I do not think there is any other quality so
essential to success of any kind as the quality
of perseverance. It overcomes almost
anything, even nature.
John D. Rockefeller
A
s parents and educators ourselves, we understand children and how they learn. Our philosophy at Achievement Learning Center stems from the belief that all students deserve opportunities for academic success. We realize that report card time can either be a source of stress or cause for celebration…either way, it's a valuable tool in measuring areas of difficulty. The reality is that very few of us go through life without a bump or two in the road. In fact, it's totally normal for someone to be instinctively better at some things than others. What has changed over the years though, is what we do about it. Tutorial programs are becoming increasingly popular and can help students through the "bumps in the road". Parents are realizing the best investment they can make for their child's future is the investment in their education.Whether a student is struggling in school or looking for academic enrichment, we can provide a learning program designed to maximize his/her true learning potential. To accommodate the varied ways in which students learn, our educational plans focus on the unique needs of the individual. We stress a comprehensive approach that partners with the family, school and community. With the advantage of academic tutoring, your child will look forward to report cart time - and so will you!
We encourage you to stop by one of our learning centers and visit with us at any time. Or, simply drop us a quick email and we’ll schedule a personal consultation for you.
Regards,
| Denise Kniffin | |
| Owner/Director |
| Achievement Learning Center (founded in 1998) offers tutoring programs built on proven principals in education. The instructional design of each program is based on the specific needs of each learner, and great attention is devoted to developing individualized strategies that will lead the learner to success. |  |
Our highly interactive curriculum in the areas of early reading, reading comprehension, writing and math focuses on meeting the needs of students lacking in basic skills, as well as providing a challenge for students excelling above grade level. Additionally, our study skills and homework success
programs identify behaviors conducive to optimal learning, including organizational and time management strategies.The difference between
ordinary and
extraordinary is that little ‘extra’.
Goldsmith
Stress management techniques and positive reinforcers are an integral part of each student’s plan. An extensive variety of teaching tools are used to best accommodate learning style and motivation. State-of-the-art technology, computerized programs, manipulatives, and a variety of practice materials provide the means necessary to motivate learners.
The Learning Environment
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The open and inviting design of our center provides students with an optimal learning atmosphere. The learning studio provides an open and warm, yet focused place to learn. The many computer kiosks provide state-of-the-art technology used in all students' plans. Attention to detail is evident throughout the center. Achievement Learning Center provides a motivating and highly interactive environment for learners of all ages. |
Denise and Doug Kniffin are the founders and owners of Achievement Learning Center. Together, they bring an ideal blend of education and business to this venture. Previously, they founded, co-owned and operated Creative World Learning Centers, a group of Austin-based early childhood centers and a private elementary school. Prior to founding Achievement Learning Center in 1998, Denise and Doug built a reputation over 15 years in the Austin community for quality childcare and educational excellence.
They have demonstrated success as business partners and are pleased to expand their experience and skills to a business that once again makes a positive difference to families. Denise and Doug share professional goals, as well as personal ones, as they are the parents of two children.
…stems from the belief that all students are deserving of opportunities for academic success. To accommodate the varied ways in which students learn, our educational plans focus on the unique needs of the individual. We stress a comprehensive approach that partners with the family, school and community. Achievement Learning Center is committed to excellence and will achieve high standards for those we serve. It is our goal to be the catalyst for life-long learning.
How long will the program take?
What we usually see is that it takes about six months for a student to gain 1 to 1 1/2 years of academic growth. This is based on two, one-hour sessions per week. Of course, students can vary with this, as each person is different and individual. Data from learning centers, in general, support this time frame. Based on our own data of tracking student progress, we are seeing average gains of one full grade level after 40 hours of instruction.
What is your teacher/student ratio?
It may vary depending on the age of the student, or on the degree of their weak skills. As a rule, we have no more than three students to one teacher, and our ratio for our early reading program is only two students to one teacher. The program is completely individualized; each student is on his or her own plan. Even with only two or three in a group, the teacher works with each student—not the group.
How is your program better than a tutor who would work one-on-one with my child?
| Tutors can be a great solution if a student needs help understanding an isolated concept or skill. But by design, tutors usually are not equipped to provide a diagnostic evaluation that actually identifies gaps in the learning process. We also feel that, though it sounds great, a one-on-one can encourage dependence—we encourage independence in learning. When we see students assume ownership of their learning, we see results that set very positive, life-long habits. |  |
What about guarantees?
Our competition’s guarantee policy has several conditions to it and is not a money-back guarantee. It is not our goal to use a guarantee as a marketing strategy, yet we stand behind the quality of our program. In addition, we have chosen to price our services lower.
My child has already been tested in school, why do they need to be tested again?
The TAAS test provides the schools with feedback on skill areas that a student is strong and weak in. However, the test results do not show what grade level the student is actually performing at. It is important to measure grade, as well as age equivalence when providing academic intervention. By knowing the specific skills needed, time is not devoted to skills already mastered.
What are your teacher’s qualifications?
Our teachers are professionally trained and state-certified with experience ranging from elementary through high school. We offer a pay scale higher than industry norm, which enables us to attract highly qualified teachers. As a result, we are able to be very selective in acquiring the most well trained and experienced teachers to work with our students.
How are you different from other learning centers?
- We are Austin-based and independently owned and operated—not franchised.
- Our owners have over 22 years experience in private elementary and early childhood education here in Austin.
- Our team of educators and have been in the education community for many years.
- Our curriculum is based on Texas standards (as well as National) and is correlated to TAAS objectives.
- We re-evaluate throughout the prescribed program at no additional fee.
- We have a licensed psychologist available for additional testing and expanded services.
- We have strong ties with "the school" and conference with teachers at no additional fee.
- Our program focuses on the student as a whole, incorporating tools to evaluate their learning style, habits and general attitudes about learning.
- We include stress management and study skill strategies in all student plans.
- Our facility has been designed with the student as priority. While state-of-the-art, it is also comfortable and "friendly".
- We have computers that incorporate student work plans and lessons in an easy-to-use format.
How will I know how my child is doing in your program?
We include parents in the process while students are here with us. We feel your goals for your child are an important factor when designing a learning plan. We communicate with you after each session and have progress conferences every six weeks. We support parents through providing pertinent on-going information so that you can support your child. Learners show more progress when a partnership is formed with educators and families. We feel the involvement of parents is essential for student success.
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