When the nation was hit with the COVID-19 pandemic, forcing schools to close and students back home, Academics Plus (A+) didn't miss a beat. A+ quickly responded to the academic need of the community by taking all of their instruction online. Never closing for even one day, A+ students continued to hone their skills of academic excellence during the community-wide shutdown.
As parents look to the future 20/21 school year, many variables remain uncertain. We have never been here before, so there is no guidebook to tell us how to open schools back up while maintaining proper standards for health concerns. Academics Plus owner and director Stephanie Talley wants parents to know that at A+, they are ready to handle the uncertainty and offer assurance that real learning will continue to happen. The A+ staff is using this summer to ensure that students are prepared for what is coming this fall.
For those not familiar with Academics Plus, it was the first learning center located in McKinney when it started 29 years ago. Founded by Mark and Melinda Crenwelge, A+ was created to increase McKinney students' academic performance by providing supplemental instruction to school curriculum. The tradition of excellence continues today bringing hope to both children and parents alike.
Academics Plus is different than tutoring centers in several ways. One is in its use of metacognition to equip students to understand their own cognitive processes. Empirical studies show that most people are overly confident in thinking that they have learned something when, in reality, they haven't. Academics Plus students learn how to focus on identifying what's working and what isn't working to know if they have truly learned.
Another difference is in the teaching of critical thinking skills. Before learning subject material, students go through a series of questions that include identifying the skill they will be learning, understanding why it's essential, and why they need to learn it. Through this process, students understand how learning each foundational skill will be helpful for school and for life.
Academics Plus serves a variety of students on every academic level. Students who struggle with particular course material catch up to grade level. Students who excel beyond their grade level get challenged with advanced material. Stephanie wants parents to know that no matter what academic challenges your child has, there is hope. Every child can be successful, and that is why she has devoted her career to this vision.
Stephanie is passionate about her own continuing education as well. She is currently working on a doctoral degree in Educational Psychology.
When not studying or helping others at A+, Stephanie enjoys time with her husband, Mike, and two sons, Stephen and Soren, hanging out with the in-laws, playing games, swimming, and reading books.
To learn more about how Academics Plus increase your child’s academic success in the 20/21 school year, visit AcademicsPlus.com.