2005, Satellite High School Classroom 1305~

“Struggles.” The word used in Parent Conferences since I held my first one in 2005 “He struggles in school,” “She struggles to keep up,” “My child struggles with the content.” Year after Year- Until…

The idea of “The 1305 Practice” (while it wasn’t named until years later) was developed out of necessity, while teaching at SHS in Classroom 1305.

I was faced with a “Struggle” of my own. My first year teaching-in walked 25 students. They took a seat and from the looks on their faces, THEY were ready to make me “Struggle.” I assessed the situation. Twenty-Five Students either had a bad day, were sick, some had Learning Disabilities, IEP’s, 504’s, Social Anxiety, Attention Issues and Attitudes. The commonality that threaded my new class was CLEAR…They failed the FCAT AND They didn’t want to be in “Intensive Reading Class.”

The term, “Fake It ’til You Make It” became my Mantra that day. I welcomed them, attempted to make a joke or two and asked  what they hoped to learn that year. Their responses included, “Nothing,” “I shouldn’t be in this class” and a slew of other phrases. With a heavy heart, I announced how happy I was that they were there and that if they would trust me, I would take them on a journey. Suddenly, they erupted into laughter and made it clear… They didn’t know me, believe me and they weren’t going to give me a chance.

I made it through my 1st class and the next five periods. At the end of the day, I was exhausted, filled with angst but, I wouldn’t give up. I would do whatever it took to make a connection, earn their trust and help them on their journey called “life.” As I made parent phone calls that evening, I  delivered the same message to each family: “I was happy to have their child in my class!” At the other end of the phone, I was met with laughter, disbelief and even some tears.

The next day as students walked in, I could tell  their view had changed. I wasn’t “The Enemy.” Over the coming months, wonderful relationships formed with my students. I started where they were in their Education & Attitude- NEVER lowered my Expectations and vowed to take them where they needed to be! Giving up WASN’T an Option. That year, I developed my “Teaching Style”-the basis for The 1305 Practice.

I loved each of the students in Room 1305; THEY were MINE. My “Sweathogs” to love, support and encourage. They would WORK for me when they wouldn’t for others. I could “Mom Them” about their “Jerky Behavior” in other classes and encourage “Their Best.” Overtime, CHANGE came. That year, my 9th-12th grade Struggling Students with Attitudes, Horrible Habits and No Routines developed their own style.

They: 1) Got Organized, 2) ‘Learned the Dance’ of each of their Teachers & the Value of Relationships, 3) Developed Study Habits, 4) Made Respecting Family a Priority, 5)Gained Confidence & Intrinsic Motivation, 6) Got rid of the Excuses AND 7) Learned to ‘Make Good Choices.’ Today, these students are Business Owners, College Graduates, Hairdressers, Chefs, Active Military Members, Mechanics, Childcare Teachers, Nurses,Dental Hygienists, Teachers and more. I am so proud of them! THEY discovered their Intrinsic Motivation and their way to a fulfilling life.

TODAY, The 1305 Practice is based on each of these Principles which has helped change lives for more than 10 years. In  I will meet you & your student where you are at, and take you where you need to be. Parents/Guardians will be shown how to Empower, NOT Enable your student through an effective System of Expectations-Consequences-Routines and Rewards. Teens will learn new habits and create routines for school and home life. I will create an Individual Strategic Modification Plan for your student which includes: Daily Routine, Expectations, Consequences and Reward System. It’s that “Little Instruction Manual ” we wished we had the day your child came into your life. Throughout the weeks, a different Topic will be presented weekly beginning with Setting Goals and Ending with Making Good Choices. This program will make their life easier through the implementation of successful practices and Transform your Family by REPLACING CHAOS and ANXIETY with CALM. After the Complimentary Consultation, the 10-week Program Schedule includes:

Week 1/ 2+ hours: Gather information  to develop “Individualized Strategic Modification Plan” and Set Goals (Student and Parents/Guardians Attend)  $215

Week 2/1.5 hours: Review of Plan & Routine, Backpack & Binder Organization (Student brings backpack/class binders & Parent Attends Meeting) $95

Week 3/ Topic: “Systems, Habits and Organization” (student only) $55 wkly/55 minute Weeks 3-10

Week 4/ Topic: Relationships with Teachers Matter” (student only)

Week 5/ Topic: “Respect My Family, Respect Myself” (student only) $55

Week 6/ Topic: “Intrinsic Motivation and Study Skills” (student only) $55

Week 7/ Topic: “Comprehending across Curriculum and learning to Embrace the stuff I don’t like” $55

Week 8/ Topic: “Feeling the Pressure but finding the Peace” $55

Week 9/ Topic: (Part 1) “Making Good Choices in School and in Life” $55

Week 10/ Topic: (Part 2) “Making Good Choices in School and in Life” $55

Total Cost of 10 week program: $750.00

Additional Services Offered:

Tutoring: $40-60/Hr.

“1305 Life” Membership/$125 month (after the completion of the Program) Includes: Member Tutoring Rate, Weekly Student Accountability, Invitations to activities and meetings, On-going Parent/Student Support

IEP/504/RTI Meeting Consultation and Support ($75/$100 hr.)

Virtual School Management:

College Entrance Process Management Including: Student Resume’ Development, Application(s) and Essay Completion $400.00 (up to two applications included)

Interested? Call Mrs. Eden Cook at 321-960-6162. I look forward to helping your student become the Best Version of him/herself!

My Best, Eden Cook