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Dr. Martha Gagnon
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SERVICES FOR STUDENTS SCHOOL-BASED COURSES: PSAT and SAT (Reasoning) PREPARATION These are low-cost classes, scheduled in area high schools. They include: test-taking tips and strategies, vocabulary development via word attack and review of high frequency words, a review of math formulae, terminology, concepts, and short-cuts. Students gain experience by practicing test questions in class and instructors not only provide answers but also discuss how to solve problems and use logic to derive correct answers. Classes are taught by Dr. Gagnon and/ or her staff. Courses are held throughout the Baltimore, Howard, Carroll, Montgomery, Frederick and Anne Arundel County areas. FEES: $225 fee includes tuition, a workbook, exclusive access to an on-line tutorial, class materials, strategy hand-outs, and a $25 non-refundable registration fee. Cancellation policy: All requests for a refund must be made in writing and received before the first day of the class. All refunds are subject to the $25 non-refundable registration fee. Refunds will be issued in the form of a check. Please allow 4-6 weeks for processing. Please check the schedule for dates of upcoming school-based courses. To register please check the registration page of this site. SEMI-PRIVATE TUTORIALS ( 2-8 students in each class) Classes are very small: the range is 2-8 (maximum) students. Students receive 12 hours of instruction. These classes are intensive and thorough. Students are assigned homework which is checked. Student progress is monitored carefully. Content: special attention is given to the critical reading, writing skills and mathematics portions of the new SAT and PSAT. The course includes a thorough review of math concepts, definitions, and skills. An individualized strategy is developed for each student. Effective critical reading techniques are taught. Semi-private classes also emphasize vocabulary development, grammar skills, essay writing, and confidence building. Please call or email Dr. Gagnon for fees and other details (410)442-1600. Please see the schedule for complete listing of semi-private courses. PRIVATE TUTORING for the PSAT and SAT (Reasoning): A very limited number of private tutoring sessions are available. Personalized instruction is available and is scheduled at times mutually convenient to Dr. Gagnon, her staff, and the student. Math only or Critical Reading only is also available. Students practice using actual SAT's that were given to students in the past. Homework is given and checked. An INITIAL CONSULTATION is highly recommended. In this one-hour consultation with the student and at least one parent, Dr. Gagnon will analyze the results of previous testing (e.g. PSAT or SAT), complete an item-analysis, identify areas of strengths/weaknesses, and make specific recommendations for the student's consideration. Students will receive a written report of Dr. Gagnon's recommendation. COLLEGE PLACEMENT/ CAREER COUNSELING/ACADEMIC PLANNING: Dr. Gagnon assists students and their parents in every aspect of the college selection process. She helps families construct an initial list of colleges that match the student's interests, abilities, as well as the family's financial situation. She provides counseling regarding completing the application process, writing the personal statement or essay, identifying people to provide strong references, scheduling a successful campus visit, as well as understanding the financial aid and scholarship process. If requested, she will provide career tests and personality inventories to help students choose a major and identify possible career options. She will also provide guidance regarding high school and/or college course selection. TELEPHONE CONSULTATION Dr. Gagnon is available to consult with parents over the telephone regarding academic issues such as course selection, PSAT/ SAT preparation, college selection. SERVICES FOR SCHOOLS: PSAT and SAT (Reasoning) Preparation: Classes meet in schools on Saturdays, Sundays, or week nights. Tuition is very low. Participating schools: Centennial, Glenelg, Hammond, Howard, Mt. Hebron, Reservoir, Long Reach, Oakland Mills, Winters Mill, Westminster, Century, Liberty, South Carroll, Meade, Arundel, St. Mary's, North East, Seton Keough, Calvert Hall, Good Counsel, Chapelgate, Takoma Academy plus schools in Delaware. Parent Programs Held in Schools: These are one-hour presentations on two topics: TOPIC #1 'The PSAT -SAT' and TOPIC #2' The College Selection Process' Dr. Gagnon also conducts Teacher In-service Workshops (for faculty, counselors, administrators, school boards): TOPIC: ' The PSAT and SAT (Reasoning)' *Note: a Summary of Answers component may be added for schools that order these reports. |
“For the last four years, Dr. Martha Gagnon has facilitated our SAT review for a group of high achieving students in their sophomore year. Her vast knowledge as an educator, administrator, counselor and consultant came together to focus all her expertise and talents on developing the skills of our students. Her desire, dedication, and nurturing presence contributed to our students’ phenomenal gains on their PSAT and SAT. In addition, her test interpretation skills have been a great benefit to our staff and aided them in the revision of our curriculum. Dr. Gagnon genuinely cares about the impact of her program, as evidenced by her dependable follow up.” -Ms. Susan MacPherson, Guidance Director, St. Elizabeth H.S., Wilmington, DE |