SAT Scores out Now!

SAT scores for June 2009 are available now at the college board website. South Florida students who have taken the exam should find out how their hard work has paid off. This includes Miami-Dade and Broward county SAT test takers.

Congratulations from JLP

JLP Education Services would like to start out by saying "Congratulations" to those who have worked very hard during the past academic school year. This accolade extends to all parents, students, teachers, tutors, and administrators. These individuals, along with JLP, are all committed to helping students achieve their personal academic best. JLP would also like to thank all personal clients that have supported us and our mission through our first year of business. Without these clients and the success of their students, JLP would not be where it is today.

Even though the school year is over, we must not let the important summer months go to waste. This is the time to help our students catch up from any missteps taken last year and to also help those prepare for excellence in the 2009-2010 school year. Recent Juniors need to take this time to start their college applications and campus visits, along with their college admission essays. They also need to study for the last round of tests in the beginning of their senior year. Recent Sophomores also need to begin heavy test preparation for all of their standardized tests coming up their junior year. Not only do they take their PSAT (possibly qualifying them for National Merit scholarships), but they also take all of the SATs offered because of the new ScoreChoice program, along with the ACTs as well. Lastly, anyone from grades K-12 can benefit from the rebuilding and strengthening of basic academic skill sets and fundamentals. By signing up for customized tutoring programs, students prevent summer learning loss by strengthening their academic cores.

Is there too much testing in schools?

This question has come up so many times, in so many different forums. Does testing lead teachers away from knowledge focused learning?

Jenn Smith from teh Berkshire Eagle looks at some of the different sides of the issue.

Be Wise when using Student Loans

The college board has some choice words and an easy to use calculator for determining how much to borrow with Student loans.

The Debate about SAT Preparation Rages on.

Marjorie Good Reflects on the merits of test prep and how it has changed since her school days. This apples to college applicants in Miami and Florida as a well as any other students taking the SAT.

"I don't ever remember anyone taking a prep course for the SAT when I was in high school. Maybe because in the 60's, the education we received in school was outstanding; therefore, we were indirectly prepared for the SAT. (read complete article here)

State Math Exams Experience Inflation

Although some state exams have shown Math scores rising, experts say that may be due to instructors 'teaching to the test.'

From the New York Daily News:

"It's the state exam version of grade inflation. Soaring scores on the state math test don't necessarily add up to better schools or smarter kids."(read complete article here)

Wall Street Journal Writer takes SAT after 40 years

Sue Shellenbarger took the SAT 41 years later.

Her article at the Wall Street Journal is very entertaining.

"To the 1.5 million teenagers who will fret, cram and agonize over taking the most widely used college-entrance exam, the SAT, over the next 12 months, I have something to say: I'm right there with you. (complete article here)

Connections found in Unfair Admissions Practices

The NY Times reported that connected students at at least one Illinois university were put on a special list.

"How fair are college admissions? How much does it count in your favor to have rich parents, famous parents, well-connected parents, alumni parents? (read full article)

Summer School Canceled in LA

California's budget crisis has led Summer School to be canceled in LA. This unfortunate circumstance is leaving many needy students and families in the lurch.

The NY Times Reported on this last Saturday

"Most summer school programs for students from elementary through high school will be canceled this year, the latest casualty of California’s widening budget gap, the superintendent of the Los Angeles Unified School District said Friday (read complete article here).