From the Fox's Den - SAOTG December Newsletter

We know what's on everyone's mind. As December rolls in, students face the final academic hurdle of the semester: cumulative exams. These tests require synthesizing knowledge from months of coursework, making preparation both challenging and essential. For many, the week ahead can feel like a sprint, but with the right strategies, students can turn the race into a well-paced marathon.

At SAOTG, we believe that mastering exams is all about?refining the processes that lead to success. In other words, conquering cumulative exams comes down to Executive Function (EF). Whether your student is tackling their first middle school exams or juggling advanced placement tests, EF skills pave the way to success.

For those looking to help students finish the semester strong, these are our timely EF tips:

Build a Plan, Then Stick to It?- Preparing for a cumulative exam is a process, not a one-off task. Encourage students to map out their study schedule for the week before exams, breaking the material into manageable chunks. Allocate time for every step of the process: charting out likely exam questions, reviewing notes, reworking past homework problems, meeting with teachers, refining their understanding of key concepts, and self-testing. By focusing on smaller sections each day, they’ll reduce stress and improve performance.

Where You Study Matters?- I can't stress this one enough. A clear and organized workspace is crucial for any productive study session, but there are more considerations for exam preparation. The usual rules apply. For instance, students should set up a study environment that minimizes distractions—this might mean silencing phones, limiting social media access, or finding a quiet corner away from household activity. But other elements come into play with cumulative exams. For staters, students need a larger table to lay out all of their material and a way to keep subjects separate from one another. Please don't overlook your study environment this exam season. Match the space to the process.

Remember, Rest is an Input?- Students tend to try to "grind out results" during this period. That strategy has flaws, so here are a few ways to avoid it. Borrowing from Cal Newport’s research, high-quality work is produced by balancing the time spent and intensity of focus during study sessions. Instead of marathon, low-focus study blocks?encourage students to focus intensely for shorter periods. This could mean using the Pomodoro Technique (twenty-five minutes of focus, 5-minute breaks) or limiting deep study sessions to no more than four hours per day. Avoid multitasking to reduce “attention residue,” where mental energy lingers on a previous task and hinders focus on the next. Lastly, prevent burnout by following deep work with restorative activities like exercise or connecting with loved ones.?

The 25th Annual Region 4 Dyslexia Conference?- Last week, Evan Weinberger, SAOTG?Founder & CEO,?was invited to present?at the 25th Annual Region 4 Dyslexia Conference. His session offered science-based strategies to strengthen Executive Function?skills for students, especially those with learning differences. The event was attended by over 800 educators, specialists, and diagnosticians from school districts all over Texas. It was a beautiful example of?the critical intersection of research, innovation, and community collaboration, and we’re honored to have contributed to the conversation.

Supporting Students with Learning Differences?-?SAOTG was also?proud to be a major sponsor of the Region 4 Dyslexia Conference, showcasing our commitment to supporting students with learning differences. Through our sponsorship, we amplified resources and shared tools for educators, professionals, and families across our Houston community and throughout Texas. Hosting a vendor table at this event and others like it is part of our core mission to help all?students reach their potential.?We’re committed to continuing this work and deepening our impact in the communities we serve.

Reflecting on an Incredible Year?-?As the year comes to a close, we’re overwhelmed with gratitude for the milestones we’ve achieved together. In 2024, SAOTG helped more families and schools than ever before, equipping students with the skills they need to thrive in school and beyond. This year also marked an exciting chapter with our move to a new office, a space that enables us to grow and serve our community more effectively. We couldn’t do any of this without YOU—our incredible SAOTG family. Your trust and support have made this our most impactful year yet. As we look ahead to 2025, we remain inspired by the opportunity to support more students, educators, and families. Thank you for being part of our mission.

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