In short: beginning fall 2026, the SHSAT becomes a computer-adaptive test, where the questions students see are influenced by their performance earlier in the exam. NYC STEM Club prepares students for it on its own adaptive practice platform, where answers are locked once students move on to the next question — built to reflect the real exam.

See how it feels — try a sample

Below is a short, free sample of the adaptive, on-screen format on our own platform — answer a few questions the way your child will on test day, committing to each answer and moving forward.

If you have a child in 7th grade, this is the most important SHSAT update you’ll read this year. Starting this fall, the SHSAT is changing, and it changes not only how students take the test, but how they need to prepare for it. Here is what you need to know.

The change, in two steps

The NYC DOE is making this change in two steps:

• Fall 2025 — the test went digital. Students took it on a computer rather than on paper. The overall structure and timing stayed the same, with some new interactive question types.
• Fall 2026 — the test becomes computer-adaptive. In broad terms, an adaptive test responds to how a student is performing as they go… we direct families to the , which we follow closely.

If your child is in 7th grade now, they are preparing for the fall 2026 adaptive test.

What this means for preparation

The content hasn’t changed — students still face the same mathematics and reading. The way they take the test has. And how a student prepares needs to match how they’ll actually test.

An adaptive, on-screen exam demands two things at once: real command of the material — deep enough that a student keeps their footing as the questions get harder — and the composure to perform on a screen, under time, with no traditional tools to lean on.

That second part is what most preparation misses. A student can know the material cold and still be thrown on test day by conditions they’ve never practiced in:

• Reading on a screen — long passages, no paper to mark up
• On-screen tools — navigating the interface instead of a pencil
• No going back — answers are locked once a student moves to the next question
• A test that adapts — each answer shaping what comes next

None of this can be learned in the abstract. Unless a student practices where the environment closely mirrors test day, they meet all of it for the first time when it counts most. That is what our platform is built to reproduce.

How we prepare students

Our preparation is a deliberate sequence, all on the platform we built ourselves — each stage adding what the one before it set up.

Master the fundamentals, then exceed them. We make the fundamentals solid, then push past grade level. Because we write our own tests, we hold students to a higher standard than the exam itself requires — so they train with margin to spare, rather than meeting their ceiling for the first time when it counts.

Onto the screen, in real conditions. Students move to full practice exams in the same on-screen format, with the same tools and the same answer-locking conditions they’ll face on test day. This is where the screen, the navigation, and the stamina stop being obstacles and become second nature.

Adaptive, done our way. Finally, the practice goes adaptive: as your child works through the test, the experience responds to how they’re doing — the same kind of experience the new SHSAT will give them. But we made one deliberate choice in how ours works. On an adaptive test, a few careless mistakes can send a student toward easier and easier questions — and then they spend the rest of the session on material that’s too simple to teach them anything. We don’t let that happen. Our practice adjusts to each student, but the questions stay hard. A bad ten minutes never turns into an easy afternoon.

Built beyond the test. Everything we do is, on its face, SHSAT preparation. But we deliberately build a student’s scholastic aptitude far past what this one test requires — to what ninth grade at a specialized school will actually ask of them. Strong reading, writing, and mathematical reasoning are what help students earn admission to schools like Stuyvesant and Bronx Science, but they are also the skills students will rely on once they get there. Our goal is not merely to prepare students for one exam, but also to help them develop the academic foundation needed to succeed in a demanding high school environment.

What to do right now

Begin with a diagnostic. A real, timed practice test shows where your child genuinely stands relative to the cutoff scores at their target schools — not where you assume they stand. It is the honest starting point for any serious preparation. (See our guide to 2026 cutoff scores.)

From there, we build the plan. We teach in small classes at our downtown Manhattan location, with our own teachers, our own materials, and the adaptive practice platform we built ourselves. It is why more than 90% of our students earn specialized high school offers, with nearly half placed at Stuyvesant.

Ready to begin? . Questions about the test itself? See our SHSAT FAQ.

Frequently asked questions

What is changing in 2026?
Beginning in fall 2026, the SHSAT moves to a computer-adaptive format, where the questions adjust to each student’s performance. For the precise details of the new format, we direct families to the , which we follow closely.

