Meet our Team of Certified Directors of Learning

Our Director of Learning - Lawton R. Grier, Ed.D - is committed to working with parents, classroom teachers, and students to ensure success. Dr. Grier provides a personalized approach to basic tutoring in reading, writing, math, study skills, and homework help all year round.  

He is originally from Winston-Salem, NC.  Dr. Grier received his B.S. degree from Winston State University, a masters in education from University of North Carolina - Charlotte and holds an Ed.D. in educational administration from Nova Southeastern University.

Dr. Grier is dedicated to education and brings over 29 years of experience as a classroom teacher and Charlotte Mecklenburg Principal to the KnowledgePoints family.

In his spare time Dr. Grier enjoys reading, working in the yard, building things from scratch, and watching old movies.

PROVEN RESULTS!

The KnowledgePoints Learning Centers commissioned an independent consultant to evaluate the effectiveness of our study programs for all students who have completed 40 tutoring lessons.

The graph below shows the pre tutoring and post tutoring results. In relation to school semesters in which students received about 90 hours of instruction in reading or math, students in KnowledgePoints programs achieved more than a full year of growth in less than half that time.

KnowledgePoints Programs

Reading: Master Life-long Learning

The success to life-long learning starts with excellent reading skills. Until third grade, students learn to read, but after that time, he/she reads to learn. The KnowledgePoints Reading Program focuses on the following skill areas advancing on a step-by-step basis through all grade levels.

		Phonics		Sight Vocabulary
		Functional vocabulary		Comprehension
		Reading Rate		Oral Reading

Check out the new Starting Points Reading, if your child is pre-K.
However, for more advanced readers you may start with KnowledgePoints Turning Points Reading. These are exciting and very comprehensive programs. But it does not end there, you can continue all the way through grade 12.

Mathematics: An Essential Tool for Life

Who could ever imagine life without mathematics!  Whether your child wants to calculate the savings in their piggy bank or determine the cost of buying 23 stamps, each with a value of 41 cents, you need these skills.  KnowledgePoints Mathematics Programs cover all essential areas from grades K - 12.

		Basic Math Facts		Numeration
		Whole Number Operations		Fractions
		Decimals		Integers
		Measurement		Geometry
		Pre-Algebra		Algebra
		Problem Solving		Interest
		Probability		Percentages

Write-On at KnowledgePoints

Writing: Communicating Your Point-of-View

Whether you have an aspiring journalist or your child is experiencing difficulty in basic writing skills, KnowledgePoints helps your child develop the skills to prepare them to write their own future.

Our Writing Programs focus on both the writing process and the six writing traits.

Students develop and practice their writing skills, grammar and the various conventions. Additionally, the use of Rubrics (which are commonly used by teachers for evaluating and scoring writing) are also taught so students understand how their work can benefit from self and peer evaluation.

Even in today's electronic world, the importance of a person being able to properly express him/herself in writing is not only an essential skill for academic success but for continued achievement throughout life as well.

Study Skills  - The Key to Academic Excellence!

Is your child unsure of how or where to begin studying for a big test? Are they having difficulty with taking effective test notes? Do they have trouble recalling the correct information for the test?

If you answered YES to any of these questions, then your student could benefit from KnowledgePoints Study Skills program!

Study Skills Program

Test Preparation Skills – Learn the five-day test preparation strategies for successfully taking tests….including how to reduce test anxiety.

Test Taking Strategies - Students learn the various types of test-taking strategies and the practice taking tests with various formats.

Managing Study Time and Routines – Students learn how to prepare a Term Calendar including development of sound study habits and preparing daily organizers that benefit them in and out of school.

Taking Notes – Students learn effective lecture & textbook note taking strategies.


Remembering Information – Students learn the use of visualization, categorization and abbreviation strategies.

Using Reference Sources – Students learn the proper use of the thesaurus, atlas/almanac, encyclopedia and dictionary.

ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages)

Under the proposal for the immigration reform bill, there will be a requirement for English certification for citizenship. KnowledgePoints offers instruction at all levels of English learners for both children and adults.  Corporate programs can be developed on request.

Grammar & Punctuation
Develop correct use of verbs, nouns, adjectives and adverbs.

Vocabulary & Spelling
Learn those everyday words needed to succeed in daily life

Reading & Phonics
Develop reading to understand English in simple and complicated instructions.

Writings
Master techniques to prepare written communications for friends, teachers, supervisors, etc.

Seven Steps to Homework Success

Ways to help your child get the most from homework - and maybe even enjoy it
Research shows that a highly structured approach to homework helps children to achieve superior performance in school and provides excellent academic benefits.  The work habits that they develop are key to success in college and life. Parent’s involvement in their children's schoolwork is an important component to help children realize their maximum potential.

Here are seven steps to help your child make homework a priority and encourage a lifelong love of learning:

Communicate with Teachers  
Early in the school year, meet with your child’s teacher and discuss grading periods and homework policies. Find out what kind of assignments will be given and how long you should expect your child to spend on homework nightly. Follow up on this meeting with telephone contact throughout the school year.

