OUR APPROACH · THE BLACKFORD METHOD
Start with the work in front of them.
We look at what a student is doing now, find where the assignment stopped making sense, and practice a way through it — first on an example we work together, then on their own schoolwork.
HOW COACHING WORKS
Five steps, from the first call to independent practice.
01 Listen
We talk with the family and the student, look at current work, and get a clear picture of what is working and what is not.
02 Plan
We set a few specific goals and write a learning plan for the next eight weeks.
03 Coach
Each session teaches one strategy and gives the student a chance to practice it on real work. You get a short summary after every session.
04 Show progress
The student reflects on what changed. At eight weeks we review the plan with you against the goals we set.
05 Step back
As a skill becomes reliable, the student takes it over. The aim is independence, not endless tutoring.
INSIDE A SESSION
Practice something the student can use this week.
For planning, that might mean turning an overdue assignment into three actions and choosing when to do each one. In math, it might mean identifying and explaining where a solution went wrong before trying the next problem.
In writing, a student could revise a paragraph so its evidence supports its claim. In debate, they could practice answering an opposing argument with evidence. The coach shows them how, they try it together, and then the student does it alone. I do, we do, you do.
We measure progress two ways: the work gets better, and we get asked fewer questions.
TALK WITH US
Tell us where your student gets stuck.
A free 30-minute conversation, by video or in person. No commitment.