March 21, 2008

New academy emphasizes individual instruction

By Selma Skokic
Special to the Times

Shelly Swircek believes one-on-one tutoring in public speaking and critical thinking aren’t taught in the standard classroom setting.

Dion Dang is a student at the new Silver Creek Academic Academy

So seven-year veteran of public school teaching Shelley Swircek, left her regular teaching position in the Evergreen School District to start the Silver Creek Academic Academy. This unique program offers elementary students a supplemental concentration of intensive study in several liberal art disciplines. Swircek believes that real difference isn’t made on a grand scale in the halls of legislative discourse, or even within the scope of a classroom setting, but that real impact is made one student at a time.

After teaching in public schools and offering individualized after-school instruction to her students, Swircek began to realize that many of the students needed focused attention on key skills such as writing, public speaking, logic and critical thinking. Unfortunately, the conditions of a traditional school format, which call on teachers to provide instruction to 30 students or more using a broad-based curriculum, does not give children an opportunity to receive specialized direction and training in non-standardized disciplines.

“I know firsthand that classroom teachers often don’t address public speaking skills with their students; yet it is a vital skill that requires practice and guidance,” Swircek says. “My program focuses in those areas that most classroom teachers don’t have the time or resources to address.”

The Academy has been open only since September, but Swircek has seen marked improvement in students. “I am continually amazed at the progress the students in the public speaking classes are making,” she said. “Students that walk in shy and afraid to speak in front of a group, with guidance and practice, go on to exude confidence as they make presentations week after week.”

Swircek maintains a small class size so she can meet each student’s individual need. She is fully credentialed and equipped to offer challenging lessons that align with public school standards. “My program is a combination of several teaching methods and is very detailed in the approach to teaching all aspects of effective communication. The small group atmosphere really provides for a more focused approach to learning,” Swircek said.

According to Swircek, critical thinking is the foundation for effective problem-solving and decision-making; however, many students are not exposed to this type of instruction. Her class helps students hone their reading, listening and logical thinking skills by taking part in activities that promote advanced comprehension, flexible problem solving, and inferential and deductive reasoning. These skills are vital when it comes to preparing for the standardized testing schedule.

Her program also offers instruction in reading and writing, two subjects in which Swircek believes students can excel if they receive individual attention. “I work with each child one-on-one during each class session to meet their specific needs.” She offers several class options for grades one through nine. “I saw a way to provide a valuable service to the children of this community and at the same time continue to pursue my passion for educating,” Swircek said.

Silver Creek Academic Academy is located at 5645 Silver Creek Valley Road, suite 216 in the Canyon Creek Plaza. Class schedules, fees, curriculum outlines and registration are available online at http://web.mac. com/funlearning

For more information, e-mail SilverCreekAcademicAcademy@charter.net or call (408) 839-5905.