The California Learning Strategies Center is a think tank empowering parents to get their advanced and gifted children the education they deserve, inside and outside the classroom.

Our website is currently being redesigned -- check back in December for articles by mathematicians, authors, poets and scientists about how parents can nurture their child's love of learning, as well as detailed information about our products and services to help keep your child engaged and challenged in school.

Myths, Misinformation and Half-Truths Educators Tell Parents About Gifted Students B and How To Respond (report)

Getting Your High-Ability Math Student the Education He or She Needs. . . Even in Public School (K-5) (report)

Meeting the Needs of Your Talented Reader/Writer (K-5) (report)

The California Learning Strategies Center Guide for Middle Schoolers Taking the SAT (report)

How To Be An Author: Advice from Real Life Writers (K-8) (audio download)

How To Have Fun With Math: Advice from Real Life Mathematicians (Grades 2-8) (audio download)

Optimizing Your High School Brain: How to Make Learning, Studying and Testing Easier, More Effective, and More Fun (DVD)

Optimizing Your Middle School Brain: How To Make Learning, Studying and Testing Easier, More Effective, and More Fun (DVD)

Preparing Your Brain for Middle School: A 4th and 5th Graders Guide to Making Learning, Studying and Testing Easier, More Effective, and More Fun (DVD)

Consulting Services

Is your child an advanced math student, a talented writer, or an above-level reader?

Schools rarely provide these students with the stimulation, challenge, and knowledge they need to develop and enjoy their abilities.  But finding resources that are both fun and appropriately challenging for your child, while working with your child's teacher and school to get his or her needs met in the classroom, can be time-consuming and frustrating.

Talk to us about your child's strengths and interests, and we'll provide you with a multitude of individualized resources and suggestions -- including books, computer programs, websites, publishing opportunities, mentors, video classes, distance learning programs, competitions, workbooks, games, reading lists and camps -- to help your child develop his or her strengths, both inside and outside the classroom. 

We'll also give you the information you need about gifted children (including research findings about ability grouping, acceleration, curriculum compacting, homework, etc.) to help you discuss your child's needs with teachers, so that you can work together to provide an appropriate in-class program for your child.  Additionally, we can draft letters to teachers, schools, and school districts to help you advocate for your child.

For further information, including rates, call 805-642-6686, or e-mail Susan.Goodkin@learningstrategiescenter.com.