure your testing and evaluations are current within three years.
Do not slack off after submitting or getting acceptance letters. Colleges can rescind these offers and often will put students on notice if their grades fall off.
Plan to visit colleges between April 1 and April 31 if you will be needing to make a choice, or between January and April if you were accepted Early Action.
Co-authored by our friends at Kussick College Coaching.
Proud Partner of Rainier Scholars
Andrea Liddane at Rainier Scholars Luncheon
I was recently delighted to recognize and celebrate the work of Rainier Scholars at their BOLD MOVES Luncheon. This powerful organization continues to do amazing work in the community. We have partnered with Rainier Scholars for many years. Their mission is to “cultivate the academic and leadership potential of underrepresented students of color through rigorous, transformative opportunities that increase college graduation rates and empower new generations of leaders."
I am proud of the work they are doing and glad to be able to use our strengths together to help “envision a more just and inclusive society with equitable representation of people of color at all levels of leadership and influence.” Learn more about our partnerships and how we work in collaboration with organizations to support learning through all ages and communities.
Final Exam Season : Tips for Student Athletes
The demands and realities of student athletes’ schedules and being the best student possible can be a challenging juggling act, especially during finals. Intentionality delivers results. Here are some of our tried-and-true tips for exam season success. The Liddane Tutoring team believes you can navigate these challenges more easily using suggestions below, with support from coaches, teammates and study support people to kick it out of the park! If you need individual support, let us know how we can help. Good luck!
Plot out a study calendar. Spend 15 minutes writing down the steps for what you need to do and when. Be as specific as possible.
Consciously map out team practices, extracurriculars, and whatever else you have going on, especially prior to tests. Add to your calendar for visual reminders.
Set meetings with teachers now. Keep a running list of questions so meetings can be as productive as possible.
Figure out your study support people. Reach out to a classmate or bring together a group of friends who will truly help you study. Create a team study group of other players who will encourage you to use your time wisely at tournaments or away games. Encourage them back.
Tutors can really help before tests. If you decide to work with one, set those appointments. Keep a running list of questions going and send it ahead of time if you can so your tutor can be best prepared for you.
Review the class syllabus to understand what will be asked on the tests. What are the big questions?
Make flash cards/study cards (Quizlet or paper–whatever works best for you).
Review and explain the content to someone else.
Take care of yourself during exam periods. As much as you are able, eat well, drink water, get enough sleep, deep breathe, and move your body.
Seattle United and Liddane Team Up!
The Liddane Tutoring team is proud to be a sponsor of Seattle United, a competitive youth soccer program that inspires players to develop to their highest potential, and experience the rewards of pursuing excellence, teamwork, and sportsmanship. We are confident this partnership will support both of our missions to better serve students and their families.
WHAT DOES SUMMER TUTORING LOOK LIKE?
Many people think that tutoring is defined as help with homework, but that’s not true. So, what are the possibilities of working with a tutor in the summer?
While we appreciate the playful lightness that summer should bring, working with a tutor in the summer can also be a very positive experience. For those who enjoy reading or writing, a tutor can explore genres, encourage creativity, and answer questions that often take a backseat during the hectic pace of the school year. Tutors can teach students how to take notes, to annotate text, and practice the art of thesis statement writing. They can provide feedback on writing that is specifically directed toward students’ needs. With a tutor, students may read short stories and explore the nuances of good writing. They might set reading goals and discuss book topics, run book groups, or work on adding sensory detail to storylines. The possibilities are many and co-creating with students helps with buy-in and engagement.
The beauty of summer tutoring is that sessions can be completely individualized. Times and dates are much more flexible than they are for organized classes or book groups. Vacation weeks can be accommodated, and students can double up during less busy weeks.
The other advantage of summer tutoring is that it gives students a chance to review or preview content and realize their potential. Especially in the wake of online learning and all that the Covid pandemic has meant for schools, many students have a weak understanding of some part of the curriculum. Issues seem especially prevalent in the area of math. Were you first learning about fractions when school switched to online? Did you learn algebra while distracted by the upheaval and you’re now realizing that your knowledge is shaky? Re-taking an entire third grade math or algebra course isn’t likely necessary. After all, you do understand the basics. But if you were able to review numerators and denominators and x+y=z with a tutor, you could skip over the pieces you absorbed the first time around and fully focus on the parts that you missed. A tutor can encourage you to change mixed numbers into fractions and figure out the slope on a graph as many times as it takes to master it. No shame, no stupid questions, no pressure. It’s summer, so there is time. Tutors work to build confidence so that students return to school feeling empowered and ready for the next steps.
Summer is a time for intellectual exploration and tutoring can be used like a personalized “camp.” Setting up a schedule that fits, tutors can help students learn about percentages and ratios or how to explore topics that they find interesting. Would you like to research a topic like cars, artists, beekeepers, or World War II? Summer allows the freedom to learn for the sake of learning rather than for the sake of school, and tutors can empower students along the way.If you are interested in learning more about what summer tutoring could mean for your student, please reach out! We'd love to hear from you.