Robert D.

Crime Fiction Writer for Reading/Writing/Math/Test Prep

Crime Fiction Writer for Reading/Writing/Math/Test Prep

I passed the CBEST and CSET, which are qualification tests in California for substitute teachers. The sections passed were CBEST math, reading, and writing, and CSET reading, language, literature, history and social sciences, science and math, PE, human development, and the visual and performing arts.

I taught as a substitute in the San Francisco public schools, worked for a publishing company as a writer analyst for 12 years, wrote news and feature stories as a correspondent for a daily newspaper, and owned a tutoring franchise for three years with over 3,000 hours of tutoring behind me.

Testing reveals where the student weaknesses are, and lessons should be focused on where the problems are, not on what the student already knows. Testing should be used to mark progress, not assign a grade, and each test that is passed helps the student overcome the fear of testing.

I look at standardized test results to assess grade level. Ideally, the goal is to bring the student a little beyond grade level. Homework depends on what the student needs, and periodic assessments are given.

My goal for the SAT/ACT is a 100-200 point increase. For example, over a period of seven months, I brought one 11th grader from 500 on the reading section to 650 and from 500 on the writing section to 690. We went through 70 past SAT exams. I did a section, and he did the same section, separately. We adhered to the time limits. We graded our scores and reviewed the questions answered incorrectly. Ideally, preparation for the SAT/ACT should begin 6 months to a year prior to the test or the same amount of time after the first try and before the second - two hours per week.

For the SAT/ACT I use many different study guides, other salutary test prep books and grammar books, and Kahn Academy.

Generally, tutoring begins after the school day ends, but other times are doable. If tutoring is done in the home, another adult 21 or older must be present. Tutoring at the dining room table has proved to be the best, but libraries are satisfactory locat