All of
Ruth’s current tutoring subjects are listed at the left. You
can read more about
Ruth’s qualifications in specific subjects below.
Accounting
I served as the tutor of several Business students, and tutored one of them all the way through his Business degree. I earned an "A" in Accounting and enjoy giving students clarity about the concepts in ways not explained in the texts. Certain anchors, accounting facts which are repeated frequently in problems, make Accounting more logical for you.
ACT English
For 15 years, I have tutored test prep privately and in small classes, and have received top scores on tests myself.
The English portion of the ACT is doable. There are some spelling, punctuation and capitalization items tested on the ACT which are not on the SAT.
I will review content with you, coach you for speed, and survey techniques to improve your score.
Some of the tricks and strategies I teach are unique to my course and not available anywhere else.
ACT Math
The Math portion of the ACT is considerably easier for some than the SAT Math. The questions are straight-forward and often simple questions on common math facts. While the ACT Math may have an occasional trig or log problem, they are rare and you can be coached in how to approach them.
I will review content with you, coach you for speed, and survey techniques to improve your score.
Some of the tricks and strategies I teach are unique to my course and not available anywhere else.
ACT Reading
The Reading portion of the ACT, even the difficult questions, can be attacked with a number of techniques. I show you how to get most of the answers without spending too much time reading.
I will review content with you, coach you for speed, and survey techniques to improve your score.
Some of the tricks and strategies I teach are unique to my course and not available anywhere else.
ACT Science
The Science portion of the ACT, even the difficult questions, can be attacked with a number of techniques. You do not have to be an expert in science topics such as Biology, Chemistry or Physics to be successful on this section of the test.
In many cases, getting the answer just requires inspecting charts and graphs and adding a little common sense or logic.
Algebra 1
The Science portion of the ACT does not require much knowledge of common science topics. While it is helpful to be comfortable with the scientific data and terms, most of what you need can be extracted from the information which is given.
Often, the science questions are based upon charts and graphs. You are asked to extract data, identify the details needed, or draw logical conclusions with those facts.
Algebra 2
Algebra 2 is one of my favorite topics. I have handouts, tips and memory devices to help you conquer this subject thoroughly.
For example, I have a brochure of several pages with the secrets you need to do logarithm problems quickly and easily. I have unique techniques on certain common Algebra 2 functions which will make you more efficient.
Coaching is effective in raising your grade.
Bible Studies
In addition to my academic study of theology, I have studied the Bible extensively on a private level and in church. I have systematically read the entire Bible almost 3 times and understand the major points of theology and which scriptures relate to them.
Calculus
Over my years of math tutoring, I have tutored Calculus many times.
When a local teacher who is a friend of mine was ill for 7 weeks, I took over his AP Calculus class.
I like to simplify the concepts, such as distinguishing between the derivative and the function value.
I would like to coach you to better performance.
CBEST
The CBEST test examines basic verbal and math skills which teachers are expected to have. It is an easier test that the SAT in which I am an also an expert.
Over my 20 years of tutoring, I have helped multiple students conquer the CBEST. One teacher on an emergency credential had failed the test 2 times and was told by her school that if she didn't pass the next time, she would lose her job. I'm happy to report she passed! Learning techniques to handle difficult problems as well as reviewing content gives your score the boost it needs.
COBOL
I have a master's degree in Computer Science from CSUF and have taught COBOL at both East Los Angeles College and Cal State Northridge.
Computer Programming
I have a Master's degree in Computer Science and was a full-time computer programmer for 12 years. Most programming languages follow common techniques and can be deciphered. Call to discuss your need and see whether I can help.
Computer Science
I enjoy showing students the analytical skills to be able to decipher programming languages and logic. Universal principles apply to all languages. I write intricate spreadsheets with amazing features.
I have a M.S. in Comp Sci from Cal State Fullerton, took various technical seminars, and studied Access database at Pierce College.
I taught in the Computer Department at East Los Angeles College in 1983 and CSU Northridge in 1990.
For 10 years, I was a computer programmer and manager of several programming employees, working at Sears, Security Pacific (a bank bought by B of A), Great Western Savings(bought out by WaMu), and the Metropolitan Water District.
Elementary Math
Through many years of tutoring, I have helped many elementary math students to enjoy math.
Whether you're an adult or a child, we can greatly improve your math functioning. With children especially, I play games with manipulative devices that are fun and at the same time encourage math understanding.
I hope my love of math is contagious.