Does my child need to prepare differently than students did last year?
Yes. The material to master has not changed, but the experience of the test has — so preparation now has to build comfort with an adaptive, screen-based format, not only command of the content.

My child already practiced on the digital test. Is that enough?
It’s a real head start — comfort on a screen still counts. But the new format brings constraints that last year’s test didn’t have: answers are locked once your child moves to the next question, sections are worked one at a time — and the test adapts as they go. Committing to an answer under pressure and staying composed after a hard question are skills of their own, and they only come from practicing under those same constraints. That’s what our platform is built for.

Does your practice work exactly like the real adaptive test?
Not exactly — and the difference is deliberate. A test built to measure will ease off when a student stumbles. That’s fine for measuring — but it’s the wrong way to train, because it backs off just when a student most needs the push. Our practice gives your child the real experience — the secure setting, the pacing, answers locked once they move on — while keeping the questions hard the whole way through. A rough patch never turns into easier and easier questions. Talk to us — we’re happy to walk you through how we approach it and why it makes students train harder.

If the practice adapts to my child, will they still see difficult material?
Yes. The practice adjusts to each student, but the questions stay hard throughout. Your child won’t end up working through questions that are too simple to teach them anything, no matter how a session unfolds.

Where can my child practice for the adaptive SHSAT?
On our own adaptive practice platform, where answers lock once a student moves on — just as they will on test day. Students train on full digital exams in conditions that mirror the real test — building the rigor, the screen skills, and the composure the adaptive format asks for.

When should we start?
Earlier is better. Comfort with an adaptive, screen-based format is now part of readiness itself, and students build it through steady practice over time rather than a final push.

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The post SHSAT Cutoff Scores 2026: A Parent’s Guide to What the Numbers Actually Mean appeared first on ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½.

1. Gaining Real-World Experience Through Work

Employers and colleges value the maturity, responsibility and skills gained from working. Whether it’s a retail job, a barista at a local coffee shop, or an office assistant, work teaches valuable life lessons not found in classrooms. Work also demonstrates a student’s ability to manage time, collaborate, and commit to responsibilities outside their academic life.

2. Participating in a Summer Internship

Internships are a way for students to gain direct exposure to their field of interest. They offer a glimpse into professional environments and provide hands-on, interest specific experience that can set a student’s college application apart. Securing an internship, especially in a competitive field, communicates a student’s initiative, drive, and genuine interest in a prospective career path.

3. Attending a Prestigious Summer Program

Universities and colleges, along with private organizations, often host summer programs offering advanced study in various disciplines. These prestigious programs are sought after for the academic challenge and enrichment they provide. Participation signals a student’s academic motivation and readiness to engage at a college level and even, sometimes, gain college credits. It’s also important to note that you need to select your summer program wisely and prioritize notable options to ensure it’s a worthwhile investment.

3. Leadership at a Summer Camp

The summer camp you attended as a child will often offer job positions and leadership opportunities for teenagers. These positions are great for personal growth and nurture skills such as leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving. These experiences are invaluable in shaping well-rounded individuals.

5. Contributing to the Family Business

Working in a family store or business demonstrates responsibility and commitment.Ìý It emphasizes a student’s ability to balance family obligations with personal goals. Students should not shy away from familial responsibilities, and it may be even a good thing to write about in your college application essay.

6. Creating Independent ProjectsÌý

Taking the initiative to create independent projects demonstrates creativity, innovation, and leadership. Whether it’s starting and creating an art portfolio, writing works of fiction, organizing a community event, or creating a blog or YouTube channel, these experiences showcase one’s ability to think outside the box and take risks.

7. Reading and Attending Events at the Local Library

Students should consistently engage in reading to broaden their worldview. If students haven’t had the chance to explore books, they are passionate about during the school year, the summer break provides the perfect opportunity to do so. Check out our list of suggested reading books here! Additionally, students can participate in events at their local library like workshops, book clubs, or read to children. Engaging in reading and attending these events is aimed at enhancing your personal growth.

