You have chosen the date to have your child write the SSAT (Secondary School Admission Test) and now it is time to prepare. However, the choices for preparation are vast. Methods range from buying a prep book and working through it with your child, to group classes taught by professional educators, to one on one tutoring with a curriculum designed for the particular needs of your child. What will be most effective? When a parent asks me to recommend the best method of preparation, I always like to know a little bit about the child before giving my suggestions.
If you have a good ‘working’ relationship with your child, and you feel comfortable with the SSAT content and strategies, then working through a course book with your child may be an option. However, most parents express extreme stress and frustration when working with their own children and would rather have a professional educator provide the tuition (even when the parent is a professional educator). A professional educator can provide the skills needed in an atmosphere that is relaxed, calm, and productive. I find that it is most helpful to have someone from outside the home assign the work and have the parent follow through with monitoring the work at home on a regular basis. It takes the pressure off the parent-child relationship.
Knowing your child’s strengths and challenges is key to finding the right preparatory method. A child who works well in a group, who has average to above average capabilities across the board in language, math, and written expression, and who has time in their schedule, may benefit from a group class. Children who have focus issues, particular exceptionalities in one or more areas of the SSAT content, or limited time, may benefit from private one on one sessions. It is also possible to combine the best of both worlds by taking a group class and then augmenting your child’s lessons with some individualized private sessions aimed at particular areas of the SSAT.
Whether you choose to send your child to a group SSAT course or private tuition, keep in mind that a great course is highly specialized, well researched, and written and taught by trained specialists. Prepare yourself for the expense. Group courses can range anywhere from $900 to about $2600. Individual tutoring varies from about $40/hr to $95/hr.
You should be wary of price. A course may appear more attractive because of a lower price, but a parent must ensure that all aspects of the SSAT are covered in the time allotted and that preparation is comprehensive. A low price may mean below standard quality. Be certain that the class you have your eye on is provided by a reputable learning centre or school, that the marketing literature clearly explains course goals, and that the program coordinator can speak knowledgeably about the SSAT and how their course addresses your child’s needs. I also suggest against enrollment if the course does not have a full workbook which the student uses in class and for homework.
Count hours! In my experience, a course needs to be at least 40 hours in length to give ample time to thoroughly teach all concepts while providing three rounds of practice tests, one each at the beginning, middle and end of the course. It may also be wise for parents to choose a curriculum that contains an essay writing component geared to the demands and structure of the SSAT essay, as it is slightly different than a standard essay.
Whether you sit down with your child once a week and work through a course book, or have an individualized class designed for them, choose the method of SSAT preparation that works for your child. I do believe that thorough preparation allows for greater SSAT success. This is not a test that the vast majority can simply sit down and write. High scores not only improve your child's chances of a spot in the school of their choice, but can have a lasting positive effect on their self esteem and outlook on education.
If you have any questions about the SSAT or the course offered at Ruth Rumack's Learning Space, please call us at 416.925.1225, or visit our website http://www.ruthrumack.com/
Monday, May 18, 2009
The SSAT – To Prepare or Not to Prepare, That is the Question
So, you’ve gone to the open houses, gathered your short list of private schools, and registered your child for the SSAT (Secondary School Admission Test). Your child is excited and somewhat nervous as he begins the admissions process. I don’t blame him for the anxiety. The thought of a 3 hour, multiple choice test that assesses knowledge and skills 2 to 3 years above one’s grade level would be intimidating to most adults, let alone students in grades 5 to 8. In my experience, the best way to combat these issues is preparation.
Parents wrestle with the issue of preparation. I often receive phone calls from parents questioning the type of SSAT preparation to provide for their children, how far in advance to begin, and whether preparation is necessary at all. Some believe that their children should be evaluated on what they know at present, or that advance preparation will only add more stress to their child’s already busy life. Other parents think that high SSAT scores will give their children a marked advantage and so begin preparation 2 years in advance of the test.
Given the formal nature and advanced level of the test content, it’s very sensible to provide a child with training before the ‘big day’. The majority of students at this grade level have never encountered such things as analogies, algebra, or persuasive writing, before. Most Children in grades 5 through 8 are unfamiliar with the demands of the SSAT and benefit from a ‘heads up’, not only in the content areas, but in study and test writing strategies as well.
For example, without understanding how the SSAT is marked, a child may think that guessing at an answer is better than leaving it blank. However, the SSAT has a very specific marking scheme. Test takers are awarded one point for a correct answer, zero points for questions left blank, and are deducted a ¼ point for each incorrect answer. In this case, guessing wildly at an answer could potentially work against them, unless they are taught an appropriate strategy.
In choosing whether or not to prepare, it is important to remember that the SSAT is a standardized test, designed to gage specific content knowledge. The test does not take into account a child’s personality, creativity, intelligence or other strengths, but only measures the child’s ability to take the test effectively. In my opinion, when a student prepares properly for the SSAT, they will come away with new knowledge that can be applied to both the test and their future studies. In addition they’ll have an arsenal of time management and test taking strategies; all very valuable for continued learning.
Test situations are difficult to begin with. A child that walks into the SSAT examination room without preparation can become overwhelmed and anxious, and therefore perform poorly. That experience can damage a child’s self-esteem, leading to negative thoughts toward themselves and the private school application process. In my experience, most parents, want their children to be confident and think well of themselves. It is for this reason that I always recommend preparation.
Please read my next blog for insight on the different ways to prepare your child for the big exam.
