FAQs
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How do I get started with Smart Schooling?
Getting started is easy. Simply reach out to us through our Contact Us page on our website. We will schedule an initial consultation to learn more about your needs and goals, and then we will work with you to determine the best services and approach to meet those needs. Whether you are a parent looking for coaching for your child, an educator seeking professional development, or a school leader looking to transform your organization, we are here to help
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What is neuroeducation and how does it inform your approach?
Neuroeducation is an interdisciplinary field that combines neuroscience, psychology, and education to create more effective teaching and learning strategies. At Smart Schooling, we apply the principles of neuroeducation to all of our services. This means that our programs are grounded in the latest scientific research about how the brain learns. By understanding the cognitive and emotional factors that influence learning, we can design interventions that are more engaging, effective, and empowering for both students and educators.
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Who can benefit from your services?
We work with a wide range of clients in the education sector, including:
•K-12 students, particularly those who are neurodivergent, who are looking to develop executive functioning skills and improve their academic performance.
•Educators and school leaders who want to enhance their teaching practices, improve student engagement, and create more effective learning environments.
•Schools and educational organizations that are seeking to implement evidence-based practices, improve organizational performance, and foster a culture of continuous improvement.
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What are the qualifications of your team?
Our team is comprised of highly qualified and experienced professionals with advanced degrees in education, psychology, and speech-language pathology. Our founder, Dr. Hennah Abubaker-Bhatti, holds a doctorate from Johns Hopkins University, is a certified neurodiversity coach, and has extensive experience as an educator, researcher, and academic coach. Our team members are passionate about education and are committed to staying at the forefront of the latest research and best practices in neuroeducation and cognitive science.
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Can you provide tailored professional development?
Yes, absolutely. We specialize in creating tailored professional development programs that are customized to meet the unique needs and challenges of each school or organization we work with. Our team collaborates closely with you to understand your specific goals, and then we design a program that leverages our expertise in neuroeducation and cognitive science to deliver impactful and sustainable results. Whether you are looking to improve teaching strategies, enhance leadership skills, or foster a more inclusive learning environment, we can develop a program that is right for you.
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What is the difference between coaching and therapy?
While both coaching and therapy aim to support personal growth, they differ in their focus and approach. Therapy typically delves into past emotional experiences to address mental health challenges, heal from trauma, and develop emotional resilience. It is a clinical practice conducted by licensed professionals who can diagnose and treat mental health conditions.
Coaching, on the other hand, is a forward-looking and action-oriented process. At Smart Schooling, our coaching focuses on building practical skills and strategies to help individuals achieve their academic and personal goals. We work with clients to identify their strengths, develop new skills, and create actionable plans for success. Our coaches are not therapists and do not provide clinical care.
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What kind of coaching do you offer for students?
We offer one-on-one student coaching for K-12 students, with a specialization in supporting neurodivergent learners. Our coaching sessions are personalized to meet the unique needs of each student and focus on developing key executive functioning skills such as:
•Organization and time management
•Planning and prioritization
•Task initiation and follow-through
•Working memory and attention
•Self-regulation and emotional control
Our coaches work with students to identify their cognitive strengths and build new skills, empowering them to become more independent and successful learners.
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Can coaching help my child if they are struggling academically?
Yes, coaching can be very effective for students who are struggling academically, particularly if the struggles are related to executive functioning challenges. Many students who struggle in school have the cognitive ability to succeed but lack the organizational skills, time management strategies, or self-regulation skills needed to perform at their best. Our one-on-one coaching helps students develop these critical skills and build confidence in their ability to succeed. If your child is experiencing emotional or mental health challenges that are interfering with their ability to learn, we recommend seeking support from a licensed therapist in addition to or instead of coaching.
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How many coaching sessions will I need?
The number of coaching sessions required varies depending on the individual's goals and needs. We believe in a personalized approach, and the duration of a coaching engagement is determined collaboratively between the coach and the client. Some individuals may benefit from a short series of sessions to address a specific challenge, while others may engage in a longer-term coaching relationship to work on more comprehensive goals. We typically recommend starting with an initial block of sessions, after which we can assess progress and determine the best path forward.