8. Dedicated Test Preparation

Although we advise against spending the entire summer solely on test preparation, we do suggest utilizing this time to get ahead. Whether it’s for the SAT, PSAT, ACT, Regents or subject-specific AP exams, early preparation can significantly improve scores and thereby enhance a college application. Further, excelling in these tests can open doors to scholarships and honors programs. NYC STEM Club offers many testing options.

Turn Summers into Strategic Opportunities

Colleges look for authenticity; they want to see students who are engaged in meaningful activities that resonate with their passions, interests, career goals and/or ambitions. It’s about quality, not just quantity. A well-chosen summer experience can speak volumes about a student’s character, interests, and potential.

The post The Summer Advantage: Strategies for High Schoolers to Cultivate Personal Growth During the SummerÌý appeared first on ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½.

In this guide, we will unpack everything you need to know about the ISEE test—its structure, levels, and scoring. Navigating the ISEE can be overwhelming, but with the right information, resources and NYC STEM Club’s guidance, you can position your child for success in the New York private school admission process.

Finding your Perfect ISEE Format and ISEE Level: Charting the CourseÌý

The ISEE serves as a uniform and standardized measure for assessing the abilities of students seeking admission into competitive private schools. Managed by the , the ISEE exam scrutinizes candidates’ aptitudes across various academic domains.

Ìý

ISEE Test Structure and LevelsÌýÌý

ÌýThe ISEE is tiered into four levels—, , , and the —each targeting a specific grade entry point for students. The ISEE Primary Level is intended for students entering grades 2 through 4; the ISEE Lower Level for grades 5 and 6; the ISEE Middle Level for grades 7 and 8; and the ISEE Upper Level for grades 9 onwards.

The ISEE Lower Level, ISEE Middle Level, and the ISEE Upper Levels are relatively similar in structure, all featuring sections on Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, Mathematics Achievement, and Writing. These segments are crafted to assess students’ capability in understanding concepts and problem-solving rather than just memorizing facts.

The ISEE primary level has a distinct format and is split into two sections, reading and mathematics.

ISEE online format and ISEE paper format Ìý

ÌýStudents can take the . The online format can be taken at home or a testing center, while the ISEE paper format can only be taken at a testing center. The online format may provide students a bit more time as there is no need to bubble in answers, but it does have its limitations. For instance, students are unable to write on the questions or use annotations, which are typically helpful in the paper format.

NYC STEM Club can help you assess which ISEE test format works best for your student.

Dissecting the ISEE Test SectionsÌýÌý

Each section of the ISEE Lower Level, ISEE Middle Level, and the ISEE Upper Level focuses on various critical skills:

·ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý Verbal Reasoning tests the student’s vocabulary and ability to understand and apply language concepts.

·ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý Quantitative Reasoning evaluates logical thinking and aptitude in mathematical concepts rather than computation.

·ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý Reading Comprehension focuses on the capacity to absorb and analyze written material.

·ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý Mathematics Achievement examines a student’s ability to accurately complete computations.

·ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý Writing gauges a student’s ability to put their thoughts into writing. Although this section is not graded, admissions officers will review the writing to ensure correct grammar, organization of thoughts, and writing voice.

NYC STEM Club’s ISEE test preparation program can assess your student’s ability in each of these sections and can create a personalized ISEE preparation plan.

Duration of the ISEE TestÌýÌý

·ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý ISEE Primary Level Applicants for grades 2, 3, 4: 53, 54, or 60 minutes (respectively)

·ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý ISEE Lower Level Applicants for grades 4 and 5: 2 hours and 20 minutes

·ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý ISEE Middle Level Applicants for grades 6 and 7: 2 hours and 40 minutes

·ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý ISEE Upper Level Applicants grades 8 through 11: 3 hours

There will be breaks provided after specific sections during the exam.

Strategies for Effective ISEE Test Preparation: Maximize your PotentialÌý

When it comes to preparing for the ISEE, there are steps you can take to ensure you are fully prepared and ready to excel on the test. By following the suggestions below, you can up your game and approach the ISEE with confidence.

