This program is designed specifically for students entering grades 6-10 in mainstream middle and high schools that are seeking support to develop essential executive function and writing skills. The course is not designed for students who have been diagnosed with a language-based learning disability.
What is the format?
Each course runs Monday-Thursday for three hours. Shefa faculty teach in a structured and dynamic format that provides active, hands-on applications of course material and offers extensive opportunities to practice and master new skills with individualized support. At the end of the course, students receive a binder with resources and tools to support them throughout the school year. A light snack will be offered during each class. Courses have a maximum of 8 students.
Who will be teaching the courses?
The courses are taught by veteran Shefa faculty including a Senior Speech-Language-Pathologist and the Director of Middle School Curriculum.
What do students learn in each course?
Writing :
Actively read, annotate, and summarize complex source material
Compose complex and sophisticated sentences
Follow a structured process for outlining and writing
Use tools to organize and write, revise, and edit multi-paragraph essays
Study Skills and Executive Functioning :
Take organized notes from written material and oral lectures
Use active study techniques for learning and practicing material
Effectively manage long-term assignments
Use digital and physical systems to keep materials organized
Plan, prioritize, and follow through on tasks
Can we sign up for both courses?
Yes! You may sign up for one or both courses. Students who attend both courses will have an hour lunch break in between during which they can go out for lunch, enjoy a picnic lunch (brought from home) on the rooftop, play basketball, or relax with classmates.
How is this program different from 1-1 tutoring?
Shefa is a nationally-recognized leader in evidence-based instruction. Shefa collaborates closely with many mainstream NY-area middle and high schools and has a strong understanding of the expectations and coursework, enabling us to design the Skills BOOST curriculum to directly target these skills. Also, in a small group setting, students receive the benefit of building social-emotional skills, developing relationships, and working in a pair or small group. The group setting fosters interactions that more closely resemble those that students experience in their classrooms during the school year, allowing for a more seamless transfer of skills.
Are there any follow-up opportunities?
Depending on interest, Shefa plans to offer 1-1 follow-up support throughout the year for an additional fee.
“Shefa taught me how to be organized - both in academic settings and everyday life. I organize my materials clearly, use a planner to keep track of my to-dos, and manage my time effectively...which prevents a lot of stress now that I'm in college."
-Shefa alum in college
“My high school teachers say I'm one of the top writers in my grade, and I think it's because my writing is so organized... I still use the planning, structuring, and editing strategies I learned at Shefa."
