Podcasts about test prep

This episode will motivate you to get going on your Round 1 MBA materials, and will cover what makes the most sense for you to be working on right now before applications are released.

Mentoring Matters• Matthew Petrafetta founded Academic Approach in 2001 after valuing transformative mentors in literature and psychology.• He aims to replicate that coaching DNA for students' academic growth.Passion-Driven Learning• Tutors “meet the student where they are,” linking content to interests (music, math, literature).• “From curiosity comes interest…success”—personalization boosts commitment.Start Early & Space Learning• Ideal to begin SAT/ACT prep in 10th grade—students see 3× more score growth vs. starting spring of junior year.• Tests cover 7th–11th grade curriculum; spaced practice beats cramming.Diagnostic-First Strategy• Every student takes a practice SAT (out of 1600) and ACT (out of 36).• Choose the test where score is higher and the student feels more confident. SAT vs. ACT, No Bias• All U.S. colleges accept either test equally—regional preferences disappeared years ago.• “Standardized tests are one thing; students are not.” Personal fit matters. Test-Optional Reality• Many schools now require or “highly prefer” scores to compare GPAs across varied high-school scales.• Strong scores can unlock merit aid (e.g., $250K National Merit Scholarship, auto-admit thresholds).Building Confidence & Skills• One-on-one tutoring treats teens as intellectuals, improving scores, skills, and self-belief.• Skills transfer: students report college essays and even the MCAT benefitting from test-prep training.Next Steps• Complimentary diagnostics and consultations at academicapproach.com• Personalized plans follow only after student buy-in and goal-setting.Connect with Shellee Howard: WebsiteYouTubeInstagram  LinkedIn  Email: shellee@collegereadyplan.com Connect with Matthew Pietrafetta: WebsiteYouTubeInstagram  LinkedInEmail: matthew.pietrafetta@academicapproach.com 

In this insightful conversation between Shelley Howard and Elliot Felix, Felix—shares valuable guidance on preparing students not just to enter college but to thrive throughout their college journey and beyond. He emphasizes the importance of community, support systems, and aligning coursework with career goals to maximize the college experience. Elliot breaks down complex academic research into practical strategies, such as setting process-based goals and finding mentors, which significantly improve student outcomes. He candidly addresses the evolving value of college in today's economic landscape, highlighting that success is not guaranteed but can be increased by purposeful engagement and preparation. Elliot also explores how families can decide if college is the right path for their child, emphasizing alternative educational routes and realistic planning. His two books, How to Get the Most Out of College and the forthcoming The Connected College, aim to empower students, families, and institutions to foster environments conducive to student success. Ultimately, Felix advocates a design-thinking approach to life and college, encouraging students to prototype their decisions through exploration, research, and mentorship. HighlightsElliot Felix emphasizes the critical difference between getting into college and truly succeeding once there.Students need a sense of belonging and community to thrive in college.Aligning coursework with career goals through real projects creates meaningful learning experiences.Process-based goals (e.g., completing tasks) outperform vague performance-based goals (e.g., earning a grade).Finding mentors doubles the likelihood students will value their education and succeed professionally.College's worth depends largely on how students engage, not just on where they attend.Viewing college and life decisions as a “prototype” allows for flexible learning and growth.Key InsightsProcess-Based vs. Performance-Based Goals: Elliot underscores research from MIT that process-based goals—clear, actionable steps—are far more effective for student success than vague performance goals tied to outcomes. This approach helps students focus on controllable behaviors, reduces anxiety, and builds momentum.Sense of Belonging as Foundation for Success: A strong peer community is essential. Feeling connected to a group helps students engage more deeply, access support, and overcome challenges, which boosts retention and graduation rates. Colleges should encourage social and academic integration early.Connecting Coursework with Real-World Careers: Elliot highlights the value of projects that simulate or connect to actual career tasks, helping students experiment with potential fields and build relevant experience. This practical application helps make education more relevant and supports future employment.Mentorship Is a Game-Changer: Referencing Gallup studies, Elliot points out that students with mentors are twice as likely to feel their education was worth it and to be engaged in their careers. Mentorship provides guidance, networking, and emotional support critical for navigating college and work life successfully.Reevaluating the Value and Risk of College: Research shows lifetime earnings can be significantly higher for graduates, but only about 60% of students graduate within six years, making college a risky investment for some. Success hinges on preparation, financial planning, and purposeful engagement rather than blind attendance.Expanding the Definition of College: Elliot stresses that college isn't just four-year universities but also includes community colleges, apprenticeships, and boot camps. Different forms of postsecondary education can suit different students' needs, avoiding a “one size fits all” mentality.Design Thinking and Prototyping Life Choices: Viewing decisions about majors, schools, and careers as prototypes to test and refine reduces pressure and increases adaptability. By encouraging exploration and seeking feedback, students can make more informed choices—ultimately leading to greater success.This interview offers parents and students practical, research-backed advice to navigate higher education more effectively while promoting a more holistic and nuanced understanding of what it means to be “college ready.” The blend of research, personal stories, and actionable tips provides a roadmap for making college a transformative and worthwhile experience.Connect with Shellee Howard:WebsiteYouTubeInstagramLinkedInEmail: shellee@collegereadyplan.comWebsiteYouTubeInstagramLinkedInEmail: elliot@connectedcollege.org  

The Tests and the Rest podcast has always been relentlessly focused on exploring important topics in testing, admissions, education, and learning with amazing expert guests. Sometimes, though, we enjoy an unstructured opportunity to discuss our own takes on major issues, upcoming events, and our endeavors at the intersection of business and education. Catch up with us in the latest episode of EXTEMP with Amy & Mike. What are five things you will learn in this episode? How was the IECA Conference in Detroit? Was our presentation on Scaling Your Practice well received? What projects are Mike and Amy working on? Who should attend the Game Plan for the Enhanced ACT seminar? What does the next month hold for Amy and Mike? We definitely want to respond to listener questions in our next EXTEMP episode, so reach out to us on social media or get in touch through our contact page. Let's get this Tests and the Rest mailbag rolling! LINKS 2025 NTPA National Conference RELATED EPISODES EXTEMP WITH AMY & MIKE: April 2025 EXTEMP WITH AMY & MIKE: March 2025 EXTEMP WITH AMY & MIKE: February 2025 EXTEMP WITH AMY & MIKE: January 2025 EXTEMP WITH AMY & MIKE: December 2024 ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page. ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Mike Bergin is the president of Chariot Learning and founder of TestBright. Amy Seeley is the president of Seeley Test Pros and LEAP. If you're interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, feel free to get in touch through our contact page.  

