Best of Northern Virginia Magazine 2018
Woman's World, September 10, 2018
The new school year is here—and so are our experts with the proven ways to help you help the child in your life feel extra-confident Read Ann’s contribution to learn fun and easy strategies to help your elementary schooler soar this school year.
WTOP, September 3, 2018
Any parent familiar with nightly homework knows that where homework gets done can become just a much of an issue as when it gets done. The best place for homework depends on the child. Listen to Ann’s interview with WTOP on setting up a study space, and other tips to ease homework hassles. WTOP, August 27, 2018
At the beginning of the school year, every student starts off organized. They have brand-new folders, a tidy binder and a clean backpack. But, for many, maintaining neatness can be a real struggle. Listen to Ann’s interview with WTOP to find out how parents can help their kids get and stay organized. WTOP, August 20, 2018
In June, the whole family is excited: Your kids are “free at last” and you’ve earned a break from the before- and after-school routine. The problem is August is coming to an end, and if you’re not careful, the beginning of school hits the whole family like a ton of bricks. Listen to Ann’s interview with WTOP to find out how you and your children can ease back in to school in a painless way. ABC7 WJLA, June 18, 2018
Studies show that kids can lose ground over the summer if they don't engage in any learning. How can parents find the balance between nothing at all and going overboard?WTOP, May 10, 2018
We're in the home stretch for the 2017-2018 school year. And that means your child's motivation and focus can start to wander. Listen to Ann's latest interview with WTOP on how to keep your students motivated through "spring fever." WTOP, February 5, 2018
Do you wonder if homework is really all that beneficial for your kids? And if so how much they should be getting? Listen to Ann Dolin's latest WTOP segment to find out! WTOP, January 11, 2018
When the end of the quarter is winding down, kids need to start preparing for those big unit tests. But how should they go about studying for them without getting stressed out? Listen to Ann Dolin's latest WTOP segment for some recommendations. WTOP, January 2, 2018
It's a new year... and the perfect time to get re-organized and ready for the second half of the school year! In Ann's latest WTOP interview, she covers 3 tips to help your kids get organized and ready for school in the new year. WTOP, October 31, 2017
For most parents in the area, November is the month for parent-teacher conferences. But a lot of times it's hard to know how to make the most of them so that you can actually help your child improve. In Ann's latest WTOP interview, she covers How to get the most from a parent-teacher conference and provides recommendations on what to come prepared to talk about. WTOP, October 11, 2017
October is ADHD awareness month, and the perfect time to learn a little more about the disorder if you're not completely up to date. In this interview Ann provides her perspective on the topic, along with a few tips for parents on improving focus and eliminating distractions with ADHD. WJLA Let's Talk Live, September 7, 2017
Back to school is an ideal time to get organized to start the new year strong. In this interview Ann share practical tools and strategies parents can use with their kids to make this school year the best one yet.Women's World, August 2017
Ann discusses how you can use toys like glow-in-the-dark stars to pique younger kid's curiosity for learning.
