SAT 1600 Club Enriches Standardized Test Prep Experience
Students have the opportunity to learn test-taking strategies and techniques while enhancing their comprehensive skills through a newly offered seven-week prep course workshop called the SAT 1600 Club.
Led by Standardized Testing Director and mathematics teacher Dr. Stephen Listro, the new offering allows juniors and sophomores an opportunity to elevate their standardized-test preparation. In a message home to parents, Dr. Listro noted that with regard to the PreACT, PSAT, ACT, and SAT, students’ hard work and academic achievements should not be “misrepresented by three hours hunched over a booklet and bubble sheet.”
"Dr. Listro is an exceptional educator, and his expertise in the area of standardized test prep is second to none. I could not be more pleased to have him on our faculty working with our students," said Head of School Bob Izzo.
"Dr. Listro is an exceptional educator, and his expertise in the area of standardized test prep is second to none. I could not be more pleased to have him on our faculty working with our students," said Head of School Bob Izzo.
Prior to Dr. Listro’s departmental hire beginning this academic year, he taught at Southern Connecticut State University and Quinnipiac University and worked as a private tutor for students. He holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in English from Southern Connecticut State University, a M.F.A from University of Miami, and a Ph.D. from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
“This is a comprehensive vetted program aimed to help students gain confidence in their test-taking abilities by providing the necessary resources,” said Dr. Listro. “Having worked as a private instructor and standardized testing coordinator in conjunction with teaching, I can better support and understand what is needed for students to succeed.”
The course is a seven-week session that runs in-person twice a week Monday and Thursday from 2-4 p.m. Students are only required to attend one session per week. During the two-hour time block, students review and prepare for the three parts of standardized tests: math, reading, and language. Review includes the format of the test, how to prepare for it, and practice questions that model the real-life test. Homework is given at the end of each class, which includes assessments and practice tests.
In addition to SAT prep, the course offers tutoring in preparation for the PreACT, PSAT and ACT. The goal of the SAT 1600 Club is “to elevate standardized-test preparation to a meaningful experience, not ancillary to your children’s educations but integral to them, not a distraction but an enhancement,” according to Dr. Listro.
For the inaugural session, which began at the end of January, 43 students are enrolled with a waiting list of students eager to join the next session in the spring. Materials for the course, which include the Baron’s SAT Study Guide, are provided by the school.
When asked if the SAT switching to a digital format will have an impact on the way students prepare, Dr. Listro replied that “the thinking process remains the same, it is just the format that is different.” He noted that “thinking on the page” is a vital asset in academics and students have the ability to easily adapt.
For additional information, contact Dr. Stephen Listro at slistro@hamdenhall.org.
Hamden Hall Country Day School
1108 Whitney Avenue
Hamden, Connecticut 06517
Phone: 203-752-2600
Fax: 203-752-2651
admissions@hamdenhall.org
Hamden, Connecticut 06517
Phone: 203-752-2600
Fax: 203-752-2651
admissions@hamdenhall.org
About Us
Hamden Hall Country Day School, located less than two miles from Yale University, is one of the best private schools in Connecticut to enroll elementary, middle, and high school students. Our nurturing and inclusive community provides a dynamic learning environment that promotes academic excellence by understanding each child and fostering their individual growth.
