Summer Coaching Available
SOS Coaching for Academic Success
We believe that every student is capable of succeeding in school. SOS has found that many student academic problems are simply a lack of skills or techniques to use when approaching schoolwork. Once a student is equipped with effective organization and study strategies, classes and assignments that were overwhelming become manageable. Students become more motivated, relaxed and self-confident and can enjoy the rewards of academic success.
Coaching Sessions
What is your process?
Our work with our clients always begins with a one hour initial consultation with parents, which is accompanied by a review of any assessments that have been done. During this consultation, parents and coach review the history of the student’s academic issues, examine routines at home and set goals and objectives for our work with the student. The consult is followed by six one on one student coaching sessions which last for 50-minutes at a time, once or twice a week.
Are six sessions enough?
Often they are just the beginning. At the completion of six coaching sessions, parents and coach then meet again for a follow-up to determine next steps, review progress and chart the coaching for the next phase of sessions as needed. It is important to note that it takes at least six sessions for the coach and the student to make a connection and for the coach to have a deeper understanding of the students needs. More often than not, students continue with their sessions as they are just starting to build skills and momentum. Each student has a unique set of needs and the process and duration of services is customized accordingly. Long standing habits of work and organization are not changed overnight and new approaches and skills require consistent practice and feedback before they are mastered over time.
What do the coach and student do during a typical session?
While long-term goals are kept in mind, each coaching session is driven by the immediate needs of the student – what will make the most impact today? Perhaps it will be attacking a large history project, sorting through a disheveled backpack, or preparing for a biology test.
Typically, the coach will ask questions to determine where the student is having difficulty and lead them to solutions. Does the student know exactly what is to be done and when? Do they know how to do it? What strategies have they used in the past? Would a different approach work more successfully? Are there other obstacles beyond the student's control? Through this approach, the student, in partnership with the coach, begins making choices for his own success. Introducing study strategies in the context of real immediate problems helps build skills that the student can apply in context. Reviewing, practicing and developing these skills over time is the best way to reinforce positive habits, create long-term mastery and instill confidence more...
What can I follow through with at home and what my role is as the parent? You and your teen will receive an emailed summary after each session with key areas of focus and tasks to follow up on or routines to implement. The coach is always happy to clarify either by email or a short call during the week after the session.
Will my student’s coach need to be in touch with school personnel or others involved in supporting him?
The coach is also an advocate for the student and it may (with your written permission) prove beneficial to work with teachers, counselors, administrators and other professionals involved with your teen. Coaches can attend 504 and IEP meetings and their expert input based on one on one work with the student is invaluable. more...
Coaching Fees
The initial package: a parent consult, six coaching sessions and a parent follow-up meeting are bundled fees which are payable when you begin work with SOS. Fees vary by coach. The initial consult ranges from $125 to $175; SOS 50-minute coaching sessions are $95 to $135 (with a 6-week commitment) and the parent follow-up meeting is $95 to $135. All of this information is included in a contract that is sent by email prior to the first session. After the initial package is completed, continuing students will revert to a monthly payment schedule.
Types of Students
SOS provides coaching services to pre-teens and teens from approximately 10 to 18 years of age. Students come from private, public, home-schooled and special needs schools.
Teens may have poor grades, or they may be maintaining good grades, but have an unrealistic level of effort, stress, or parental involvement. Transitions to new schools, to high school or middle school, increased extracurricular activities, changes in family relationships, can also affect students academically.
Students may also have recognized learning difficulties (e.g. ADHD), be on medication, or just have different learning styles.
SOS has helped turn many underachieving, even failing, teenagers into confident, productive students. SOS teaches students how to get on top of work before it gets on top of them. (See Testimonials)
> Strategies for Success