Fox 5 DC, July 10, 2017
Ann talks summer learning with Fox 5 DC, including how to keep kids “school ready” over the summer so that they don’t lose progress.WJLA Let's Talk, June 1, 2017
It can be hard for children to go back to school from summer vacation and forget some of the material they learned in school. Ann Dolin, President of Educational Connections Tutoring joined us to tell us about the importance of making sure your kids learn during the summer break.WTOP, March 21, 2017
With getting into college more competitive than ever, high school students are putting a lot of effort into preparing for college entrance exams — namely the SAT and ACT. In some selective schools, these scores account for fifty percent of the admissions decision. So what can students expect these days? WTOP's Shawn and Hillary spoke with Ann Dolin who shares the latest on what kids and their parents need to know. WTOP, February 27, 2017
When your kid gets a "A" in class — it's not that special anymore. In fact it's a lot more common than it used to be. And that's not because the kids are better students. It's because the teachers are less discerning. WTOP's Shawn and Hillary spoke with Ann Dolin, President of Educational Connections Tutoring, about the problem with grade inflation. CBS DC Public Affairs, January 31, 2017
The Washington Report
What's the role of homework, and is it even valuable in the first place? Ann Dolin joins Steve Bridgewater on her CBS DC Public Affairs show, The Washington Report.WJLA TV (ABC 7), January 6, 2017
The Impact of Technology on the Developing Child
The American Academy of Pediatrics recently released guidelines about how technology affects children, especially during their prime developmental years. They recommend that children from 2-5 years should be spending at maximum one hour on electronics per day. Parents also need to monitor what their children are viewing while they’re online. In a world where technology and electronics are everywhere, how do we help monitor our child’s screen time without causing arguments with them? Here to talk about technology distractions is Ann Dolin, President and Founder of Educational Connections Tutoring in Fairfax, Virginia. Connection Newspapers, September 24, 2016
Homework Overload
For many parents and students, homework can be anxiety inducing, especially when there’s a lot of it, when it’s intense, when there’s pressure to succeed and when it’s used as a measure of accomplishment. WJLA TV (ABC 7), September 16, 2016
The "No Homework" Policy
The “no homework” movement is catching on nationwide, even here in DC where a school in Arlington is testing the idea that homework isn’t necessary. Joining us today was Ann Dolin, President of Educational Connections Tutoring, and author of the book Homework Made Simple: Tips, Tools and Solutions for Stress-Free Homework. Let's Talk Live, August 17, 2016
ADDitude Magazine, August 16, 2016
Fight the Fizzle: How to Maintain Your Child's Academic Motivation
Replay this free expert webinar with Ann Dolin, M.Ed., and download the expert slides. Northern Virginia Magazine, August 11, 2016
Back to School: Defeat the homework blues
Motivation to stay focused on homework is the most important key to success for students. According to Ann Dolin, president and founder of Educational Connections Inc., as your child gets older and accumulates more homework, the amount of time should generally increase by 10 minutes per grade level. However, due to a variety of distractions as well as the difficulty of Honors and AP classes, it can take high schoolers at least three hours to do their homework. As a result, they have less and less time for diversions. Women's World, August 2016
Ann Dolin shares tips for helping children get organized for school!
WTOP, March 29, 2016
Ann discusses spring fever and how to help kids plan ahead for end-of-the-year projects. Listen to Ann's full interview: WTOP, January 30, 2016
How to get kids reacquainted with school after several days off
This Monday, it's back to school for several children in the D.C. region, following last weekend's blizzard and residual cleanup. Of course, it could be tough for local students to get back into a rhythm after such a long break. Thankfully, there are some things students and parents can do this weekend to ease the transition. "Carve out some time over the next few days and really turn those electronics off," says Ann Dolin, president of Educational Connections Tutoring. Washington Post Magazine, November 2015
Making the Best Choice for Your Child
Ann is featured in the Washington Post Magazine. Women's World, October 2015
Ann Dolin shares the tips that will help your kids and grandkids ace the rest of the school year!
Women's World, August 2015
Ann Dolin lends her advice in the August 17, 2015 issue of Women's World.
WTTG, June 25, 2015
Keeping Your Student Engaged This Summer
It is important for students to stay engaged with learning over the summer to continue their progress with school. In fact, students can lose up to 15% of their academic ability if they don't practice reading and writing over the summer.Let's Talk Live, May 12, 2015
How to prevent the summer learning slide
Many parents and kids alike, enjoy having a break over the summer to recharge their batteries. But, studies show that it isn't always such a good idea. In fact, students can lose up to 15% of their academic ability over the summer if they don't read, write and practice math. Ann Dolin, president of Educational Connections Tutoring, has tips on how parents can avoid the summer learning slide.
WTOP, April 14, 2015
Many parents feel as if video games are controlling their children's lives and that their kids are addicted to technology. But when it comes to video games: do they hurt or help? Can there be a positive effect? Educational Connections' President, Ann Dolin, recently appeared on WTOP to discuss what the research says about video games and their impact on students and academics. Listen to Ann's full interview: The Huffington Post, September 4, 2014
5 Ideas for a Great Home Learning Zone
Ann's advice appears in The Huffington Post. Women's World, September 1, 2014
Ann Dolin lends her advice in the September 1, 2014 issue of Women's World.
