Question

How do I know if my child needs a tutor?

Almost every student can benefit from the services of a tutor. Tutoring allows students to clarify difficult concepts, deepen their understanding of a subject, learn new study skills, and build confidence in their knowledge. Those students struggling in school due to learning differences are among the best candidates for tutoring because they often greatly benefit from individualized, one-to-one instruction.

Question

What kind of services does Modern Academics offer?

Modern Academics offers tutoring in all core subjects (literacy, science, math, and history), summer enrichment, and college transition services.

Question

Does Modern Academics share student data with teachers and parents?

Modern Academics is committed to protecting student privacy. All students (and parents, if the student is a minor) must explicitly agree to any sharing of student information.

Question

What are the benefits of hiring a private tutor?

Unlike a classroom teacher, a private tutor can offer individualized instruction in a familiar and non-competitive environment such as the home. Additionally, because students are able to schedule sessions according to their own schedules, there is no need to eliminate or reduce any activity (e.g., football practice).

Question

How does Modern Academics differ from other tutors and standard tutoring companies?

Tutors typically specialize in one subject and solely focus on reinforcing subject content without deeply considering the specific learning needs of each student. Also, they often do not have extensive experience working with students diagnosed with complex learning challenges, and consequently, lack a toolbox of learning strategies to adequately accommodate them. As a multi-subject tutor and learning specialist, Christian Donahue flexibly provides content instruction in all major core subjects depending on the student’s need; he also incorporates strategy-based academic and executive function coaching while putting great emphasis on building a positive mentor-student relationship - the cornerstone for fostering learning. In addition, whereas most tutoring companies design preset study curricula, Christian takes the time to evaluate each student individually using a series of data collection: grades, test and writing samples, neuropsychological and cognitive assessments, educational history, and clinical/anecdotal information from parents, educators and other professionals. This process offers a deeper understanding of the student’s academic strengths and challenges and lends itself to a tailored instructional approach.

Question

Why does Modern Academics require so much information prior to scheduling tutoring sessions?  

Modern Academics is committed to delivering the highest quality instructional services to students. In order to develop an appropriate plan, various student data is collected and carefully reviewed (e.g. grades, neuropsychological reports, etc.) which are needed to determine a student’s ability level, learning style, and his or her overall cognitive strengths and challenges. All student data is kept strictly confidential and is used only in the preparation and maintenance of the learning plan.

Question

What is the College Transition Program (CTP)?

The College Transition Program is an educational service offered online to support post-secondary students with learning challenges as they adjust to the college environment. For more detailed information, please see the “College Transition Program” tab under “Services”.

Question

Can I sign my child up for either in-home or online tutoring?

Online tutoring is offered to students in the continental United States. For virtual sessions, various online educational programs are used such as real-time, digital whiteboard technology. In-home sessions are currently not available.

Question

Is online tutoring effective?

Depending upon the specific learning needs of the student, online tutoring can be just as effective, and sometimes more effective than in-person tutoring. For instance, a student with social phobia may be more successful using online tutoring because the computer can act as a safe boundary, easing the anxiety associated with socialization and communication.

Question

What is academic and executive function coaching?
 
Academic coaching is all about supporting students to become self-advocates and self-reliant learners. Using a variety of learning strategies, students identify their own educational goals, learning approaches, cognitive strengths, study skills, and remediation strategies in order to improve their capacity to self-manage school work.

Executive function coaching focuses on strategies that help students effectively initiate and complete goals. This includes discussions and practices to improve their ability to plan, prioritize, organize, manage time, self-monitor progress, and self-regulate emotions.

Question

What are the fees for services?

For fee information, please contact Modern Academics.