The last thing anybody wants to do is sit for a meaningless test. Entrance exams like the SAT & ACT should be able to inform both test takers and target institutions about the likelihood of success at the next level. So do they? Amy and Mike invited educator David Blobaum to explore the predictive validity of test scores in college admissions. What are five things you will learn in this episode? Research says that SAT/ACT scores are better predictors of success at Ivy-plus colleges than are high school grades–why? Have any other colleges beyond the Ivy-plus colleges made similar statements? Why have colleges not gone back to requiring test scores then if they're so predictive? Do test-optional colleges value SAT/ACT scores? Are test-blind colleges blind to all tests? MEET OUR GUEST David Blobaum graduated from the University of Chicago with honors both from the college and in his major. In college, he took seriously the University of Chicago's aim of a “Renaissance” or well-rounded education and took courses in 17 different disciplines, ranging from Statistics and Economics to Philosophy and Art History. Since then, he has devoted himself to helping students reach their potential on the SAT and ACT and, more broadly, to help them succeed through education.  To that end, in 2013, he founded Summit Prep with a former UChicago classmate. They now have two tutoring centers in New Jersey, and their team of SAT/ACT experts privately tutors over 500 students per year. David is a consultant to schools on SAT/ACT best practices, personally trains each Summit Prep tutor one-on-one, and tutors a select few students himself. David not only teaches students the necessary subject matter but also motivates them to continually strive towards their potential. David first appeared on the podcast in episode 79 to discuss Why The SAT And ACT Are Awesome, in episode 582 to discuss The Need For Testing Sites In California, and in episode 421 for a Sponsor Spotlight. Find David at https://summitprep.com/. LINKS Common Data Set AP Exam Scores Are Important For College Admissions  The Rumors Are... True. Testing is Coming Back. SAT And ACT Scores Are More Predictive Than Grades? RELATED EPISODES HOW GRADING POLICIES INFLUENCE GRADE INFLATION WHO LOSES WHEN WE ABOLISH ENTRANCE EXAMS? WHY TESTS MATTER: STUDENT PERSPECTIVES WHY UC WAS WRONG TO STOP USING THE SAT ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page. ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Mike Bergin is the president of Chariot Learning and founder of TestBright. Amy Seeley is the president of Seeley Test Pros and LEAP. If you're interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, feel free to get in touch through our contact page.  

Episode 111 – Next Steps for A-Ha Going through state exam questions to help real estate students pass their state exam.  What I've been up to. Private messages about questions.  Memorizing test questions. DO NOT CHEAT!!  List of recent grads: Lydia, Ellena, Debra, Sahzad, Vince, Dana, Donna, Jerry, Danielle, Nautie, Dawn, Kim, BJ, Sasha, Darlene, Alex, Charlie, Rachel, Derrell, Maddox, Charles, Jeff, Gabe, Chanita, Carline, Junalee, Ashely, Briana, Zack, Melanie, Tara, Caitlin, Naomi, Elena, Darren, Emalee, Joshua, Tiffany, Blaire, William, Jodi, Melody, Melissa, Andjie, Andrew, Amanda, Jack, Eileen, Samantha, Brannon, Emily, Elyssa, Ricky, Jennifer, Maurice, Mackenzie, Renee, Bryce, Kelsey, Ahmad, Kari, Shannon, Daniel, Jennifer, Jessica, Mike, Vickie, Chelsea, Kae, Regina, Elisabeth, Her Pao, Carrie Ann, Nicole, Angie, Ellena, LaTrice, Tricia, Channpreet, Benjamin, Kaizer, Mickie, Vince, Jamie, Bryan, Katie, and Taryn..  Listener messages: Lydian (Arizona), Rachel (Indiana), Maddox (Pennsylvania, and Taryn (North Carolina)  Going on hiatus; nothing new to record  Keep sending me your messages  Working on “Part B” of this show; teaching you beyond the exam.  Farewell…for now!  Go to www.ahareep.com and sign up for the program for only $35, use discount code: legend15 to save 15% off.  Go to www.indianarealestateinstitute.com for Indiana real estate classes.  A-Ha LINKS  Email info@ahareep.com Web www.ahareep.com Facebook https://www.facebook.com/AHA.REEP YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrxAjI5Li4Ll3Epwcyc0i6A

Questions? Comments? Suggestions? Click here! Stephanie Mead shares her journey as an "accidental entrepreneur" who built a successful college consulting business by trusting her instincts over conventional business wisdom. Her experience demonstrates that personal authenticity can be the strongest foundation for business success.• Started as a test prep tutor while pursuing an acting career over 30 years ago• Discovered her natural talent for connecting with teenagers • Transitioned organically into college consulting through client demand• Grew a tutoring team to 15 people before scaling back to focus on what she loved• Found that a smaller business actually generated more take-home profit• Implemented an innovative hourly billing system instead of traditional packages• Recently added two associates using a profit-sharing model rather than employment• Uses a virtual assistant to handle administrative tasks, improving efficiency• Believes strongly in being true to yourself in business decisionsIf you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify or share it with a friend in the college consulting industry.

Special Announcement: We will be giving a talk at the Snohomish City Library in Washington about getting started in homeschooling. If you live in the area feel free to come out and say hello! Date: Saturday, June 21st Time: 2pm-4pm Location: Snohomish, Wa City Library Test day is here—now what? In the final episode of our test prep series, we're diving into key strategies to help your child succeed on exam day. From managing time effectively to handling tricky questions, we'll cover the best test-taking techniques to reduce stress and maximize performance. Learn how to approach different question types, stay focused under pressure, and use strategic guessing when needed. Whether your child is taking a standardized test, a state assessment, or any major exam, these principles will give them the confidence to do their best. Support The Podcast If you like what you hear, consider supporting the podcast: https://homeschooltogether.gumroad.com/l/support Consider Leaving Us A Review If you have a quick moment please consider leaving a review on iTunes - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/homeschool-together-podcast/id1526685583 Show Notes Harcourt Family Press Test Prep - https://youtu.be/6hSapTxG8aE?si=w9XZIlN-vRmGM8GP The Kobayashi Maru - https://youtu.be/aBS51qz0uYg?si=LAp-ZJaVwF11rEeQ Connect with us Website: http://www.homeschool-together.com/ Store: https://gumroad.com/homeschooltogether Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/homeschooltogether Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/homeschooltogetherpodcast/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/homeschooltogetherpodcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/hs_together The Gameschool Co-Op: https://www.facebook.com/groups/gameschoolcoop/ Email: homeschooltogetherpodcast@gmail.com

The ACT has been a remarkably stable exam, administered in roughly the same way for decades. However, a new version is on the horizon, and some intrepid souls have braved the uncertainty of the field test to experience it. Amy and Mike invited someone who sat for the April 2025 Enhanced ACT to share the test taker's perspective. What are five things you will learn in this episode? What were your general impressions about the enhanced ACT test experience in the digital format? What did you find to be the same on the enhanced ACT? What did you find to be different on the enhanced ACT? What recommendations would you have for a student taking the new Enhanced ACT? What should tutors know about tutoring for the new Enhanced ACT? MEET OUR GUEST Our guest today has her master's degree in higher education and has worked in multiple areas of college administration. She has been a professional SAT and ACT tutor for the last 10 years and works with students across the US for several test prep companies. She understands the preparation necessary to do well on standardized tests, especially the ACT. She prides herself on the scores she has earned on officially administered ACTs in recent years, earning consistent 36 composites. Most importantly, she recently took the first digital enhanced ACT on April 5, 2025. LINKS ACT Test Enhancements ACT Enhancement Content Rebalancing RELATED EPISODES ALL ABOUT THE ACT TEST ENHANCEMENTS CHOOSING BETWEEN THE DIGITAL SAT AND THE ACT COMPARING PAPER- AND COMPUTER-BASED TESTING ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page. ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Mike Bergin is the president of Chariot Learning and founder of TestBright. Amy Seeley is the president of Seeley Test Pros and LEAP. If you're interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, feel free to get in touch through our contact page.  