Washington Post, August 20, 2014
Back-to-school: Five ways to help your middle-school student get organized
By the time our children inch their way to the end of fifth grade, they have that elementary school thing down. They know where everything is, from their favorite books in the library to the best seats in the lunchroom. Many sport fluorescent belts that signify safety patrol status, conferring the right to tell those first-graders on the bus to sit down or else. Quite simply, they are kings of their castle. Read more… WTOP, August 15, 2014
Ann discusses what parents can do to help their child get and stay organized this school year. WTOP, June 17, 2014
Ways to Fight Kids' Summer Brain Drain
A couple months out of the classroom doesn't have to cause "brain drain" for students enjoying summer vacation. "Studies show that when kids read four books over the summer they completely reduce or eliminate the learning slide in reading," says education expert Ann Dolin, who is a former Fairfax County school teacher. Read more… Let's Talk Live, June 17, 2014
Avoiding the summer learning slide
School is almost out, and students around the country are looking forward to three long months of summer vacation! But with all the relaxing, kids can lose a lot of academic progress. Ann visited Let's Talk Live to explain how parents can help their kids avoid the summer learning slide.
WTOP, May 1, 2014
Ann discusses the findings of a new study from the American Psychological Association regarding girls versus boys in the classroom.WTOP, April 16, 2014
Ann discusses the announcement from the College Board regarding the upcoming changes to the SAT. WTOP, March 26, 2014
Ann Dolin shares her thoughts on a new study in the Journal of Experimental Education that points to a positive correlation between excessive amounts of homework in high school and physical ailments. Washington Post, February 21, 2014
Private schools: help in picking the right one
For many parents, deciding whether private school is right for their child and which schools to apply to is overwhelming. Ann's new book, A Guide to Private Schools: The Washington DC, Northern Virginia, and Maryland Edition, can help. Read more… ADDitude Magazine
The New Way to Study with ADHD
Ann presents research-based study techniques to help kids with attention deficit learn faster, retain more, and perform better on tests. Posh Seven
An interview with Ann
An interview with Ann about her journey and her thoughts on the future of education. Attention Talk Radio, January 8, 2014
Processing, learning, and remembering information…it can be hard for those with ADHD. Isn't hard overrated? Why not take the path of least resistance? In this episode of ATR, Ann Dolin shares how to figure out how you naturally learn.Let's Talk Live, January 7, 2014
2014 Trends in Education
Ann discusses the important trends in education for 2014.Washington Post, January 5, 2014
Jay Mathews's Take on the Common Core
As our national battle over the Common Core standards escalates this year, remember that new standards and curricula rarely improve schools. What does work is families becoming more affluent, teachers becoming more proficient and students spending more time and energy on their studies. Read more… WTOP, October 29, 2013
Having been on both sides of the parent-teacher conference, Ann Dolin gives advice on how parents can make the most of their short time with their student's teachers. Connections Newspaper, October 16, 2013
Choosing a Private School
Ann contributes to a Connections Newspaper piece on selecting the right independent school for your child. Washington Post, October 11, 2013
Ann Dolin's guide to D.C. area private schools helps parents choose the right fit
Ann Dolin, the president and founder of Educational Connections, a tutoring service in Northern Virginia, is turning her more than 20 years of experience in education into a guide to private schools in the Washington area. Dolin's book, “A Guide to Private Schools: The Washington DC, Northern Virginia, and Maryland Edition,” will be published later this fall. Dolin has two sons, ages 15 and 11. One attends private school and the other goes to public school. She taught in Fairfax County for six years and has been in the private tutoring business since 1998. Read more… Alexandria Times, October 11, 2013
Navigating the school application process
Ann Dolin — a consultant, author, public speaker, and CEO and founder of Educational Connections, an in-home tutoring group in Northern Virginia — has a few tips for families getting ready to go through the application process. WTOP, September 3, 2013
Ann appears on radio station WTOP and talks about developing good study habits for the new school year. Download MP3 Women's World, 2013
Ann Dolin lends her advice in the September 2, 2013 issue of Women's World.
