Perhaps one of the best methods of tracking your state's education is through the use of the National Assessment of Education Progress. NAEP is the largest national representative and continuing assessment of the American student's knowledge in various subject areas. These areas include mathematics, reading, science, writing, the arts, civics, economics, geography, and U. S. history. As readily seen, these tests capably cover all subject areas of the education system. Tests for this study are conducted every two years beginning in 2003. The tests will be given again beginning in the fall of 2011.

Read more »

There are so many different opinions about which of these two tests to take. Both are accepted by colleges, but which is best for the person taking the test?

In order to answer this question, the taker will need to consider options that refer to himself/herself only to choose the best one for them. Listening to others is good, but this is a decision that is best made by the student taking the test. Truthfully, it’s all about the numbers. While some students scare better on the SAT, others will score better on the ACT. Consider the facts in this article to help make the best decision. Also, be aware that the Princeton Review offers a free assessment to help determine which test is best for the individual. This test is given nationwide.  Go to www.princetonreview.com  to find when the test will be given in your area.

Read more »

The North Carolina End of Grade Tests are fast approaching. These tests “are designed to measure student performance on the goals, objectives, and grade-level competencies specified in the North Carolina Standard Course of Study.” The end-of-grade tests in reading comprehension and mathematics are administered to students in grades 3-5 as part of the statewide assessment program. The testing window for the end-of-grade test is the last three weeks of the school year.

Read more »

A child’s developmental level, not just the chronological age, is vital to learning success.  Developmental maturity demonstrates that the brain is able to take in sensory information and then process the information in the higher cortical areas of the brain.  We are all meant to be born with certain primitive reflexes established. These primitive reflexes assist the mother and baby through the birth process.  They then allow the baby to adjust to life outside the womb and to begin the process of training the body and the brain to work together.  Typically, these reflexes are inhibited and replaced by more advanced postural reflexes sometime between 6 months - 3 years of age.

Read more »

Which test should my child take?  What are the differences between the SAT and the ACT?   How soon should my child start taking the ACT or SAT?  How much preparation does my child need before the test?  Should my child retake the SAT or ACT?   How many times should they retake ite?  What makes Creative Tutors' SAT/ACT prep unique?   Do you have some of these same questions?  Creative Tutors not only provides individualized, customized and in-home ACT/SAT prep, but we are also here as a resource to answer all of those questions, and many more (including questions on accommodations, college applications/essays)  for you at no charge. We have specialized and highly qualified tutors for ACT and SAT prep that can assist your son and daughter get started on the right path to a succesful college experience.

Many children suffer from test anxiety. Children may suffer an anxiety attack during a test, but many kids will begin to have symptoms days before as they anticipate test day

Read more »

Beginning the 2009-10 school year the State of North Carolina has made changes to the eligibility dates for children entering kindergarten. Children must be 5 years of age on or before August 31, 2009.

Preschool students who will be 4 years old by April 16th and demonstrate an extraordinary level of academic ability and maturity will be eligible for early entry. Find out more about eligibility at this link: http://www.wcpss.net/isd/elementary/lang arts/kindergarten/.

Parents of 4-year-olds who age qualify for early entry could benefit from working with Creative Tutors to prepare the child for the admissions test.

Education Secretary Arne Duncan is investigating No Child Left Behind and how standardized testing affects children, teachers and schools. Hopefully, Duncan is getting an earful! The Pros and Cons of standardized testing are in no way balanced.

Read more »

This is the time of year when students around the country are taking the annual end-of-grade test. More and more "stuff" is now riding on those test scores. School ranking, school funding, teacher raises or jobs, and so much more. Our kids are feeling the pressure to succeed--to score high--from school administrators, teachers and parents. Parents are feeling stressed as well hoping that their children will score high or at least as high as Billy and Jane who live next door.

Read more »