Geometry
Throughout my tutoring, Geometry has been a prominent subject.
There is no substitute for learning the postulates and theorems, since having them at the forefront of your mind increases your ability to know what to do next.
Let me show you the structure of Geometry logic. I have a system for learning how to do proofs which will help you dramatically.
There are many other techniques for various types of Geometry problems. Let's try them with you.
German
I enjoyed studying German in college, and lived in Germany a short time.
I have continued to use the language with my family members and have a native German speaker in my household.
I would like to make the language more clear for you.
ISEE
I have actively tutored ISEE in the past. The content involves relatively easy academic material. Students can raise their score by doing content review on the ISEE topics.
Additionally, I can offer my expertise in test prep in general. Many of the same techniques which apply to SAT tests will enable an ISEE student to get the problems right, even sometimes when they don't know the answers or where to start.
I am skilled at encouraging students and building their skills in test-taking, including the ISEE.
Precalculus
Precalculus is one of the major math topics I tutor. Some years I have 6 or so Precalc students.
I have been successful in laying the foundation for rapid improvements for my students in the main topics of trig, exponential and log functions, advanced functions and graphs, and so forth.
My students have also been helped by handouts on specific Precalc topics. You can succeed at this math with the right coaching.
PSAT
Having taught SAT preparation for 15 years, I am amply qualified to guide students to their best performance on the PSAT. I can coach students in the same techniques which have been used by some of my students to raise their scores over 400 points. Focused instruction can make a huge difference in your outcome.
SAT Math
I taught test prep for Kaplan Test Services, the oldest test preparation company.
Using knowledge gained while teaching hundreds of SAT classes, I compiled materials which have proven markedly successful in helping students raise their SAT scores.
I used these course materials when teaching a summer SAT class for high school students at CSUN for 8 years. Additional classes have been taught at local high schools and private locations.
A couple of my students had taken the test 3 times with about the same score and then had a dramatic leap in score after my tutoring.
Several of my students have literally increased over 400 points (430 highest) within a short time of intense tutoring. A notable number of students have gotten scholarships after raising SAT scores with my coaching.
I have invented a number of math techniques which I have not seen anywhere else. My hobby is reviewing other SAT books to glean what is valuable for my students to benefit from.
I have also been successful in relieving test anxiety with some surprising information which puts students at ease. Techniques which save several minutes on the test enable you to get more problems right.
I hope my enthusiasm for this subject rubs off on you.
SAT Reading
I taught test prep for Kaplan Test Services, the oldest test preparation company.
Using knowledge gained while teaching hundreds of SAT classes, I compiled materials which have proven markedly successful in helping students raise their SAT scores.
I used there course materials when teaching a summer SAT class for high school students at CSUN for 8 years. Local high schools and private locations have been the locations of additional classes.
Some students had taken the test 3 times with about the same score and then had a dramatic leap in score after my tutoring.
Several of my students have literally increased over 400 points (430 highest) within a short time of intense tutoring. A notable number of students have gotten scholarships after raising SAT scores with my coaching.
There are many techniques which can help you conquer the Reading section of the SAT. The main goal is to read enough to answer the questions accurately, but not to waste time reading material you won't use. Saving time increases scores.
We will review trick questions, trap answers, and many ways to identify reversed Reading questions.
I have also been successful in relieving test anxiety with some surprising information which puts students at ease and techniques which save several minutes on the test and enable you to get more problems right.
I hope my enthusiasm for this subject rubs off on you.
SAT Writing
I taught test prep for Kaplan Test Services, the oldest test preparation company. I myself have made a perfect score on the Writing section of the SAT (with a perfect essay score as well). Let me show you how to reach for that, too.
Using knowledge gained while teaching hundreds of SAT classes, I compiled materials which have proven markedly successful in helping students raise their SAT scores.
I used there course materials when teaching a summer SAT class for high school students at CSUN for 8 years. Local high schools and private locations have been the locations of additional classes.
Some students had taken the test 3 times with about the same score and then had a dramatic leap in score after my tutoring.
Several of my students have literally increased over 400 points (430 highest) within a short time of intense tutoring. A notable number of students have gotten scholarships after raising SAT scores with my coaching.
The Top Ten grammar errors which you will find repeated frequently on the SAT will put you at ease. Many grammar errors are never tested. If you know the common ones to look for, your score could soar.
Using a dependable framework for writing the essay, even if writing is not your thing. You will find out what the essay graders are looking for and how you can increase your essay score.