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FAQS

How is grade enhancement mentoring for mathematics structured? 

ESA mentoring works with each students learning style and is structured as one-on-one sessions or group sessions (In-person or virtual) Monday-Thursday 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm.

 

To help build a student’s foundation of math, the grade enhancement mentoring must be maximized, constant, and strategic to fit different learning abilities. Students are required to receive 2 hours of mentoring each week.

             

 

What are the steps to join ESA?

 

  • Call Matthias Winfree to learn more about ESA (Elevate: STEM & the Arts). 615-405-9513

  • Complete ESA Application and Consent Form

  • Pay all fees in advance (weekly, monthly, yearly)

How will ESA ensure the program is helping students and let people see the positive results this program offers?

To ensure the maximum effectiveness of this program, a confidential file is created for each student that allows only the student, their guardian, and ESA to have access to the files upon request. ESA abides by a strict code of ethics, and therefore, information will not be released to any outside vendors unless authorized and legally signed by the student.

Each student has fundamental building blocks they must know and bi-weekly assessments (mock quizzes and tests) to track student knowledge and improvement from month to month to solidify their understanding of the subject matter at hand. Monthly progress reports will be given to parents. 

What's the student-to-staff ratio? 

 

There are 5 students to each instructor/mentor.

What does art have to do with a STEM program?

Art is a powerful economic driver of communities. In ESA the Arts are introduced as an effective intervention strategy for our youth. Art is an influential factor in youth well-being and development. Research shows that, compared with other activities, the arts elicits the strongest commitment from young people, some of whom remain in school or after-school programs because they are highly engaged by their participation in the arts.

4 Examples of correlations between STEM and the Arts

1. Science and Art naturally overlap. Both are a means of investigation. Both involve ideas, theories, and hypothesis that are tested in places where mind and hand come together—the laboratory and studio. Artists, like scientists, study—materials, people, culture, history, religion, mythology, and learn to transform information into something else. Leonardo da Vinci is a good example of someone who moved with ease between the worlds of art and science and transferred his studies from one to the other. His scientific and mathematical drawings are a work of art, and his paintings are the subject of many scientific and mathematical theories.

2. The word Technology comes from the ancient Greek words for the systematic treatment of art (techn) and logic (logia). Some Careers that combine Art & Technology: Architects, Animation Designers, Graphic Artists, Art Restorer, Computer Game Creator.

3. Engineering and Art are not complete opposites of one another either. Rooted within both fields exist many connections, including the design and constructive process, as well as aesthetics (critical reflection on art, culture and nature), which is deeply rooted in the works of many types of engineering. Ultimately, both engineering and art utilize imagination and creativity to further explore the unknown.

4. Mathematics and Art have a long historical relationship; patterns, correlations, rhythms, proportions, transformations and symmetry are all examples of fundamental concepts in both mathematics and art. In art, mathematics is not always visible, unless you are looking for it.  But there is much symmetry, geometry, and measurement involved in creating beautiful art.  As well, many artists take advantage of mathematical findings, such as the golden ratio to make their artwork realistic and beautiful.  Angles and perspective can also be described using math.

There has long been a connection between STEM and the Arts, one that can be traced back to the Egyptian pyramids. History proves that these five disciplines cannot exist without each other, enduring in constantly changing and evolving relationships. The outcome of each invention and each resolved question was a work of art and will continue to be works of art for future scientists, technologists, engineers, and mathematicians.

How is the building security?

ESA is very secure with locked doors at all times during program hours. Only staff is allowed to answer/open the door for any parents, more staff, or visitors . The property is also surrounded by cameras (Inside cameras as well), equipped with alarms on doors and windows, and working flood lights to keep the area lit and visible at night.

 

 

Do the activities change often enough that the routine doesn't get boring for students? 

Yes. Activities change weekly.

Is there computer/internet access if students need it for homework? 

 

Yes.

Will food and snacks be provided?  

Yes. Snacks and meal may vary daily.

*Dietary restrictions must be given during application process. 

What's a typical day at ESA

3 pm- 5:30 pm  Study Hall/ Math Tutoring 

5:30 pm- 6:30 pm  Arts and Crafts

6:30 pm- 7:00 pm Dinner

How does ESA handle behavior and classroom management? 

 

ESA uses the 3 strike rule: conversation with student, conversation with parent, strike 3 is a release from the program. 

ESA believes in handling issues by talking out the problem respectfully. 

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