Starting Early and Setting a Study ScheduleÌýÌý

The key to mastering the ISEE is beginning well ahead of the test date. Early commencement affords students the luxury of a well-paced ISEE study plan without the unnecessary pressure of cramming. NYC STEM Club’s ISEE test preparation program can help you develop a structured study schedule that breaks down the vast material into manageable bits, ensuring that every topic is comprehensively covered.

Recommended ISEE Study Resources and MaterialsÌýÌý

Choosing the appropriate study materials can significantly impact your learning journey. While the internet offers a plethora of resources, it’s crucial to discern their quality. Beware of overly simplistic materials that fail to adequately prepare you for your goals.

AtÌýNYC STEM Club’s ISEE test preparation program we utilize up-to-date materials that replete ISEE practice questions and many of our test materials are written by our in-house ISEE test experts.

Benefits of ISEE Tutoring ServicesÌýÌý

ISEE tutoring services have a profound impact on test preparation, transforming the way students approach this challenge. At NYC STEM Club, our team of expert ISEE tutors provides personalized guidance, identifying areas of improvement and refining strengths. Our ISEE tutors have a wealth of experience and a track record of success in guiding students through the complex maze of ISEE test preparation.

ISEE Practice Exams and ISEE Sample QuestionsÌýÌý

Nothing beats the insight gained from ISEE practice exams. They simulate real test conditions, help in time management, and expose students to the types of questions they can expect. Make it a priority to have your child tackle as many ISEE practice exams as possible.ÌýA free ISEE practice test can be found .

An integral part of NYC STEM Club’s ISEE test preparation program is for students to take numerous ISEE practice exams. All our students take multiple ISEE practice exams and then receive extensive feedback and analysis.

Registering for the ISEE: ÌýÌý

As previously mentioned, you can only register once per season, and there are three seasons per school year:

·ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý Spring/Summer: April to July

·ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý Fall: August to November

·ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý Winter: December to March

Be sure to keep these dates in mind as you plan when to take the exam. To register, you can visit the ISEE’s website at .

NYC STEM Club’s ISEE test preparation program provides valuable assistance for determining the most suitable time to take the test.

Understanding the ISEE Score and Its Meaning: Beyond the NumbersÌý

The ISEE test has a unique . It generates a stanine score on a scale of 1 to 9, where 5 represents the average performance. This score is determined by comparing your child’s performance against that of other test-takers of that specific ISEE exam, providing a percentile ranking that reflects their standing among peers.

To calculate the score, all students’ scores from a specific ISEE test session are divided into nine groups, or stanines. The middle stanines (4, 5, and 6) encompass the middle 54 percentile points, while the lower stanines (1 to 3) and higher stanines (7 to 9) represent the bottom and top 23 percentile points.

Top-tier private schools typically seek students with stanines in the 7-9 range, indicating a superior understanding of the test materials.

ISEE Prep and NYC STEM Club’s Expertise: A Winning CombinationÌý

Open the gateway to educational excellence and secure a coveted spot in one of New York’s prestigious private schools by excelling in the ISEE test. The ISEE test is more than just an exam; it’s a comprehensive assessment of potential and preparedness.

To guide your child in this journey of achieving educational excellence, NYC STEM Club’s ISEE test preparation program is here to help. Armed with a team of highly skilled tutors and a proven track record of success, we have been empowering students for years to tackle the ISEE with confidence and assurance in their abilities.

The post Ace the ISEE with NYC STEM Club | Your Guide to Understanding the Private School Admissions Test appeared first on ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½.

For parents looking to navigate the intricate world of private school admissions, we offer this guide to introduce the steps of submitting a successful application to New York’s best private schools. NYC STEM Club’s private school admissions consultants will steer you through every critical checkpoint in your application journey.

Application Timeline: When to Jumpstart Your Child’s Future

New York City private school applications open in late summer and early fall, but it is best to begin the private school admission journey a year before the intended application cycle. Starting early gives ample time for gathering documents, taking standardized tests, and refining personal essays.

At NYC STEM Club, we understand that getting a head start is only beneficial when there is a plan. That’s why our admission consultants will work with you to create a personalized application timeline that aligns with your goals and deadlines.