Special Announcement: We will be giving a talk at the Snohomish City Library in Washington about getting started in homeschooling. If you live in the area feel free to come out and say hello! Date: Saturday, June 21st Time: 2pm-4pm Location: Snohomish, Wa City Library Now that you have the right test prep materials, how do you actually use them to help your child succeed? In this episode, we'll break down how to create a study plan, build test-taking stamina, and reduce test anxiety. We'll cover strategies for scheduling study sessions, using practice tests effectively, and helping your child manage their time during an exam. Plus, we'll discuss how to simulate a real testing environment at home so your child feels confident and prepared when test day arrives. Whether you're preparing for state assessments, standardized exams, or any big test, this episode will give you the tools to create a low-stress, structured approach to studying! Support The Podcast If you like what you hear, consider supporting the podcast: https://homeschooltogether.gumroad.com/l/support Consider Leaving Us A Review If you have a quick moment please consider leaving a review on iTunes - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/homeschool-together-podcast/id1526685583 Show Notes Harcourt Family Press Test Prep - https://youtu.be/6hSapTxG8aE?si=w9XZIlN-vRmGM8GP Connect with us Website: http://www.homeschool-together.com/ Store: https://gumroad.com/homeschooltogether Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/homeschooltogether Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/homeschooltogetherpodcast/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/homeschooltogetherpodcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/hs_together The Gameschool Co-Op: https://www.facebook.com/groups/gameschoolcoop/ Email: homeschooltogetherpodcast@gmail.com

The Advanced Placement exams represent some of the most challenging subject-specific standardized tests a high schooler might ever take, and AP Economics is no exception. Amy and Mike believe that every test warrants smart, serious preparation, so we invited educator Michael Rodriguez to share valuable strategies, insights, and resources for getting ready for the AP Economics exam.  What are five things you will learn in this episode? What is tested on the Macro vs Micro AP Economics exam? How do students score points on the AP Economics exam? What are the highest priority topics on the tests? How should students prepare for the AP Economics exam? What are the best prep materials for AP Economics? MEET OUR GUEST Michael Rodriguez is a national champion speaker and debater. While he was competing, he claimed the title of national champion in Parliamentary Debate from Phi Rho Pi in 2009. Michael completed his undergraduate degree in economics at Cal State Fullerton in 2012. While in school he helped perform research on the long term implications of training students to become financially and economically literate. After college he worked as an economic consultant to law firms.   For the past 10 years, Michael has worked as a teacher at Modern Brain Academy in Irvine California and as a private tutor in AP economics.  When students learn from coach Michael, they learn how to think like an economist. Find Michael at michael@modernbrain.com. LINKS AP Microeconomics – AP Students | College Board AP Macroeconomics – AP Students | College Board 5 Steps to a 5 500 Must-Know AP Microeconomics/Macroeconomics Questions Jacob Clifford - YouTube RELATED EPISODES BIG CHANGES TO AP TESTS IN 2025 ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page. ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Mike Bergin is the president of Chariot Learning and founder of TestBright. Amy Seeley is the president of Seeley Test Pros and LEAP. If you're interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, feel free to get in touch through our contact page.  

The Advanced Placement exams represent some of the most challenging subject-specific standardized tests a high schooler might ever take, and AP Precalculus is no exception. Amy and Mike believe that every test warrants smart, serious preparation, so we invited educator Joey Lin to share valuable strategies, insights, and resources for getting ready for the AP Precalculus exam.  What are five things you will learn in this episode? What is tested on the AP Precalculus exam? How do students score points on the AP Precalculus exam? What are the highest priority topics on the test? How should students prepare for the AP Precalculus exam? What are the best prep materials for AP Precalculus? MEET OUR GUEST Joey Lin's journey in test preparation and college admissions began in 2005 when he landed a job with Kaplan. From that moment, he was hooked on helping students navigate the pre-college process. Over the years, he has worked with a range of institutions, including Preply, PrepExpert, Northwestern University's Office of Admissions, and the University of California Office of Admissions. At Thinque Prep, Joey has dedicated himself to delivering comprehensive and results-driven programs. Whether guiding students through the SAT and ACT, leading AP exam prep courses, or providing strategic college counseling, his mission remains the same: to equip students with the skills and confidence they need to succeed. Although his career has expanded in many directions, Joey still finds joy in teaching AP content—especially math and physics, the subjects he loved most as a high schooler. Beyond test prep, Joey is deeply committed to mentorship and education reform. He frequently hosts webinars, workshops, and live sessions, providing students and parents with the knowledge they need to navigate the competitive admissions landscape successfully. Find Joey at http://www.thinqueprep.com. LINKS AP Precalculus – AP Students | College Board AP Precalculus Activities - Bryan Passwater • Collection AP Precalculus - Mr. Sindel RELATED EPISODES BIG CHANGES TO AP TESTS IN 2025 GETTING READY FOR THE AP CALCULUS AB OR BC EXAM GETTING READY FOR THE AP STATISTICS EXAM ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page. ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Mike Bergin is the president of Chariot Learning and founder of TestBright. Amy Seeley is the president of Seeley Test Pros and LEAP. If you're interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, feel free to get in touch through our contact page.  

In this episode, Stacey Koprince from Manhattan Prep discusses the essential considerations when preparing to take a business school entrance exam. Stacey breaks down her top prep strategies and emphasizes the importance of understanding your study timeline, effective study techniques, recognizing when to take breaks, and the value of collaborative study. Additionally, she highlights the significance of practice tests in gauging progress and structuring a personalized study plan to ensure GMAT success. And of course, no conversation about GMAT prep is complete without covering all three sections of the exam: Quant, Verbal, and Data Insights. Resources: Manhattan Prep's Free GMAT Starter Kit GMAC's Official GMAT Free Starter Kit Takeaways: Preparing for business school starts before studying begins, and sometimes that prep even includes choosing a school/program. Even if a school/program is test optional, an entrance exam can enhance your application. Aim to start studying 3-5 months out, with five or six days of study each week. Prep tips: take breaks, set a timer for short study sessions can help overcome procrastination, and study in groups. Practice tests are essential for gauging progress, identifying weaknesses, and establishing a baseline score. Focus on actionable takeaways from mistakes to improve performance. Structuring your study in phases can lead to more effective learning. You have strengths and weaknesses in your review process. Understand the different question types and strategies for each. Utilize free resources and official materials from GMAC and Manhattan Prep for effective preparation! Chapters 00:00 Introduction 03:48 Choosing a Program 10:24 Exam Requirements 19:09 The Right Time to Take an Exam 23:40 Part-Time vs Full-Time Programs 27:51 GMAT Prep Timeline 32:24 Prep Motivation Techniques 37:13 Studying with Others 41:47 Practice Exams 45:34 How to Retain What You've Learned 52:46 GMAT Study Phases 59:36 Exam Best Practices 01:10:17 Recommended Prep Products 01:14:15 Key Takeaways 01:17:21 Conclusion

Special Announcement: We will be giving a talk at the Snohomish City Library in Washington about getting started in homeschooling. If you live in the area feel free to come out and say hello! Date: Saturday, June 21st Time: 2pm-4pm Location: Snohomish, Wa City Library Choosing the right test prep materials can make all the difference in helping your homeschool student feel confident and prepared for exams. In this episode, we'll explore the best resources for test preparation, including books, workbooks, online programs, practice tests, and study aids like flashcards. We'll break down the pros and cons of each option and discuss how to choose materials that fit your child's learning style. Whether you're preparing for state assessments, standardized tests, or other exams, this episode will help you build a strong foundation for test success! Support The Podcast If you like what you hear, consider supporting the podcast: https://homeschooltogether.gumroad.com/l/support Consider Leaving Us A Review If you have a quick moment please consider leaving a review on iTunes - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/homeschool-together-podcast/id1526685583 Show Notes Harcourt Family Press Test Prep - https://youtu.be/6hSapTxG8aE?si=w9XZIlN-vRmGM8GP Smarter Balanced - https://smarterbalanced.org/ iReady - https://i-readycentral.com/familycenter/ Chester Beatty Museaum - https://chesterbeatty.ie/ Connect with us Website: http://www.homeschool-together.com/ Store: https://gumroad.com/homeschooltogether Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/homeschooltogether Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/homeschooltogetherpodcast/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/homeschooltogetherpodcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/hs_together The Gameschool Co-Op: https://www.facebook.com/groups/gameschoolcoop/ Email: homeschooltogetherpodcast@gmail.com