Review the teacher’s expectations with your child and hold your child accountable by identifying areas of weakness.  Ensure that your child establishes time to address these problem areas every night by reviewing previously taught concepts.  If you have concerns after regular observation, contact the teacher immediately.   This process will demonstrate to your child that you are a concerned parent and taking an active role in your child’s future.

Designate a Study Place and Time
Select a quiet “homework spot” for your child that has limited distractions, ample work space and adequate lighting. Include a shoebox or plastic crate full of necessary supplies, as well as access to necessary resources, such as a computer, dictionary, encyclopedia, thesaurus, globe and maps. The best time to do homework is immediately after your child comes home from school or right after a short break and a light snack.  Your child can have their homework done before dinner and it can be a point of discussion over the dinner table.  This will give your child free time after dinner for playing, computer activities, or other family functions.  Planning homework just before bed is less effective, as your child will be tired from the busy day.  Most importantly, get your child into a routine as we all perform better with a defined schedule. 

Provide Guidance and Support
Your role in your child’s homework is to provide guidance and support—not to do the assignments! Encourage your child to ask for your assistance, but if he or she has difficulty focus on reviewing the concept.  Review this concept regularly to ensure that your child has retained it.

The Theory of Multiple Intelligence suggests there are 7 different types of learners.  It is important to understand that each child has a different approach to learning, which will have a significant impact on their chosen career.  These intelligences include linguistic, logical-mathematical, musical, interpersonal, spatial etc.  Depending on their intelligence type, you should adjust your approach to helping your child.  Learning may be easier from pictures or charts as compared to reading instructions or demonstrate a concept by moving objects from one side to the other (i.e. solving a math problem).      

Your child needs a calendar in their work area to record dates, when assignments are given and their due dates. This helps your child track what is due and when. It adds accountability to the process and teaches time management.

Check for Understanding
After the homework is completed, review the assignments together and have your child explain what he or she did. This presents an opportunity to provide positive, constructive feedback.  Ask your child to “be the teacher”, as it shows not only an understanding of concepts, but that they are able to apply the knowledge.  It is great for building self-esteem.

Interactive quizzes and study games take studying to the next level and help ensure your child absorbs what is being studied. An example of a fun math game is “24 Double Digit” available from www.bookwormplantation.com (Bookworm Plantation).  Flash cards can also be useful for learning vocabulary or math facts.

Show an Interest
The attitude parents express towards homework will be the attitude their children develop.

Discuss school and learning activities every day. Getting to know your child’s classmates and their parents will help you build a solid network of support and volunteer in the classroom, at book fairs, science fairs, plays or sporting events. On the weekends, take your child to visit museums, parks, zoos and science centers.

Use Positive Reinforcement
Positive reinforcement helps keep children become motivated as they continue to build their self-esteem and become active life long learners. Giving constant praise and encouragement will help your child remain positive and focused.

A reward-based motivation system provides your child with incentives based on performance, effort and completion of homework. Great rewards include a night at the movies, dinner at a special restaurant or a new book. Once the rules of your system are determined, apply the system consistently.

Notice Struggles
It is essential to detect when you child is struggling and frustrated in order to maximize your child’s learning experience.  Learning can’t take place if a child is angry or upset over an assignment.

Try to answer the following questions about your child’s study behavior: How often is my child struggling with homework? What subject(s) is my child struggling with? Does my child enjoy school and is he or she excited about it?

Use the information, which you have gathered to find solutions that best meet your child’s needs. Work with your child to develop a corrective action plan and discuss your plan with the teacher.

Should your child lack the basic skills needed to complete assignments, or needs enrichment, there are professional tutoring services available in your community with the resources to help your child achieve his or her academic goals.

Homework has the power to bring children, parents, and teachers together with a common goal to improve student learning. With these seven steps, parents can help build a foundation for success in school, which will become the cornerstone to excellent study habits required to accelerate through high school and life.  Start the implementation of good homework habits today; it will make a powerful impact on your child’s future success.

Success in School and in Life

Like every good parent, you want your child to be successful. Once children develop the skills to succeed in school, they will take that confidence in learning with them for the rest of their lives.

At KnowledgePoints, we have no contracts or enrollment fees, reasonable rates and a guarantee of success. KnowledgePoints provides the best value possible to parents and students. Our goal is maximum growth in minimum time. Ask our friendly staff about costs and payment options.

We continually require state certified teachers experienced in all ages and subjects. If you are interested in part time employment with flexible hours, competitive pay and great working environment, please call us. Training is provided.

Participate in our Community Tutor Response Team

There are so many economically challenged families, who wish that they could get help for their children but do not have the resources.  Here is a great opportunity to help!  You can become a "Tutor Donor."  You will be improving your community for the next generation and enabling a student to succeed in school.  Ask our Directors how you can become involved.

Call KnowledgePoints Learning Center at: 704-846-1255
and register now!

Affordable Tutoring • Proven Results