Our Tutoring Approach for Standardized Test Readiness
What makes Iridia Prep different?
Standardized tests, especially the SAT and ACT, are about more than just understanding the material, or even understanding what the test makers want. Iridia Prep trains students in the tools and cognitive skills they need to channel their knowledge into real test performance.
Iridia Prep is neurodiversity-affirming and queer/trans inclusive.
Above and beyond your everyday test prep.
Studying the material and test style are an important part of the test prep process that I cover with each of my students, but demanding testing conditions make it challenging for them to perform at their best. I specialize in identifying the subtle details in a student’s approach to the test that contribute to inconsistent performance. By collaborating with my students to understand how their mind works best, I equip them with the resources they need to show up on test day and get the score they’re capable of. This approach is especially beneficial for neurodivergent students (read more below), who are usually faced with testing conditions that don’t accommodate their unique perspective.
My goal is for the benefits of our lessons to extend beyond test prep: for my students to understand themselves better, develop their self-confidence, and embrace their individuality. This leads to happier students and better outcomes.
Neurodiversity 101
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What is Neurodiversity?
According to the neurodiversity model, neurological differences are a normal part of human variation, but the world - including the education system and standardized tests - is built for a certain type of brain. We celebrate these differences, which have their own strengths and weaknesses, while also acknowledging that the systems in place are not fair for people who don’t fit the mold.
For neurodivergent students who have internalized the message that something is wrong with them, this model is often empowering and builds their confidence to succeed in spite of these barriers.
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Who is neurodivergent?
Anyone whose brain is considered “different” from the standard expectation could be considered neurodivergent. While the term has most commonly been used to refer to autism, it also includes ADHD and anxiety (the most common issues I work with), learning disabilities like dyslexia, and diagnoses under the mental illness umbrella like depression, PTSD, and personality disorders.
However, embracing the neurodiversity model helps everyone. Whether or not you have a specific condition, everyone’s brain works differently, and we can benefit from valuing these differences instead of stigmatizing them.
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How do you work with neurodivergent students?
Many students whose needs aren’t well accommodated by the conventional school system have experienced stigma for being different. My goal is to help undo that stigma and develop strategies to succeed as much as possible under the conditions we're given, whether or not that includes testing accommodations.
My first priority is to create a safe environment where students feel comfortable speaking openly about their experiences. From there, I center collaborating with students to learn how their mind works and devise strategies that will help them on the test.