The Advanced Placement exams represent some of the most challenging subject-specific standardized tests a high schooler might ever take, and the various AP World Language and Culture exams are no exception. Amy and Mike believe that every test warrants smart, serious preparation, so we invited educator Milton Alan Turner to share valuable strategies, insights, and resources for getting ready for AP World Language exams. What are five things you will learn in this episode? What is tested on AP World Language and Culture exams? How do students score points on AP Language exams? What are the highest priority topics on AP Language exams? How should students prepare for AP Language exams? What are the best prep materials for AP Language exams? MEET OUR GUEST Milton Alan Turner has taught French, Spanish, and now AP African American Studies at Saint Ignatius High School since 1987. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in French and Linguistics from Georgetown University and master's degrees from Cleveland State University in Educational Technology and in Global Interactions.   Alan currently serves on the Board of Directors at ACTFL as its President, on the Shaker Heights Public Library Board of Trustees, on the AATF Commission on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, is a member of La Maison Française de Cleveland's Board of Directors and is an NAACP Silver Life member. He has participated in two Fulbright-Hays Summer Seminars Abroad in Morocco & Tunisia and Thailand & Vietnam and in three National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) Summer Seminars and Institutes studying world literature, Arabic language & culture, and US foreign policy.   Alan has served as a Reader, Table Leader, and Question Leader at the AP French Reading and is an AP Workshop consultant. He has been a member of the SAT French Development Committee, the AATF Standards Task Force, the Ohio Seal of Biliteracy Expert Advisory Group, co-chair of the Ohio World Languages Standards Revision Advisory Committee, and president of the Ohio Foreign Language Association.  He was awarded a 2000 MBNA Excellence in Education Grant, named a 2011 Microsoft US Innovative Educator, chosen the 2014 Ohio World Language Teacher of the Year, listed in the 2017 Who's Who in Black Cleveland, and won the Saint Ignatius High School Trailblazer Award in 2020. This summer, he will be one of 14 educators selected to participate in the AATF Fulbright-Hays Group Project Abroad to Côte d'Ivoire to study West African storytelling traditions.  Since 2021, Alan has hosted the podcast Milton Alan Turner: Worldviews. Find Milton at maturner@me.com. LINKS AP French Language and Culture AP German Language and Culture AP Italian Language and Culture AP Spanish Language and Culture RELATED EPISODES Big Changes to AP Tests in 2025 Getting Ready For The AP Literature Exam Getting Ready For The AP Language Exam ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page. ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Mike Bergin is the president of Chariot Learning and founder of TestBright. Amy Seeley is the president of Seeley Test Pros and LEAP. If you're interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, feel free to get in touch through our contact page.

In this episode, Mary sits down with Neill Seltzer from Score Smart—the "test prep genius" who truly studies this stuff—to explore everything parents, students, and educators need to know about test preparation today. They discuss the evolving landscape of standardized testing, practical strategies, and how data-driven insights are revolutionizing the way tutors work with students. Learn how Score Smart's cutting-edge platform (now being implemented at Evolved!) leverages powerful data to help tutors better understand student behaviors, adjust strategies effectively, and ultimately achieve outstanding results. Score Smart Website: https://score-smart.com/ If you'd like to dive deeper into specific strategies, please join me on SuperCast. As a subscriber, for just $5 a month, you'll get access to my private weekly feed where I share exclusive ideas and answer audience questions about learning and admissions. Go here to join! https://beevolved.supercast.com/ Have a question or comment? I'd love to hear from you. You can reach out anytime at admin@evolveded.com.  Please click the button to subscribe so you don't miss any episodes and leave a review if your favorite podcast app has that ability. Thank you! For the full transcript of today's episode along with our terms, conditions, and disclaimers and privacy policies, visit the Evolved Education website at: https://evolvededucationcompany.com/resources/podcast/ © 2021 - 2025 Mary Miele

Mental math trains working memory, boosts confidence, supports faster problem-solving, enhances number sense, and facilitates everyday calculations. So why do so many teachers deemphasize this valuable academic and life skill? Amy and Mike invited educator Mike McGibbon to explore the value of mental math and automaticity. What are five things you will learn in this episode? Why do you need mental math if you have a calculator? What does automaticity mean and why is it important? What are some examples of higher-level problem types that depend upon automatic math skills? What is math debt? Why is mental math important in everyday life? MEET OUR GUEST Mike McGibbon started tutoring at Kaplan while he was a student at UC Berkeley. After graduating in 2002, he moved to NYC to study music and play the trumpet professionally. During this time, Mike also worked for several NYC tutoring agencies, and eventually transitioned to a full-time tutoring career. He now runs his own solo tutoring practice, focusing on the ACT, SAT, and ISEE. He is also CEO and co-founder of Mathchops.com  and Grammarchops.com, adaptive math and grammar practice tools. Today, Mike teaches in Westchester County, where he lives with his wife and three kids. He also provides free advice through articles and videos on www.nyctestprepadvice.com and the Mathchops YouTube channel. Mike previously appeared on this podcast in episode 165 to discuss Differences Between SAT and ACT Math, episode 372 to explain Making Learning Science Work For You, episode 332 for a SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT: Mathchops, episode 480 to discuss How Standardization Can Benefit Education, and in episode 532 to discuss All About Digital SAT Math. Mike can be reached at mike@mathchops.com. LINKS The Top Six Reasons Why Mental Math is Important and Useful Math Debt RELATED EPISODES MATHEMATICAL MATURITY & TEST SUCCESS HIGH IMPACT STRATEGIES TO HELP STUDENTS SUCCEED IN MATH HOW TESTS AID MEMORY ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page. ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Mike Bergin is the president of Chariot Learning and founder of TestBright. Amy Seeley is the president of Seeley Test Pros and LEAP. If you're interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, feel free to get in touch through our contact page.

Standardized testing season is just around the corner, and if the thought of long testing days, endless review packets, and restless students already has you stressed, you're not alone. In this episode of our Dear Stellar Teacher series, Sara and Emily are sharing realistic and encouraging strategies to help you navigate test prep season with more joy, confidence, and intention—without overwhelming your students (or yourself!).From building test-taking stamina to rethinking how we review and prep, this conversation is packed with actionable ideas to help you maintain a positive classroom environment and keep students motivated and supported during testing season. Plus, you'll hear some of our favorite ways to create balance and avoid burnout, so your students can show up on test day feeling confident and calm.We also share a few common mistakes to avoid during the final weeks of test prep, along with our go-to ways to maintain your normal literacy routines while still meeting test prep goals. Whether you're a test-season veteran or heading into your first round of state assessments, this episode will help you finish the year strong—with a little more fun and a lot less stress.Join us in the Stellar Literacy Collective Membership: stellarteacher.com/join!Fill out the Dear Stellar Teacher form for a chance to be featured on a future episode.Sign up for my FREE private podcast, the Confident Writer Systems Series, here!Sign up for my FREE Revision Made Easy email series here!Follow me on Instagram @thestellarteachercompany. To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode247.