Standardized Testing Requirements: Measuring Up

A significant step in the application process involves standardized testing. Many New York private schools, including Trinity, Dalton, Riverdale, and Horace Mann, require the or the . Both tests aim to assess your student’s verbal, math, and reading skills.

It’s crucial for parents to note that the ISEE can only be taken once per testing season—spring, summer, fall, and winter. Recognizing the importance of adequate preparation, NYC STEM Club offers ISEE test preparation classes. Our classes provide abundant resources and a highly knowledgeable teaching staff to enhance your child’s performance, meeting the high expectations of top-tier educational institutions.

Crafting a Standout Application: Authenticity is Key

When it comes to applying to schools, it’s important to keep in mind that there are a variety of different application platforms that schools may use. While some schools might utilize well-known online platforms like the or , others have their own unique application systems.

Regardless of the application platform used, it’s important to remember that the application itself is more than just a series of forms and test scores. Instead, it’s an opportunity to showcase your child’s unique personality, achievements, and potential contribution to the school community.

Personal Essays:

Crafting a compelling personal essay is crucial. It should reflect your child’s authentic voice and present a vivid picture of their character and passions. For that extra edge, consider enlisting inÌý NYC STEM Club’s admissions consulting services to guide your student through crafting an impactful statement.

Letters of Recommendation:

To increase a student’s chance of admission to a New York Private School, prioritize forming strong connections with math and English teachers. These teachers are often required to provide letters of recommendation. Students may also submit a third recommendation letter from any non-relative adult, offering schools insight into the student’s work ethic and personal qualities.

Extracurricular Activities:

Active participation in extracurricular activities illustrates a well-rounded and engaged learner. Highlight activities that show commitment, leadership, and personal growth. In the application, students will discuss their involvement in each activity.

Parent Statement

Give your student’s private school application a competitive edge with a captivating parent statement. ÌýThis is your opportunity to share your genuine thoughts on your student’s education and growth. To ensure its effectiveness, honesty and truthfulness are vital, consider seeking the assistance of one of NYC STEM Club’s personal essay consultants.

Preparing for the Interview: A Crucial Conversation

The student interview is a significant facet of the application process, showcasing your child’s interpersonal skills and suitability for the school’s environment. Most private schools in New York expect candidates to engage in a one-on-one or small group interview.

Expectations can vary greatly between schools, but overall, students should be prepared to discuss their academic interests, extracurriculars, and personal experiences. NYC STEM Club’s interview preparation services are designed to boost your child’s confidence and poise, ensuring they make a memorable impression.

Embark on an Admission’s Journey with NYC STEM Club: From Start to Finish

The journey to gaining acceptance to New York’s premier private schools is undoubtedly complex and demanding. It demands a comprehensive approach that includes tailored preparation for standardized tests, crafting essays that stand out, and presenting oneself strongly in interviews. Professional guidance from NYC STEM Club’s admissions consultants can make all the difference in each of these critical spheres, offering insights and strategies that maximize performance.

For more information and personalized support, connect with the dedicated team at NYC STEM Club—your partner in navigating the nuanced journey ofÌýNew York private school admissions.

The post Navigating New York’s Private School Admissions: NYC STEM Club’s Guide for Parents appeared first on ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½.

Literary Fiction

• Little Women by Louisa May Alcott (Modern Abridged Edition)
• The Toothpaste Millionaire by Jean Merrill
• Boys Without Names by Kashmira Sheth
• Holes by Louis Sachar
• Wonder by R. J. Palacio
• The Night Diary by Veera Hiranandani
• The Last Book in the Universe by Rodman Philbrick
• The Grand Plan to Fix Everything by Uma Krishnaswami
• The Head of the Saint by Socorro Acioli
• Charlotte’s Web by E. B. White
• Amal Unbound by Aisha Saeed
• The Year of the Dog by Grace Lin
• Matilda by Roald Dahl
• The Wild Book by Juan Villoro
• Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo
• The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate
• Stone Fox by John Reynolds Gardiner
• The Secret of the Peregrine Stone by K. S. Jones
• The Cricket in Times Square by George Selden
• The Hundred Dresses by Eleanor Estes
• Born Behind Bars by Padma Venkatraman
• My Teacher is an Alien by Bruce Coville
• Aru Shah and the End of Time by Roshani Chokshi
• The Many Colors of Harpreet Singh by Supriya Kelkar

