(Originally Published in Big Apple Parent Magazine, May 2009) Taking end-of-the-year exams can be one of the most daunting aspects of school. Many students lose well-needed sleep and cringe at the thought of the big test day arriving. By learning some helpful test taking strategies, students can improve their performance on these exams, while helping to strengthen their overall study skills.

(Originally Published in New York Family) Taking notes in class can be a challenging task for almost any student. Students with special education needs, however, have particular difficulty with this skill. As students progress through school, in-class note taking demands become increasingly challenging.

Can your child predict how much time it might take to finish a homework assignment or prepare for a test? Does he or she wait until the night before an exam to begin studying? Is there ever a last minute panic before an assignment is due?

(Originally published at HowtoLearn.com) As students progress through school, they are expected to take countless in-class and standardized tests that include essays. Students are often baffled by this type of exam. How do I begin? How do I write an effective thesis statement? How do I organize my ideas? These are just some of the questions that run through the minds of students who are facing these essay exams. Learning strategies for how to write effective essays for timed tests can help students build confidence, ease anxiety, and ace these exams.

As summer winds down, the thought of going back to school gives many students the jitters. Homework demands build and staying focused in class becomes an important goal once again. Learning strategies to help your child stay focused, organized, and motivated will allow him or her jump-start the school year on a positive note.