In this first episode of our series on preparing for and taking exams, we explore why testing is valuable for homeschool students. While many parents question the need for formal or standardized testing, there are actually numerous benefits to including assessments in your homeschool routine. Whether it's for state requirements or simply to measure progress, testing helps students gain important life skills, boosts confidence, and can guide both parents and students in their academic journey. If you've ever wondered why testing matters, tune in to this episode where we break down the reasons and share why it's more than just a requirement. Support The Podcast If you like what you hear, consider supporting the podcast: https://homeschooltogether.gumroad.com/l/support Consider Leaving Us A Review If you have a quick moment please consider leaving a review on iTunes - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/homeschool-together-podcast/id1526685583 Connect with us Website: http://www.homeschool-together.com/ Store: https://gumroad.com/homeschooltogether Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/homeschooltogether Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/homeschooltogetherpodcast/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/homeschooltogetherpodcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/hs_together The Gameschool Co-Op: https://www.facebook.com/groups/gameschoolcoop/ Email: homeschooltogetherpodcast@gmail.com

Fun test prep may seem like an oxymoron, but in this tip for tomorrow, Melanie shares a few ways you can bring movement, collaboration, and agency into getting students ready to take assessments. Send us a textPlease subscribe to our podcast and leave us ratings/reviews on your favorite listening platform.You may contact us directly if you want us to consult with your school district. Melanie Meehan: meehanmelanie@gmail.com Stacey Shubitz: stacey@staceyshubitz.com Email us at contact@twowritingteachers.org for affiliate or sponsorship opportunities.For more about teaching writing, head to the Two Writing Teachers blog.

A test platform by tutors and for tutors Better SAT and ACT Tests, Smarter Analytics with educators Sonya Muthalia and Neill Seltzer  What are five things you will learn in this episode? What is the story behind ScoreSmart? Which tests does ScoreSmart support? Who currently uses ScoreSmart?  What kinds of outcomes do users experience?  What should someone curious about ScoreSmart know about it? ABOUT SCORESMART ScoreSmart is the brainchild of Sonya Muthalia and Neill Seltzer. ScoreSmart is dedicated to giving discerning tutors tests they can trust, scores calibrated to the real thing, and meaningful insights into student behaviors. ScoreSmart was built by tutors, for tutors and is the practice test engine of choice for many of the top tutors and tutoring companies in the world. ScoreSmart offers 20 DSAT tests, including three "extra spicy" tests for top scorers, 4 Enhanced ACTs with another two on the way, and three ISEEs with another ten on the way. All tests are validated with actual user data and are regularly reviewed to ensure accuracy.  The ScoreSmart platform is available in a white label format so the entire student experience can be skinned with your company branding. There is no charge for adding students, so tutors can add an unlimited number of students to the platform and all student are automatically given access to a free SAT, a free current and Enhanced ACT, and the ability to upload results for Bluebook tests 1-10 and get performance analysis and branded score reports for each. Students can take full tests or single-subject tests. Tutors only pay for the tests that their students actually use. If you'd like to learn more about ScoreSmart or try out some tests, reach out to neill@testperformanceanalytics.com or sonya@testperformanceanalytics.com for a tour of the system and some free tests to test.  LINKS SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT: ScoreSmart with educators Sonya Muthalia and Neill Seltzer NEW SAT TEST SPECIFICATIONS with educators Neill Seltzer and Sonya Muthalia SUCCESS IN COMPUTER-BASED TESTING with educator Sonya Muthalia AVOIDING THE PAGEANT APPROACH TO COLLEGE ADMISSIONS with educator Neill Seltzer ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page. ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Mike Bergin is the president of Chariot Learning and founder of TestBright. Amy Seeley is the president of Seeley Test Pros and LEAP. If you're interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, feel free to get in touch through our contact page.  

If you're a teacher looking for ways to better prepare your students for test-taking, you're in the right place. Today, we're looking into test prep strategies to help your students feel more confident and prepared for any exam.Topics DiscussedTEACHING STUDENTS TO READ & UNDERSTAND QUESTIONSYEAR-ROUND TEST PREP THROUGH QUESTIONINGTEACHING STUDENTS EFFECTIVE TEST-TAKING STRATEGIESHELPING STUDENTS MANAGE TEST ANXIETYResourcesTest-taking strategies wheel: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Test-Taking-Strategies-Guided-Notes-Doodle-Wheel-4th-5th-Grade-Middle-School-43740076th, 7th test prep bundle:https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/6th-7th-Grade-Math-Test-Prep-Review-Packets-Test-Taking-Strategies-Middle-School-11107218A blog post with additional test taking tips: https://thecoloradoclassroom.com/2025/01/effective-test-prep-success.htmlPlease subscribe on your favorite platform so you don't miss an episode. Whether it's Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or some other listening app, we encourage you to take a moment to subscribe to The Teaching Toolbox. And if you feel so inclined, we would love a review at Apple or Spotify to help other listeners find us just like you did.This episode may contain affiliate links.Amazon links are affiliate links from Brittany Naujok and The Colorado Classroom, LLC®. I earn a small amount from your clicks on these links.Let's ConnectTo stay up to date with episodes, check out our Facebook page or follow us on Instagram.Join Brittany's 6th Grade Teacher Success group on Facebook.Join Ellie's Middle School Math Chats group on Facebook.Brittany's resources can be found on her website or on TPT.Ellie's resources can be found on her website or on

Learn everything you need to ace the AP U.S and World History Exams in One Day What are five things you will learn in this episode? What is the story behind Edison Prep AP History Boot Camps? How do Edison Prep AP History Boot Camps work? Do you need to live in Atlanta to attend Edison Prep AP History Boot Camps?  What kinds of outcomes do users experience?  What should someone curious about Edison Prep AP History Boot Camps know about it? ABOUT AP HISTORY BOOT CAMPS Every April, Edison Prep offers AP US and World History Bootcamps in preparation for the May AP exams. These bootcamps incorporate multiple learning activities that use actual past AP exams, effective writing strategies, and activities that keep students engaged while learning test-taking techniques. The history content portions are interspersed between the strategy and essay-writing portions of the bootcamp to maintain a lively atmosphere and to utilize real examples during the pedagogical portions. Greg Hudson and Kelsey Hudson have been teaching AP US History and AP World History, respectively, for decades. In addition to being College Board-approved AP Readers (graders), they have authored AP history questions. Greg has also served as a senior trainer for other AP History essay readers due to the depth of his grading experience. Greg and Kelsey are both scholars of the test, dissecting each year's exams for the benefit of their future students. The students in their AP classes have done very well; over 90% of his students have passed the exam with over 2/3 having received a score of 4 or 5 on the exam. DATES: 4/26/25 or  4/27/25 (same content each day, two date options) LOCATION: Live In person (Atlanta) or remote (nationwide) To learn more, please contact edisonprep.com/aphistory LINKS GETTING READY FOR THE AP US HISTORY EXAM with educator Greg Hudson ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page. ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Mike Bergin is the president of Chariot Learning and founder of TestBright. Amy Seeley is the president of Seeley Test Pros and LEAP. If you're interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, feel free to get in touch through our contact page.  