Non-Fiction

• The Watcher: Jane Goodall’s Life with the Chimps by Jeanette Winter
• Balderdash!: John Newbery and the Boisterous Birth of Children’s Books by Michelle Markel
• The Right Word: Roget and His Thesaurus by Jen Bryant
• The Fantastic Undersea Life of Jacques Cousteau by Dan Yaccarino
• The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer
• The Iridescence of Birds: A Book ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ Henri Matisse by Patricia MacLachlan
• The Darkest Dark by Chris Hadfield
• The Tree Lady: The True Story of How One Tree-Loving Woman Changed a City Forever by H. Joseph Hopkins
• On a Beam of Light: A Story of Albert Einstein by Jennifer Berne
• Small Steps: The Year I Got Polio by Peg Kehret
• The Queen of Water by Laura Resau and María Virginia Farinango

Authors

• Kate DiCamillo
• Roald Dahl
• Peg Kehret
• Bruce Coville
• Louis Sachar

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Literary Fiction

1. The Outsiders, S.E. Hinton
2. Flowers for Algernon, Daniel Keyes
3. Out of My Mind, Sharon M. Draper
4. Eleven, Tom Rogers
5. The Five People You Meet In Heaven, Mitch Albom
6. Life of Pi, Yan Martel
7. The Bridge Home, Padma Venkatraman
8. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, Sherman Alexie
9. Freak the Mighty, Rodman Philbrick
10. Hatchet, Gary Paulsen
11. A Separate Peace, John Knowles
12. Bud, Not Buddy, Christopher Paul Curtis
13. Amina’s Voice, Henna Khan
14. Tears of a Tiger, Sharon M. Draper
15. To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee
16. Abduction!, Peg Kehret
17. When Dimple Met Rishi, Sandhya Menon
18. Clara Luz, Jorge Eliécer Pardo
19. Tree of Dreams, Lisa Resau
20. The House on Mango Street, Sandra Cisneros
21. Amal Unbound, Aisha Saeed

Historical Fiction

1. Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen
2. Island of the Blue Dolphins, Scott O’Dell
3. The Night Diary, Veera Hiranandani
4. Monster, Walter Dean Myers
5. Esperanza Rising, Pam Munoz Ryan
6. Number the Stars, Lois Lowry
7. The War That Saved My Life, Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
8. Chains, Laurie Halse Anderson
9. A Night Divided, Jennifer A. Nielsen
10. The Watsons Go to Birmingham–1963, Christopher Paul Curtis
11. The Book Thief, Markus Zusak
12. Sophia’s War: A Tale of the Revolution, Avi

Non-Fiction

1. The Diary of a Young Girl, Anne Frank
2. Free Lunch, Rex Ogle
3. All Thirteen: The Incredible Cave Rescue of the Thai Boys’ Soccer Team, Christina Soontornvat
4. Ugly by Robert Hoge
5. Seed Folks by Paul Fleischman
6. Pay Attention, Carter Jones by Gary D. Schmidt
7. A Long Walk to Water By Linda Sue Park
8. White Bird By R.J. Palacio
9. Brown Girl Dreaming By Jacqueline Woodson
10. The Night Diary By Veera Hiranandani
11. New Kid By Jerry Craft
12. The Stars Beneath Our Feet By David Barclay Moore
13. Where Am I Wearing?: A Global Tour of the Countries, Factories, and People That Make Our Clothes, by Kelsey Timmerman
14. I Am Malala: How One Girl Stood Up for Education and Changed the World, Malala Yousafzai and Patricia McCormick
15. Bomb: The Race to Build–and Steal–the World’s Most Dangerous Weapon, Steve Sheinkin

The post Middle School Reading List appeared first on ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½.

