The Foundations of "How to Get an A"

The "How to Get an A" program, begun in 2001, employs a multi-disciplinary, whole-person approach to the essential foundations of academic and personal success. Students are given methods and motivation for behavioral self-regulation, self-awareness, resilience, persistence and striving for personal excellence through consistent hard work.

 

In addition to a traditional understanding of academic excellence, I have integrated elements from a wide range of philosophies and scientific disciplines into the creation of the methods, including:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Psychology
  • Developmental & Adolescent Psychology
  • Innovations in Neuroscience
  • Motivational and Sports Psychology
  • Sensory Approach to Memory Creation and Retrieval
  • Character Education
  • Yoga Approach to Non-Judgmental Self Awareness and Resilience
  • Daniel Goleman's  "Social Intelligence" and "Emotional Intelligence" approach to Academic, Social & Emotional Learning
  • Positive Internal Dialogue
  • Time Management Strategies
  • Adaptations of Special Needs Strategies
  • The Science and Psychology of Habits
  • Health and Wellness in Everday Life 

"How to Get an A" is a Schoolwork and Self Management Skills program created to empower young people to adopt new methods of approaching their schoolwork, their time and their life in order to achieve their full potential. 

 

High School and Middle School students learn how to push past their "comfort zone habits" to establish new habits that promote academic rigor, insightful behavior and effective self-management.

 

Students learn to approach time as a valuable resource, and they learn what it means to work.

The program addresses teens' real-life needs and concerns with step-by-step methods, explained in detail. 

 

Using accessible language and bold imagery, the energetic program communicates easily with young people, and holds their attention. 

 

The tone establishes an alliance with kids and their real goals, which are to succeed in school, keep their parents happy, and have time with their friends.

 

The vivid visuals incorporated into both the "How to Get an A" presentation, and the methods, are grounded in a sensory approach to creating and reinforcing memory.

 

The program is consistent with the Character Education movement and Paul Tough's much-discussed 2012 book, "How Children Succeed: Grit, Curiosity, and the Hidden Power of Character". 


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