Traits like cognitive flexibility and impulse control strongly influence student grades and test scores to such an extent that they may be best learned in an academic context. Amy and Mike invited educator Ariel Lieberman to explore the relationship between the three core executive functions and test prep. What are five things you will learn in this episode? What are the core executive functions and why are they important?  How do weak EF skills get in the way of a student's test prep?  Why is executive function best learned in a relevant academic context? What are ideal strategies to build EF skills within the framework of test prep? Does remote instruction influence the effectiveness of EF coaching? MEET OUR GUEST Ariel Akselrad Lieberman is the founder of Your Best Prep, a tutoring company based in Westchester County, NY that helps high school students, both neurotypical and those with learning differences, master the standardized test prep process and achieve their academic goals.  Prior to founding Your Best Prep, Ariel wrote SAT and AP curriculum for Ivy Consulting Group in New York City, where she also worked as a GED tutor for young adults in the criminal justice system as a member of the Ivy League Tutors Foundation.  Ariel has an M.Ed from Manhattanville College School of Education, where she studied Secondary Special Education and was a recipient of the Dean's Award for Innovative Teaching, and a B.A. in history from SUNY-Purchase College, from which she graduated summa cum laude.  Ariel holds a Professional Certificate in Learning Differences (LD) and Neurodiversity with a Specialization in Executive Function through the Landmark College Institute for Research & Training. Ariel previously appeared on this podcast in episode 194 for a Test Prep Profile. Find Ariel at http://www.yourbestprep.com/. LINKS Executive Function: What It Is, How To Improve & Types The False Promise of EF Coaching RELATED EPISODES HOW EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONING PROCESSES IMPACT LEARNING EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONING SKILLS AND TEST PREP  POST PANDEMIC LEARNING LOSS ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page. ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Mike Bergin is the president of Chariot Learning and founder of TestBright. Amy Seeley is the president of Seeley Test Pros and LEAP. If you're interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, feel free to get in touch through our contact page.

Test prep season doesn't have to be stressful! In this episode, we're sharing six easy end-of-year test prep tips to help you simplify the process, weave review into your daily routine, and keep students engaged without overwhelming your schedule. You'll learn practical strategies to boost student confidence, make test prep more effective, and use fun, low-stress activities that actually help with retention.Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and all resources mentioned in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/end-of-year-test-prep-tips/Resources:Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow.Shop our teacher-approved resources.Join our Facebook group, Teacher ApprovedLeave your review on Apple Podcasts!Related Episodes to Enjoy:Episode 183, 2 Smart Test Prep Strategies You Need to Use With Your StudentsEpisode 182, Boost Your Test Prep With These 3 Retrieval Practice ActivitiesEpisode 122, 20 Best Teacher Approved Tips for Surviving Testing SeasonEpisode 121, How to Plan Your Test Prep Around What Content Matters MostEpisode 5, Ditch Your Test Review (This This Instead!)Mentioned in this episode:If you're enjoying this podcast, we would love to hear from you! You can leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/teacher-approved/id1613980327

In Part 2 of our test prep series, we're chatting with Cassi Noack of Minds in Bloom on how to effectively tackle math test prep!She's sharing how task cards can be a game-changer and practical strategies to set students up for math standardized testing success. Don't miss this episode packed with insights to help you focus your prep where it matters most!Episode HighlightsSome of the biggest challenges teachers face when preparing students for state standardized math testsThe MOST important thing to do in order to prep your students for the testHow to keep students engaged and motivated during test prep without it feeling repetitive or overwhelmingQuick and easy test prep strategies that teachers can implement right awayConnect with our guest:Follow Cassi on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindsinbloom.tpt Minds in Bloom WebsiteResources and Links:Math/ELA Membership mibunlimited.com Let's Connect!Check out the episode show notes!Shop TPT ResourcesInstagramWebsiteJoin the Facebook GroupMentioned in this episode:3-Part Test Prep SeriesTesting season is upon us! Tune into The Social Studies Teacher Podcast in March for a special 3-part test prep series with 3 special guests! You can also watch on my Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thesouthernteach

Questions and answers for the civics portion of the Citizenship test covering questions 77-90.

Questions and answers for the civics portions of the citizenship test, covers questions 91-100.

A year ago, an innovative new digital adaptive SAT came to the United States–a year after its first appearance internationally. This is the perfect time to find out how College Board feels about both the obstacles and opportunities encountered over this historic transition. Amy and Mike invited Vice President of SAT Suite Program Maureen Forman to talk all about the digital SAT: how it started and how it's going. What are five things you will learn in this episode? Looking back, what were the most substantial challenges in transforming the SAT to a digital adaptive test? What were the most positive outcomes from the digital transition? What is the current and projected state of the Bluebook practice tests and question bank? What is the role of Khan Academy as College Board's Official Digital SAT Prep Partner? What can students and educators expect from College Board through 2025? MEET OUR GUEST Maureen Forman is the Vice President, SAT Suite Program and Innovation for College Board. Like many of our listeners, Maureen considers herself an educator first and began her career as a high school teacher in the School District of Philadelphia with the New Teacher Project. She earned her Masters in Education from Eastern University before moving into her work with education technology almost 15 years ago.  Maureen's earliest experiences in product management and edtech implementation consulting were with Naviance, a popular college and career readiness application designed to support high school counselors and students' college, career, and life readiness. Maureen joined College Board in 2018 and in partnership with hundreds of dedicated College Board employees, helped to lead the digital transformation of the SAT Suite of assessments which culminated with the final delivery of the world's last paper-based SAT in December 2023. Learn more about the SAT at https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/. LINKS SAT Suite of Assessments Khanmigo RELATED EPISODES THE NEW DIGITAL SAT EXPERIENCE: A STUDENT PERSPECTIVE NEW SAT TEST SPECIFICATIONS HOW THE DIGITAL SAT IS SCORED ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page. ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Mike Bergin is the president of Chariot Learning and founder of TestBright. Amy Seeley is the president of Seeley Test Pros and LEAP. If you're interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, feel free to get in touch through our contact page.

Test prep season is here, and middle school ELA teachers know the struggle—students zoning out while reading passage after passage. In this episode, we're sharing high-impact comprehension strategies that actually work! We'll talk about five strategies that that work for fiction and nonfiction  to help students stay engaged, monitor their understanding, and tackle test passages with confidence.

In Part 1 of our test prep series, we're joined by Angela of Custom Classroom by Angela to rethink what it really means to “teach to the test.” She's sharing strategies to make ELA test prep meaningful, engaging, and effective—without sacrificing great instruction. Tune in for actionable tips to help your students feel confident and ready for test day!Episode HighlightsThe toughest part of getting students ready for high-stakes ELA testsSimple but effective ways teachers can help students understand how a test is structured so they feel confident going into test dayEasy ways teachers can help students break down and understand tough vocabularyBest test-tasking strategies to "be smarter than the test" Ways to can prep students without making it feel overwhelmingSteps to putting together a solid ELA test prep planConnect with our guest:Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@customclassroombyangelaFacebook https://www.facebook.com/people/Custom-Classroom-By-Angela/61550264731197/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/customclassroombyangela/Resources and Links:Best selling ELA Test Prep Bundle https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/STAAR-ELA-Reading-Test-Prep-Passages-Comprehension-Questions-3rd-4th-5th-Grade-44897754 Week Boot Camp video https://youtu.be/NRSFGTremYY?si=3c3Bpv1whZSqfdjNLet's Connect!Check out the episode show notes!Shop TPT ResourcesInstagramWebsiteJoin the Facebook GroupMentioned in this episode:3-Part Test Prep SeriesTesting season is upon us! Tune into The Social Studies Teacher Podcast in March for a special 3-part test prep series with 3 special guests! You can also watch on my Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thesouthernteach

This episode covers questions 54-64 in the civics part of the citizenship prep test.

This episode reviews questions 65-75 of the civics section of the citizenship prep test.