Literary Fiction

1. Animal Farm, George Orwell
2. Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?, Philip K. Dick
3. Fahrenheit 451, Ray Bradbury
4. Bodega Dreams, Ernesto Quiñonez
5. Lemon, Kwon Yeo-Sun
6. Before the Coffee Gets Cold, Toshikazu Kawaguchi
7. Their Eyes Were Watching God, Zora Neale Hurston
8. Never Let Me Go, Kazuo Ishiguro
9. Of Mice and Men, John Steinbeck
10. Lord of the Flies, William Golding
11. Clara Luz, Jorge Eliécer Pardo
12. Everything I Never Told You, Celeste Ng
13. Exit West, Mohsin Hamid
14. The Brief and Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao, Junot Diaz
15. We Are Okay, Nina LaCour
16. Station Eleven, Emily St. John Mandel
17. 1984, George Orwell
18. Brave New World, Aldous Huxley
19. The God of Small Things, Arundhati Roy
20. The Interpreter of Maladies, Jhumpa Lahiri
21. The Stars Beneath Our Feet, David Barclay Moore
22. The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald
23. A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, Holly Jackson

Historical Fiction

1. The Things They Carried, Tim O’Brien
2. Fences, August Wilson
3. Lilac Girls, Martha Hall Kelly
4. All the Light We Cannot See, Anthony Doerr
5. The Goldfinch, Donna Tartt
6. Midnight’s Children, Salman Rushdie
7. A Suitable Boy, Vikram Seth

Non-Fiction

1. The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind, William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer
2. The Family Romanov: Murder, Rebellion, and the Fall of Imperial Russia, Candace Fleming
3. Crying in H-Mart, Michelle Zauner
4. Brown Girl Dreaming By Jacqueline Woodson
5. Bring It, Ken Jennings
6. The Vast Wonder of the World: Biologist Ernest Everett Just, Melina Mengal
7. The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, Rebecca Skloot
8. Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood, Trevor Noah
9. The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History, Elizabeth Kolbert
10. Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking, Susan Cain
11. The Hot Zone: A Terrifying True Story, Richard Preston
12. Educated, Tara Westover
13. The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History, Elizabeth Kolbert

The post High School Reading List appeared first on ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½.

However, the danger of such thinking results in HPS often falling through the cracks. Even if HPS do well at grade level, they often suffer from similar reading comprehension issues as grade-level and below grade-level students. Here are five signs your child(ren) are secretly struggling with reading comprehension, even if they are doing well in school.

When reading aloud, the student finds it difficult to decode unfamiliar words. Pay special attention to multi-syllable words, such as proclivity, proclamation, emancipation, etc. If the student struggles to pronounce foreign vocabulary, two issues might be at work. First, the student might lack phonetic spelling skills, the process of sounding out the letters of an unfamiliar word. Public education in NYC no longer teaches phonics at the elementary level. Therefore, many of the students in our education system do not know how to decode and sound out unfamiliar vocabulary. Second, the student might need to increase her vocabulary. Without a high-leveled vocabulary bank, students will not be able to comprehend rigorous and above-grade level readings.
The ability to decode vocabulary is instrumental to reading comprehension. If the student spends most of her time trying to pronounce the vocabulary, she loses the meaning behind the word. Consistent decoding issues make it more difficult for students to follow the writing, and often incentivizes students to skim through what they are reading.

When reading aloud, the student skips over random vocabulary. If your child(ren) skip words, she is at a disadvantage: she will struggle to make sense of the original meaning of a sentence, thus lowering her comprehension skills.

When reading aloud, the student inserts her own vocabulary word into the reading. If you notice your child(ren) doing this, it is imperative you correct them as soon as possible. When the reader inserts her own words into a reading, she is inserting her own bias into the reading, therefore obfuscating the original argument of the author. This is especially problematic for questions involving inference and literal comprehension.

When reading aloud, the student does not self-correct when she makes a mistake. Self-correction is a sign of meta-cognitive reading (the act of thinking about reading). Meta-cognitive reading is crucial for advanced critical thinking and reading comprehension skills. A student who does not self-correct suggests that she (1) made a mistake while reading and (2) is unaware that she even made a mistake, thereby increasing the opportunity for miscomprehension of the passage.

