Our Program Manager, Matt, discusses stepping in to support instruction in one of our test prep classrooms.
This past week, I received last-minute word that caused reason for escalation: our instructor couldn’t make it on Friday. Due to circumstances outside of their control, there needed to be a substitute. Fortunately, I was available to step into a familiar classroom at Don Bosco Cristo Rey (DBCR). I was happy to step in; after all, not only had I taught the program at DBCR in the past — I wrote the curriculum for it.
Setting Students up for Success in Mathematics
On Friday, students in our SAT Prep classes at DBCR were starting their SAT math unit. I did a quick check-in with each class to see how students’ confidence in their math skills was. The results were expected given my experiences as an test prep teacher: their confidence was fairly low. I provided each class with a reassuring message.
“We aren’t asking any of you to fall in love with math. We’re here to help you become more comfortable, confident, and skilled in math. We will set you up for future success not only on the SAT, but with your confidence and skillset.”
Students appeared relieved to hear this message, and the rest of each class went swimmingly. Students were engaged, enthusiastic, and willing to come up to the board to help complete problems. The Director of College Counseling, who was observing classes, even reported that some students who had never participated before were speaking up. We strive to boost not only students’ scores on the SAT, but confidence and engagement with literacy and mathematics.
A Warm Welcome and Student Success Stories
It was a delight to see our administrative partners as well as some of our former students who are now seniors in high school! Several of the students who I worked with last year stopped by to say hi and shared extremely exciting news:
- One of our high-achieving students from last year was accepted to the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania, an Ivy League institution!
- Three of our students were accepted to the University of Notre Dame on full-ride scholarships!
- Several students were accepted into to high-ranking schools such as Bucknell University, the College of the Holy Cross, the University of Maryland-College Park, and the University of Richmond.
We couldn’t be prouder of our DBCR students who rose to the occasion and have set a path to a bright future!
Direct Instruction Matters
Managing programs across Washington D.C. and in Vietnam, I feel that I sometimes get caught up in minutia. Friday’s full day of teaching reminds me of the importance of direct instruction. Students learn best from a caring individual who helps them improve their skills and confidence in-person. We take great pride in our test prep programs and English Language programs. They make direct impact with students who are seeking a better future for themselves and their communities. At Lana Learn, we care about creating impact for our partners, contractors, and students alike.