Are your students forgetting everything by test day? In this episode, we're sharing smart test prep strategies that actually help students retain and apply what they've learned—without last-minute cramming. You'll discover two research-backed methods that make information stick, why some common test prep practices might be doing more harm than good, and an easy way to integrate these strategies into your daily routine. Plus, don't forget to grab our morning work spiral review pages to reinforce key concepts effortlessly!Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and all resources mentioned in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/smart-test-prep-strategies/Resources:Powerful Teaching: Unleash the Science of Learning by Pooja K. Agarwal and Patrice M. Bain Be Ready When the Luck Happens by Ina GartenSpiral Review Morning WorkFiber Well GummiesConnect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow.Shop our teacher-approved resources.Join our Facebook group, Teacher ApprovedLeave your review on Apple Podcasts!Related Episodes to Enjoy:Episode 182, Boost Your Test Prep With These 3 Retrieval Practice ActivitiesEpisode 122, 20 Best Teacher Approved Tips for Surviving Testing SeasonEpisode 121, How to Plan Your Test Prep Around What Content Matters MostEpisode 5, Ditch Your Test Review (This This Instead!)Episode 3, Strengthening the BrainMentioned in this episode:If you're enjoying this podcast, we would love to hear from you! You can leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/teacher-approved/id1613980327

This podcasts contains the questions and answers of questions 42-53 on the citizenship test prep.

This episode reviews questions 32-41 in the citizenship test preparation.

This recording contains the questions and answers from the citizenship preparation test numbers 14-31.

Ready or not, test season is coming, which means it's time to start thinking about test prep! In this episode, we dive into retrieval practice for test review, a proven strategy that boosts memory and recall. Instead of passive review methods, retrieval practice helps students retain more and feel prepared for the test. We'll discuss why this technique works and how you can easily implement it in your classroom!Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and all resources mentioned in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/retrieval-practice-test-review/Resources:Around the Room review Powerful Teaching: Unleash the Science of Learning by Pooja K. Agarwal and Patrice M. Bain Emily Amick's Substack The FavoritesConnect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow.Shop our teacher-approved resources.Join our Facebook group, Teacher ApprovedLeave your review on Apple Podcasts!Related Episodes to Enjoy:Episode 122, 20 Best Teacher Approved Tips for Surviving Testing SeasonEpisode 121, How to Plan Your Test Prep Around What Content Matters MostEpisode 5, Ditch Your Test Review (This This Instead!)Episode 3, Strengthening the BrainMentioned in this episode:If you're enjoying this podcast, we would love to hear from you! You can leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/teacher-approved/id1613980327

A re-uploaded version. Welcome to this new episode. I had the pleasure of speaking with Ned Johnson, a wonderful educator, author, and speaker. He is an expert in helping teens and tweens navigate the transition to adulthood, by bringing them the tools they need to be both successful and happy.  Ned has found that some of the leading causes of poor test performance is the stress and pressure that youths feel to get good grades, and perform well. What is the solution? Can the solution really be as simple as helping youth feel connected, getting them to appreciate their inherent self-worth, and having more fun? Check out this episode to hear some of Ned's insights into this important and fascinating topic! Check out Ned's amazing services at PrepMatters Check out Ned's wonderful Podcast "PrepTalks" here Find Ned's books here

It can be hard to focus while studying or working, as often times our thoughts tend to wander. By turning on some form of audio stimulation, it helps our brains concentrate, which can assist us with our work. However, most common types of stimulation can be distracting such as turning on the TV, your favorite podcast, or certain types of music. It has been shown that white noise sounds can be a happy medium of audio that can help focus our minds while also not being distracting in and of itself. We have carefully curated this white noise to help stimulate your mind without it being a distraction. We all need to concentrate at times, especially if you're facing homework or drafting up a presentation for work. We may often find ourselves surrounded by distractions that can break our concentration such as loud coworkers or roommates. It's time to block all that out and focus better with the sound of white noise. Whether you need to concentrate on studying, reading, writing or exam prep, playing white noise in the background can really help. Be more productive with white noise for studying and focus! Here are some great products to help you sleep! Relaxing White Noise receives a small commission (at no additional cost to you) on purchases made through affiliate links. Thanks for supporting the podcast! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Baloo Living Weighted Blankets⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (Use code 'relaxingwhitenoise10' for 10% off) At Relaxing White Noise, our goal is to help you sleep well. This episode is eight hours long with no advertisements in the middle, so you can use it as a sleeping sound throughout the night. Listening to our white noise sounds via the podcast gives you the freedom to lock your phone at night, keeping your bedroom dark as you fall asleep. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Check out the 10-Hour version on YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Contact Us for Partnership Inquiries⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ With rain and thunder in the forecast, it's a great chance to enjoy some rain sounds for sleeping, studying or relaxation. Listening to thunderstorm sounds can bring about a feeling of calm, while also blocking out distracting noise. Play a storm sounds podcast to enjoy a good night's sleep or to focus on that homework assignment that needs doing. Relaxing White Noise is the number one online destination for white noise and nature sounds to help you sleep, study or soothe a baby. With more than a billion views across YouTube and other platforms, we are excited to now share our popular ambient tracks on the Relaxing White Noise podcast. People use white noise for sleeping, focus, sound masking or relaxation. We couldn't be happier to help folks live better lives. This podcast has the sound for you whether you use white noise for studying, to soothe a colicky baby, to fall asleep or for simply enjoying a peaceful moment. No need to buy a white noise machine when you can listen to these sounds for free. Cheers to living your best life! DISCLAIMER: Remember that loud sounds can potentially damage your hearing. When playing one of our ambiences, if you cannot have a conversation over the sound without raising your voice, the sound may be too loud for your ears. Please do not place speakers right next to a baby's ears. If you have difficulty hearing or hear ringing in your ears, please immediately discontinue listening to the white noise sounds and consult an audiologist or your physician. The sounds provided by Relaxing White Noise are for entertainment purposes only and are not a treatment for sleep disorders or tinnitus. If you have significant difficulty sleeping on a regular basis, experience fitful/restless sleep, or feel tired during the day, please consult your physician. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Relaxing White Noise Privacy Policy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ © Relaxing White Noise LLC, 2024. All rights reserved. Any reproduction or republication of all or part of this text/visual/audio is prohibited.

A new year brings new excitement. The Tests and the Rest podcast has always been relentlessly focused on exploring important topics in testing, admissions, education, and learning with amazing expert guests. Sometimes, though, we enjoy an unstructured opportunity to discuss our own takes on major issues, upcoming events, and our endeavors at the intersection of business and education. Catch up with us in the latest episode of EXTEMP with Amy & Mike. What are five things you will learn in this episode? How were Amy and Mike's holidays? What are our one word mantras for 2025? How are Amy and Mike starting the new year?  What trips do Amy and Mike have coming up? Why is Mike so excited about his newest Substack? We definitely want to respond to listener questions in our next EXTEMP episode, so reach out to us on social media or get in touch through our contact page. Let's get this Tests and the Rest mailbag rolling! LINKS College Road Newsletter RELATED EPISODES EXTEMP WITH AMY & MIKE: December 2024 EXTEMP WITH AMY & MIKE: November 2024 EXTEMP WITH AMY & MIKE: October 2024 ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our past episodes on the show page and keep up with our future ones by subscribing to our email newsletter. ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Mike Bergin is the president of Chariot Learning and founder of TestBright. Amy Seeley is the president of Seeley Test Pros and LEAP. If you're interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, feel free to get in touch through our contact page.  