When reading aloud, the student does not engage in prosodic, or expressive reading (the act of reading with rhythm and intonation). Expressive reading refers to reading a text aloud with feelings and emotions that match the tone and feelings of the passage. Expressive reading is a sign of strong reading comprehension. It is only through understanding what the words on the page are saying can we then actively convey those emotions. Therefore, pay attention to whether your child(ren) changes her inflection, tone, speed, or volume when she reads.
Reading comprehension is not just a skill needed for ELA. It is the foundation of all principles of study. Without a strong foundation in reading comprehension, students will often face difficulties in other subject areas, such as math and science. If you find that your child(ren) has trouble with one or more of the categories mentioned above, she may benefit from targeted and differentiated reading comprehension interventions. ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ has several reading specialists on staff to (1) diagnose reading deficits and (2) personalize reading interventions according to student need. Students who have worked with our specialists on a one-on-one basis have seen dramatic improvements in their overall comprehension, speed, and expression. Contact us for more information!

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If you are a freshman or sophomore, you might be wondering why you even have to consider the SAT/ACTs right now. After all, isn’t it enough that you’re maintaining a high GPA, joining a variety of extra curriculars, and are beginning to discover your interests and passions?

For most students, junior year is the time to start worrying about college entrance exams. Au contraire, there are several reasons to start preparing for the SATs in your sophomore or even by the end of your freshman year.

Avoiding the stress of over-testing in junior year:

Junior year doesn’t have to be the most stressful year of your life. Most students have a lot of responsibilities including:

a) Making sure that you earn the highest GPA they can, since it is the last opportunity to raise the overall GPA before applying to college.
b) Preparing for at least two Advanced Placement (AP) exams in the summer of junior year.
c) Studying for finals and regents.
d) Considering whether to take SAT II Subject Exams. Tier 1 and some Tier 2 colleges require at least two SAT II subject exams.
e) Taking on leadership roles in extracurricular activities, including athletic programs, to distinguish yourselves from your peers.

Not included in this list is the plethora of other obligations you may have. For example, junior year is the time to start thinking about which teacher to approach for recommendation letters. It is also the year for college trips, which require extensive research and planning to even be worth the hassle.

It is already difficult to manage all of these components with that of being a teenager. To also have to prepare for the SATs during the busiest year is unnecessary when you can get that out of the way in your sophomore year.

So when should I take the ACT/SAT and the SAT II subject tests?

This does not mean that you have to take the exam in your sophomore year. In fact, it is best to prepare for the test in 10th grade and then take the exam at the beginning of 11th grade to avoid the rush of other obligations. This will also give you the additional summer months to prepare.

For freshmen, one additional opportunity is to take the Biology SAT II Subject Exam in the summer between Freshman and Sophomore years. You would have just completed Biology and will benefit from getting one of the Subject SATs, traditionally the easiest of the SAT IIs, out of the way without too much additional work!

National merit scholarships

For those aspiring to get the National merit scholarships, by preparing for the SAT in the sophomore year, you have a high chance of doing extremely well in the PSAT (which is essentially a practice SAT) in your junior year. For others, if you test early, it gives you enough buffer time so you can test multiple times to get the score you want before your college applications are due.

ACTs/SATs now test skills that are relevant to students’ success in high school and college courses

Prior to 2016, the SATs relied more on test-taking abilities than actual comprehension and application of knowledge. Now, the exam tests tangible ELA and Math skills, meaning the earlier you prepare, the better your skills will be for the rest of their high school experience. More importantly, preparing now means you will be developing skills necessary to their success in college. Finally, SAT questions now bear a strong resemblance to questions asked on AP exams and regents. Preparing early addresses any remaining deficits in foundational ELA and Math skills, eliminating the anxiety of testing in junior year.

To sum up, complete the ACT/SAT and at least one of the subject SAT IIs before the Junior year kicks into high gear. Starting early is key! You will also benefit from having more opportunities to retake the ACT/SAT to get a higher score before you apply to colleges. Finally, this approach will ensure that your foundational skills remain strong and prepare you for the rigors of Junior, Senior years and beyond.

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