Arlington Magazine, September/October 2013
Learning the Hard Way
Dolin illuminates the ways that boys learn differently from girls. The Today Show, July 8, 2013
Is your child a quitter? When to push a kid and when to let go
Ann contributes to a story for NBC News/The Today Show WashingtonExec
Q&A with Ann Dolin
Q&A with Ann Dolin: Author & "Accidental Entrepreneur" of Educational Connections, Inc. Women's World, September 10, 2012
Ann Dolin is featured in the September 10, 2012 issue of Women's World.
WWL, FM 105.3
Tommy Tucker talks with Ann Dolin about homework assignments
Tommy Tucker talks to Ann Dolin, author of Homework Made Simple: Tips, Tools, and Solutions For Stress-Free Homework, about how too much homework is actually hurting students. The Today Show, July 27, 2012
Homework overload gets an 'F' from experts
Ann is consulted for the NBC News publication. CHADD's Attention Magazine, April 2012
ADHD and Homework Struggles: A Chat with Ann Dolin, M.Ed.
Ask the Expert: Ann answers questions in the April 2012 issue of CHADD's Attention Magazine. Let's Talk Live, September 12, 2011
Understanding Your Child's Learning Style
An interview with EC's president, Ann Dolin, on Channel 8's Let's Talk Live September 12, 2011 Exhausted Parent Network, August 2011
Ann speaks with Stacey Powells of The Exhausted Parent Network about raising children with different learning styles. Download MP3Washington Post, August 10, 2011
Organizing a homework space for special-needs children
For children with special needs or mild learning disabilities, homework often becomes a responsibility shared with their parents. Mom or Dad may spend an hour or two helping them complete math problems, and all the teacher sees is the A paper turned in the next day. "Oftentimes [these students] kind of fly under the radar screen because parents help them so much at home," says Ann Dolin, a former Fairfax special-education teacher and founder of the local tutoring service Educational Connections. "Lots of times kids come back to school with a beautiful paper. Everything's done. The teacher has no idea what it took to get that child to do it." Read more… See our mention in Parenting Magazine and Men's Health
- How to help your kids with homework (Parenting)
- Help your kid ace her homework (Men's Health)
Let's Talk Live, June 23, 2011
See Ann's feature interview on News Channel 8
On June 23, 2011, Ann was interviewed on the program Let's Talk Live. She describes ways to keep children learning and active over the summer. 
Ann appears on Parents' Perspective radio show
Ann discusses tutoring, homework, and the roles that parents play on the Parents' Perspective radio show with hosts Linda Perlis and Sandra Burt. Download MP3 Viva Tysons, Jan/Feb 2011
Former Fairfax County teacher publishes book addressing homework challengesAM800 CKLW, September 8, 2010
Radio Interview with Ann Dolin
On September 8, 2010, Ann was interviewed about her new book on The Morning Drive on AM800 CKLW. Download MP3 Vienna Connection
Education Maven
From teacher to tutor to author, Oakton woman helps parents and children win homework battlesWashington Post, September 19, 2010
Accidental entrepreneur learns ABCs of success with tutoring business
Ann Dolin became an entrepreneur when her husband put her on an allowance. It was 1998, and the former Fairfax County public school teacher had just given birth to her first son. She was 29, ambitious and not crazy about living on a $500-a-month handout from her husband for groceries, lunches, diapers, formula, and everything else she needed to run a household — including her own discretionary spending. "That wasn't going to cut it," she said. "I knew I could bring in money through tutoring, and it was something I truly loved." Read more… Vienna Times, March 30, 2005
Learning Center Opens in Vienna
Press Releases
- 24 Feb 2014 - Private School Expert Offers Success Secrets for DC-area Families
- 19 Dec 2013 – EC Announces Achievements of Key Growth and Milestones in 2013
- 22 Aug 2012 – Back-to-School: Beyond the First Day of Class
- 09 Jun 2011 – Homework Made Simple Wins Benjamin Franklin Award
Invest In Your Child's Future. Don't wait, Start Today!
Education is priceless. Invest in your child's future now with a tutoring company that offers a customized, in-home tutoring experience that will change the way your child views learning. Educational Connections requires all our tutors to have a minimum of a Bachelor's degree.
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