The global onset of the coronavirus shut down schools, which interrupted the educational process for millions of students. The expectation was that deficits in fundamental areas would be made up once the world opened up again. Did that happen though? Amy and Mike invited education professional Nancy Weinstein to explore post-pandemic learning loss.  What are five things you will learn in this episode? Are students really performing differently since the pandemic?  Does learning loss differ based on age or gender? Were students in all parts of the United States equally impacted by the pandemic? How can students begin to repair pandemic learning gaps? What can parents, educators, and coaches do to repair pandemic learning loss? MEET OUR GUEST Nancy Weinstein founded Mindprint Learning with the perspectives of both a parent and an innovator.  Realizing a need to address a common challenge for parents and educators, she drew upon her background in science and business to create Mindprint, the first ever valid at-home cognitive assessment supported with next-step strategies for growth. Nancy has an extensive background in business, including work at Goldman Sachs, The Walt Disney Company Corporate Strategic Planning, Bristol Myers Squibb, and several smaller Internet companies. Nancy has an MBA from Harvard Business School with first year honors and a BS/BSE summa cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania and Wharton School of Management and Technology Program, Bioengineering and Finance. As a mother of two, Nancy recognizes the challenges parents face today, from helping with homework, to navigating the ever-changing pace of education and technology.  Nancy previously appeared on this podcast in episode 132 to discuss The Science of Memory. Find Nancy at https://mindprintlearning.com/. LINKS MindPrint Research Brief - Post Pandemic Brain Changes: Results from 35K Students Study Finds COVID Harmed Cognitive Skills of Students — and Teachers – The 74 RELATED EPISODES COVID LEARNING LOSS THE GROWING IMPACT OF CHEATING DURING COVID HOW TESTS AID MEMORY ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our past episodes on the show page and keep up with our future ones by subscribing to our email newsletter. ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Mike Bergin is the president of Chariot Learning and founder of TestBright. Amy Seeley is the president of Seeley Test Pros and LEAP. If you're interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, feel free to get in touch through our contact page.  

Thanks to our Partners, AAPEX, NAPA TRACS, and Automotive Management Network Carl Borsani, the owner of ASETestPrep.com, discusses acquiring an ASE testing company in 2012 and transforming it into a comprehensive educational tool for technicians. Learn about the innovative approaches Carl has implemented to enhance ASE test preparation and automotive education, including the development of AutomotiveStudentTesting.com. He discusses the challenges technicians face in test preparation and highlights ASE Test Prep's role in enhancing their skills and knowledge through innovative educational resources. Carl Borsani, ASE Test Prep Show Notes Watch Full Video Episode ASE Test Prep:https://asetestprep.com/ Vision for ASE Test Prep (00:03:05) Certification Importance (00:08:07) Expansion of Test Areas (00:08:39) Subscription Model Explanation (00:11:14) Test Preparation Strategies (00:12:29) Integrity of Certification (00:13:48) Financial Considerations for Testing (00:14:20) Pre-Employment Assessment (00:18:28) Pre-Employment Screening Tool (00:18:37) Testing Process and Reporting (00:19:39) Student Testing Interface (00:21:39) Instructor Support and Reporting (00:23:34) Identifying Struggling Students (00:24:36) Teaching Test-Taking Skills (00:25:03) Comparison with ASE Certification (00:29:46) Educational Challenges and Funding (00:31:09) Thanks to our Partners, AAPEX, NAPA TRACS, and Automotive Management Network Set your sights on Las Vegas in 2025. Mark your calendar now … November 4th-6th, 2025. AAPEX - Now more than ever. https://www.aapexshow.com/ NAPA TRACS will move your shop into the SMS fast lane with onsite training and six days a week of support and local representation. Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at http://napatracs.com/ Get ready to grow your...

Episode 108 – End of Year Update Going through state exam questions to help real estate students pass their state exam.   Update on law school finals Tips on how to study Suggestions for real world issues in Secured Transactions, Trusts and Estates, and Income Tax List of recent grads: Latoya, Sandy, Denise, Rachel, Shelby, Michael, Erika, Brittany, James, John, Femi, Dally, Rosalind, Kayla, Lori, Brianna, Reese, Brian, Melissa, Matt, Charles, Jessica, Alyssa, Blessing, Grace, Meranda, Devin, Jeff, Gabriela, Ethan, Eddie, Cole, Heidi, Mark, Leidary, Veronica, Courtney, Kaylen, Zoe, Ruth, Evelyn, Jaquelyn, Dana, Caleb, Connor, Breondra, Kylena, Shelley, Mohammad, Jessica, Delaney, Lacey, Shana, April, Johana, Jaxson, Janie, Lancia, Iris, Tania, Peyton, Sheryl, Kyle, Shawn, Caitlin, Della, Renn, Sem, Kevin, Brooke, Andrea, Danna, Wendy, Joseph, Karigan, Ashia, Jasmine, Martin, Sheldon, Whitney, Denise, Jeff, Justin, Sali, Lynn (happy picture on FB page), and Daniel.   Listener messages from Sandy in New Jersey, Rachael in Washington State, and Denise in Ohio.   Go to www.ahareep.com and sign up for the program for only $35, use discount code: legend15 to save 15% off.   Go to www.indianarealestateinstitute.com for Indiana real estate classes.   A-Ha LINKS   Email info@ahareep.com   Web www.ahareep.com   Facebook https://www.facebook.com/AHA.REEP   YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrxAjI5Li4Ll3Epwcyc0i6A

School districts want higher test scores. Each year they promote programs of test preparation. Teachers are required to reduce the amount of reading instruction that they provide in the hopes that these efforts will make everybody look good whether the kids can read well or not. This podcast explores what it would take to end up with higher scores which reflect improved reading ability.

Just about anyone can become an educator or coach, but can anyone become great at it? Amy and Mike invited educator Dan Lerman to enumerate the qualities of great educators and coaches. What are five things you will learn in this episode? What are the foundational qualities of a great tutor or coach?  What can be taught to tutors and how? How do you know if you are not a great tutor or coach? Beyond a test, what does a great tutor teach?  What is the current state of tutor training?  MEET OUR GUEST Dan Lerman is a professor of Cognitive Science at Columbia University. He is passionate about using Cognitive Science to optimize learning, and his specialty is in creative problem-solving. Dan has previously taught at St. Paul's School in London, Saint Ann's in Brooklyn, and Oxford University, and he has founded three companies in the tutoring space. He is passionate about social skills, personal growth, and combating the loneliness epidemic, which has spawned the Backyard Comedy Series. He currently lives in Los Angeles with his wife, daughter, and dog.  Find Dan at dml2183@tc.columbia.edu or at danlerman.com. LINKS Advanced Tutoring Techniques | Programs | TC Academy Rogers Three Characteristics/Attributes Needed for Client-Therapist Relationship How to Assess Tutors and Test Prep Providers RELATED EPISODES THE VALUE OF EXPERIENCE IN TEACHERS HOW TO BE AN INNOVATIVE EDUCATOR WHY YOU WANT TO WORK WITH A CAREER TUTOR TUTORING TREASURES: TIPS FOR TEACHING TEENS ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our past episodes on the show page and keep up with our future ones by subscribing to our email newsletter. ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Mike Bergin is the president of Chariot Learning and founder of TestBright. Amy Seeley is the president of Seeley Test Pros and LEAP. If you're interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, feel free to get in touch through our contact page.  

In teaching, there are a lot of balancing acts, but none come close to preparing your students for success while NOT teaching to the test. I hear from many of you that struggle with this, and honestly I did as well while I was teaching, but I have since adopted a few philosophies that will help minimize the pressure you feel and start prioritizing what matters most to you in your classroom. In today's episode, I'm sharing two main ways that you can balance “good teaching” and the pressure of getting your students prepared for the test. I discuss how each of the two ideas work off of each other and various ways they can be implemented throughout your instructional resources and activities. ➡️ Full Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode158Resources Mentioned:Core Values Mini-CourseBiology Exam PackPhysical Science Exam PackAnatomy Exam PackChemistry Exam PackDownload your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.scienceSend me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com  Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.Related Episodes:Episode 157, Serving ELLs with AI and MORE With Guest Alyse of Keystone ScienceEpisode 155, How to Create Active and Accountable Learners in Your Secondary Science ClassroomEpisode 104, Using Summative Assessments to Prepare Students for Standardized Tests