What is La'a Kea Tutoring Service?
A licensed, registered business in Hawai'i, La'a Kea Tutoring Service is solely owned by Jimmy Castro with over 26 years of educating experience on O'ahu, Hawai'i. As requested by Hawai'i Family Court personnel, his tutoring service restarted in 1998 as LKTS.
This unique service focuses on teaching approaches that meet the individual needs of those who are gifted/talented, have learning/processing deficits, or simply need help to improve reading comprehension or math skills. The focus on needs and strengths of the individual also applies to preparation for SSAT, SAT,ACT, GRE, ASVAB, and other norm-based tests.
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What does LKTS provide that is different?
LKTS is more than help with homework. The service that La'a Kea Tutoring provides is a process where the tutor and client work together closely toward understanding and mastery of the subject.
Commercial learning centers may group clients covering different subjects or skill needs with different staff for each session. LKTS meets each client's needs by working with the person's strengths/learning style. The student's needs determine the approach used or adaptation made to the curriculum. A detailed assessment of the client's progress is recorded after every session. LKTS regularly dialogues with the parent or guardian about current progress. Parental input or comments are always welcome.
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What are LKTS's qualifications?
Jimmy Castro graduated from the University of Hawai'i-Manoa in 1971. He received graduate training in secondary education through the math/science teaching program. He is teacher-trained and has been in the educational field since 1984. He is a member of the National Education Association (NEA) and has participated in Pi Lambda Theta, a professional fraternity for educators.
Further graduate training in special needs education emphasized teaching approaches to educate the individual. Graduate coursework dealt with teaching strategies to especially include the student who is gifted/talented, has emotional problems or processing deficits.
Knowing his nonjudgemental acceptance and competent rapport with students, public and private agencies regularly refer cases to LKTS. An independent criminal background clearance is conducted yearly as required by agency contracts.
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Who does LKTS help?
LKTS serves a wide range of people--adults, those with special needs, college students, honor and also gifted/talented students.
Noted for his accepting approach, public and private agencies have referred challenging and sensitive cases to Jimmy.
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How does LKTS help clients?
LKTS focuses on the individual's needs primarily in a 1-to-1 setting. LKTS is known for easily establishing rapport with clients regardless of age or skill level. LKTS assesses the client for strengths and learning style.
LKTS presents each subject matter in approaches meaningful to the client's learning style. The client then is able to apply the material or concept that the course curriculum requires.
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How is tutoring helpful to the parent or guardian?
With the demands of daily living, many parents often have the stress of conflicts over the child's schoolwork. In addition, math curricula such as the Interconnected Math Program can be challenging to even parents who are comfortable with mathematics.
La'a Kea Tutoring provides a neutral "territory" where the child (especially teenagers) can better focus on learning. Parents consistently say LKTS has helped to improve the parent-child relationship regarding schoolwork.
Knowledge and familiarity with different school curricula enables La'a Kea Tutoring to be an additional resource for parents.
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Am I allowed to observe how my child is being tutored?
LKTS has an open policy unlike some corporate learning centers that conduct tutoring in isolation. LKTS strongly believes in parental support for a student's success and encourages the parent to participate in the student's education.
When it is applicable, the parent may observe the session for either general overview or something specific (example: seeing how a strategy can be used by the parent).
If the student is uncomfortable being monitored by a parent, the session is held with the parent away from the immediate setting. On the other hand, when the student initially prefers the parent to be present, LKTS works accordingly.
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How long and how often is the session held?
The typical session is one hour. Younger students (to 3rd grade)can usually focus up to 45 minutes.
Regular sessions are held one to three times a week depending on the needs of the student. Some students engage LKTS for as-needed sessions to review material for a chapter test or quarter final.
No monthly enrollment is required. LKTS assigns sessions according to the student's as well as the family's needs.
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Where does tutoring occur?
LKTS goes to where the client is available or feels secure, comfortable and able to focus. The setting may be in the student's home, on campus, or at the hospital. Some prefer quiet settings like a library or the counselor's office. Others like meeting at Starbuck's or Border's Books.
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How can I contact La'a Kea Tutoring?
Cellular: (808) 295-2574
email: jimmy@hawaiitutor.net
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What is the typical first session like?
The first session establishes rapport with the client and parent/agency. La'a Kea Tutoring emphasizes the client's willingness to work.
Initial assessment of interests, strengths, and learning styles guides the direction of the tutoring.
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What can I do to help my child prepare for the Secondary Scholastic Aptitude Test (SSAT), the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), or any standardized test?
LKTS strongly encourages parents to increase their children's reading and vocabulary. Sample tests are found in public libraries or also online through College Board. These standardized tests include important preparation tips in advance of the actual test date.
LKTS provides further assistance to develop strategy/study skills, improve reading comprehension and application of acquired math skills.
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Do you have a summer program?
The summer program is developed according to each student's needs. Whether remedial work is needed or just to prepare for the coming school year, LKTS provides the desired guidance.
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