ABOUT US

NanoSTEPS is predicated upon the most current and rigorous research on learning concepts, combined with authentic observations of K-12 and adult learners. It draws on the foundation of facts to help learners generate ideas, solve problems, and to discern truth, one small step at a time. We offer both online and in-person services.

MISSION

Our mission is to engage and cultivate the academic curiosities of all types of students while nurturing their passion for knowledge in a safe and equitable learning platform.

WHAT IS THE NanoSTEPS APPROACH?

At NanoSTEPS, we strive to improve the learning outcome of all learners by activating their existing and relevant knowledge, while building on and reinforcing their foundational skills. Our Approach can be viewed as a form of high-dosage tutoring blended with an opportunity to develop learners beyond grade-level. For this reasoning, we place emphasis on the key skills in the learner’s current academic core contents ensuring that the learner has mastery of these contents, we provide additional support when necessary, and we supplement student learning beyond grade-level with an individualized curriculum.

In summary, at NanoSTEPS, we provide:

  • Just-in-time tutoring
  • We know what is being taught in the students’ classroom and go beyond re-teaching lessons from the classroom
  • We supplement students’ daily learning with individualized lessons based on the common core curriculum

WHO ARE OUR LEARNERS?

  • NanoSTEPS APPROACH is not a remediation program; rather, its purpose is the intentional use of study time to focus on building foundational knowledge and skills while concurrently integrating new concepts that is part of the grade-level agenda.
  • As such, NanoSTEPS is accessible to all students but specifically aimed at K-12 and ESL learners

HOW OFTEN DO LEARNERS HAVE TO STUDY?

  • The goal is for students to study daily up to at least five days per week, two out of the five days working with a mentor/tutor to ensure proper study habits
  • Students spend approximately 45 minutes per session
  • We are a year-long program with holidays as the only off times

WHAT ABOUT OUR MENTOR/TUTORS?

  • We strive to provide a positive mentoring relationship and remain committed to high expectations
  • Mentor/tutor to student ratio is 1:4
  • Mentor/tutors are vetted, qualified, and trained in the NanoSTEPS APPROACH to assist our learners
  • Our mentor-tutors ranged from exceptional high schoolers (with experience with the course content) to individuals with graduate degrees

HOW DO WE PLACE OUR LEARNERS?

  • At NanoSTEPS, we use diagnostic and formative assessment data aligned with learners’ current skill levels to place them in the appropriate starting point. We do all this while also connecting what is currently being taught in the classroom.

WHAT IS OUR PROCESS?

  • After the diagnostic information is collected, learners are provided an initial goal, which is aligned with the classroom.
  • Mentor/tutors supplement academic instructions of the learners as needed to help the learner master the concepts.
  • Goals are set to address weak academic skills area to align with current curriculum.
  • Learners are aligned with their mentor/tutor.
  • We engage in on-going assessment to aid in the establishment of new goals.
  • Learners are assessed with a spot diagnostic exam after the completion of each new concept.
  • Mentor/tutors continue to observe learners to assist as needed and to provide feedback to the program manager about areas learners might need to repeat for mastery.

In-center process

  • Mentor/tutors and program managers are both aware of what the learner is working on, how it is connected to core content area classroom instruction, and how the student’s learning is accelerating.
  • Learners come in ready to do work (right attitude and right effort)
  • Learners must engage in proper sitting style—appropriate posture to eliminate distractions.
  • We use a walking around system for observing tutoring sessions in center.
  • When homework is involved, the first half of each tutoring session focuses on building foundational skills and the second half on the homework.

WHAT IS THE CURRICULUM BASED ON?

  • Our curriculum is aligned to the Common Core State Standards and directly connected to a high-quality, grade-level core content curriculum.
  • Our materials support the effective use of technology to enhance students’ learning
  • We are not a substitute for core instructions.