• RECOGNITION of basic skills:  Instructors expose students to the most apposite skills for testing during mini-lessons that employ worksheets of graduated difficulty.  These 60-question worksheets take students from the most basic level of understanding in a given topic area to a proficient and advanced level.
• APPLICATION of skills:  Students learn to apply acquired skills in ways that allow them to answer questions correctly on practice tests.  Our practice tests accurately reflect state-administered CAHSEE and CST.  Student familiarity with these tests is of inestimable value.
• CONFIDENCE in test-taking ability:  Students gain confidence in their ability to do well on CAHSEE and CST by learning MAC (Multiple Analysis of Choices).  MAC allows students to analyze a question and make informed estimations of the correct answer, while test-taking strategies give students a sense of control over their test-taking situation.  These elements of the program tend to give students a sense that they can answer all the questions confidently.
• EXCELLENCE in using skills: Our instructors help students to achieve excellence within a structured program designed to provide students with a well-rounded approach to answering questions while feeling good about themselves.

Math Lessons begin with Math Talk.  In Math Talk, an instructor presents a concept that relates specifically to a California mathematics standard.  For instance, mean, median, and mode would refer to the California standard category called statistics, data analysis, and probability standard 1.1: “Compute the Mean, Median, and Mode of Data Sets. Students should have a mastery of this concept by sixth grade.”  The instructor will give a clear definition of both the concept and how it relates to the standard.  We want students to know the specific standard but not fear the concepts and related math.

In Break It Down, the instructors show students step-by-step how to answer the problem, as well as presenting the same problem in a slightly different way, pointing out ETS test writing subtleties.

Students then solve related problems. The CAHSEE and CST Math are really about setting up simple problems and solving the requisite mathematics. In fact, natural test-takers do better on the math section because they focus on setting problems up. Most students spend too much time trying to find complicated solutions to test problems-frustrating. The result is usually low scores. ETS test writers have designed these tests so that test-takers can solve the math quickly. Solving problems quickly is a major focus of the program. Tutors will also point out valuable tips and shortcuts to every problem.

In CAHSEE and CST verbal sessions, tutors stress the importance of reading with the ear and not the eye for better comprehension. Reading aloud and phonemic application are critical for success. Students learn how to attack questions first by recognizing the hidden patterns in the choices and eliminating those choices that are not within the pattern before going to the passage. This gives them an incredible edge.

Program assistants are trained professionals who serve as aids to LACOE teachers. It is the job of these assistants to maintain the integrity of the program structure; effective use of materials; and accurate application of MAC and basic skills lessons.

Excel Through Synergistic Learning (ETSL): Small (three to five ) Student Learning Community

ETSL tutors (and classroom Instructors) will constantly explore methods to make mathematics and language arts personal. It is our belief that students acquire only knowledge they value. They internalize only those modes of thinking that seem essential to what they want and what they think is important. When students connect emotionally and personally to what they study and what they value in life, learning becomes exciting and fun. RACE is really an exploration of thinking, feeling, and wanting.

An ETSL session consists primarily of applying salient principles in a series of mathematical or language arts games. These games help students to learn mathematics in different contexts while having fun. Students will learn:

• How to use class time effectively
• How to take notes specifically for mathematics
• How to develop an appropriate mental attitude
• How to prepare effectively and take math tests
• How to approach homework
• How to ask good questions
• How to get back on track when feeling “lost”
• How to use supplemental materials
• How to ask for and get help