If you have any questions about the SSAT or the course offered at Ruth Rumack's Learning Space, please call us at 416.925.1225, or visit our website http://www.ruthrumack.com/
Parents wrestle with the issue of preparation. I often receive phone calls from parents questioning the type of SSAT preparation to provide for their children, how far in advance to begin, and whether preparation is necessary at all. Some believe that their children should be evaluated on what they know at present, or that advance preparation will only add more stress to their child’s already busy life. Other parents think that high SSAT scores will give their children a marked advantage and so begin preparation 2 years in advance of the test.
Given the formal nature and advanced level of the test content, it’s very sensible to provide a child with training before the ‘big day’. The majority of students at this grade level have never encountered such things as analogies, algebra, or persuasive writing, before. Most Children in grades 5 through 8 are unfamiliar with the demands of the SSAT and benefit from a ‘heads up’, not only in the content areas, but in study and test writing strategies as well.
For example, without understanding how the SSAT is marked, a child may think that guessing at an answer is better than leaving it blank. However, the SSAT has a very specific marking scheme. Test takers are awarded one point for a correct answer, zero points for questions left blank, and are deducted a ¼ point for each incorrect answer. In this case, guessing wildly at an answer could potentially work against them, unless they are taught an appropriate strategy.
In choosing whether or not to prepare, it is important to remember that the SSAT is a standardized test, designed to gage specific content knowledge. The test does not take into account a child’s personality, creativity, intelligence or other strengths, but only measures the child’s ability to take the test effectively. In my opinion, when a student prepares properly for the SSAT, they will come away with new knowledge that can be applied to both the test and their future studies. In addition they’ll have an arsenal of time management and test taking strategies; all very valuable for continued learning.
Test situations are difficult to begin with. A child that walks into the SSAT examination room without preparation can become overwhelmed and anxious, and therefore perform poorly. That experience can damage a child’s self-esteem, leading to negative thoughts toward themselves and the private school application process. In my experience, most parents, want their children to be confident and think well of themselves. It is for this reason that I always recommend preparation.
Please read my next blog for insight on the different ways to prepare your child for the big exam.
If you have any questions about the SSAT or the course offered at Ruth Rumack's Learning Space, please call us at 416.925.1225, or visit our website http://www.ruthrumack.com/
Sunday, April 26, 2009
The SSAT – Some Important Facts
Over my last twelve years of practice, I have witnessed a dramatic increase in the number of students writing the SSAT. When I first began my private teaching practice, I might have received one or two calls a year from parents whose children were preparing for the test. Now, most new inquiries at Ruth Rumack's Learning Space during the late summer and early fall come from those wanting SSAT preparation.
For those wondering, SSAT stands for Secondary School Admission Test, and is part of the admissions process for most private schools. It is a multiple choice test that evaluates a student's math, vocabulary, and reading comprehension skills. There is also an essay writing component. Students in grades 5 or 6 write the Lower Level SSAT to gain entrance into grade 7, while students in grades 8 through 11 write the Upper Level test to gain entrance into high school programs.
Acceptance to most private schools is based on a student's SSAT score, their past report cards, and a personal interview. A high SSAT score is important, as it can often be the deciding factor for acceptance.
The SSAT is a formal, standardized test, the likes of which many students have never experienced before. Approximately three hours in length, the test demands an enormous amount of sustained mental energy. The breadth of knowledge required is vast and the marking scheme is rigid. For most students in the grade 5 to 8 range, the thought of sitting through 3 hours of testing while answering questions that are 2 to 3, or more, years above their academic level can be daunting.
Another little known fact about the SSAT is that a child’s score is placed in a percentile comparison with test takers of the previous three years. Children are not compared to a fixed norm, but one that fluctuates depending on recent scores. If your child happens to write the SSAT at a time when most of the other test takers have prepared extensively, then your child will be compared to that highly trained group. A high SSAT score and high percentile placement can greatly improve your child's chances of acceptance into the private school of their choice.
That means ample preparation will more than likely give your child an advantage. This is an issue which I will address in my next blog.
If you have any questions about the SSAT or the course offered at Ruth Rumack's Learning Space, please call us at 416.925.1225, or visit our website http://www.ruthrumack.com
For those wondering, SSAT stands for Secondary School Admission Test, and is part of the admissions process for most private schools. It is a multiple choice test that evaluates a student's math, vocabulary, and reading comprehension skills. There is also an essay writing component. Students in grades 5 or 6 write the Lower Level SSAT to gain entrance into grade 7, while students in grades 8 through 11 write the Upper Level test to gain entrance into high school programs.
Acceptance to most private schools is based on a student's SSAT score, their past report cards, and a personal interview. A high SSAT score is important, as it can often be the deciding factor for acceptance.
The SSAT is a formal, standardized test, the likes of which many students have never experienced before. Approximately three hours in length, the test demands an enormous amount of sustained mental energy. The breadth of knowledge required is vast and the marking scheme is rigid. For most students in the grade 5 to 8 range, the thought of sitting through 3 hours of testing while answering questions that are 2 to 3, or more, years above their academic level can be daunting.
Another little known fact about the SSAT is that a child’s score is placed in a percentile comparison with test takers of the previous three years. Children are not compared to a fixed norm, but one that fluctuates depending on recent scores. If your child happens to write the SSAT at a time when most of the other test takers have prepared extensively, then your child will be compared to that highly trained group. A high SSAT score and high percentile placement can greatly improve your child's chances of acceptance into the private school of their choice.
That means ample preparation will more than likely give your child an advantage. This is an issue which I will address in my next blog.
If you have any questions about the SSAT or the course offered at Ruth Rumack's Learning Space, please call us at 416.925.1225, or visit our website http://www.ruthrumack.com
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