| Events | Date | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Landscape Architecture Registration Examination Preparatory Course | July 12-14, 2013 | NC State University College of Design |
Landscape Architecture Registration Exam Prep Course
Please register using the form link below. Payment cannot be accepted until July 1. All registrants will be notified with registration confirmation and payment instructions.
WHERE
Friday through Sunday, July 12-14, 2013
8:30 am to 6:30 pm on Friday, Saturday & Sunday
WHEN
NC State College of Design
50 Pullen Road, Raleigh
Leazar Hall
WHAT
Section 4: Grading, Drainage & Construction Documentation
Additional detail below.
Coffee and refreshments included. Breakfast and lunch on your own. (Several places to eat within easy walking distance.)
HOTEL BLOCK
Doubletree by Hilton Raleigh | BrownstoneThe hotel is within walking distance, two-tenths mile from the College.
Block rates start at $139.
1707 Hillsborough Street
Raleigh, NC 27605
Telephone: 919.828.0811
COURSE FEE
$425.00
PAYMENT
Registration and PaymentCOURSE DESCRIPTION
Grading, Drainage & Construction Documentation
Section 4 Bootcamp
Through lecture, group discussion, and practice exercises, this intensive three day course focuses on preparing students to take Section 4: Grading, Drainage & Construction Documentation of the Landscape Architects Registration Examination. The course includes a look at how this section of the LARE is organized, what material is typically covered on the exam, and strategy tips for the various question formats taking into consideration the peculiarities of the new computer interface introduced in December 2012. The course covers the fundamentals of grading and drainage, and problem solving techniques applied to example exercises using the new Advanced Item Type problem format. Exercises will be of difficulty equal to or greater than those on the LARE. At lease half will be worked in class and reviewed during the course. Each student will receive a course syllabus containing approximately 340 pages of information pertinent to Section 4, a minimum of 30 AIT type exercises which involve graphical solutions of grading and drainage problems, and at least 100 multiple choice questions. Desk crits while working are part of the class.
The program includes:
- Overview of the Exam and Section 4
- Basic Exam Preparation Techniques
- A Short Refresher on Grading & Drainage
- Solving Watershed Planning Problems
- Grading Flat and Sloping Planes
- Grading Swales and Directing Surface Drainage
- Roadway Grading
- Foundation Systems and Setting Finish Floor Elevations
- Accessibility Requirements and the LARE
Students will complete timed AITs and tests typical of those on Section 4 of the LARE. The class takes a programmed approach to Section 4, with lectures covering concepts and techniques applicable to specific grading and drainage applied skills, followed by a timed AIT which tests the skills taught. Individual feedback will be given to students as they work. Each AIT will then be reviewed by the class as a whole. The instructor will provide tips on how to break problems down and conceptualize a plan of attack for developing solutions. The first two three days will generally follow this format. Sunday will focus on material moved into Section 4 from Section D of the pre-2012 exam.
For questions regarding course content, please email instructor Ray Freeman: rayfreeman3@comcast.net
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
This course would benefit candidates for the LARE who are taking the exam for the first time, are experiencing difficulty passing Section 4 of the LARE and feel that a very intensive studio-like class would help, and/or need a refresher on grading skills and their application to drainage systems.
INSTRUCTOR
Ray Freeman, RLA (NC, MA, CA), CPESC, ASLA
Mr. Freeman is a principal of Freeman & Jewell Landscape Architecture and has more than 36 years of experience as a Landscape Architect. His specialty areas include site planning, layout and grading plans, sedimentation control, storm drainage and storm water management design, pond design, environmental permitting, specifications, and construction detailing. Mr. Freeman has taught this section of the LARE review since the Spring of 2000. He also taught Site Engineering for Landscape Architects in the Landscape Architecture program at the University of California at Berkeley from 1995-1999. He served as a full-time lecturer at the California State Polytechnic University at San Luis Obispo in the fall quarter of 2008. Mr. Freeman currently teaches Site Engineering for Landscape Architects at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, and Construction Materials: Design in Detail at the University of California at Berkeley.
Mr. Freeman’s LARE review classes have attracted students from 45 states, 5 Canadian Provinces, Washington DC, and Puerto Rico.
COMMENTS BY FORMER STUDENTS
"The structure of the course, and the instruction offered by Ray were top notch. He is an expert on taking this exam, and grading work, and is able to break down this complicated subject for his students better than anyone I have encountered to date. Everyone in the class received personal attention and assistance, and I cannot sing his praises enough! The quality and depth this workshop covered far exceeded my expectations, and I will be sure to tell everyone I know how wonderful it was. I think this workshop helped me a hundred-fold in being prepared for the exam. Now I need to get back to studying!
Stephanie Coble, Raleigh, 2010
"This course proved to be the deciding factor for me passing. As a project manager, I do grading plans quite often and people look to me for professional guidance. When I took your class, it became crystal clear that I was missing some key elements in my solutions. The practice vignettes in addition to the instructor's insight and experience was what I needed to pass."
Darin Nordahl, Redding, CA.
“Its a bloody miracle! After 5 attempts, thousands of dollars and losing pounds of hair, I just found out that I passed my nemesis - Section E....and I owe it largely in part to your study session in San Francisco. Thanks to you I have now passed the LARE.”
Gyles Thornely, Aspen, CO Apr 07
“I passed multiple choice sections A, B, D, and Site Design section C the first time I took them. I will be taking Grading Section E for the first time in June. Thank you so much for all of your help and support throughout this process. I truly believe that I would not have even come close to passing if I had not taken your classes.”
Vicky Wilson, Stockton, CA Oct 07
“I am excited to let you know that I passed both sections C and E! I have no doubt that your review courses gave me the tools, momentum and confidence to pass. Your courses covered everything and more that was required to know on the exam. I would recommend anyone taking the test to avoid the anxiety and disappointment I felt after failing both sections in December to take your review course. I also want to thank you for your down to earth, supportive and "demystifying" approach to teaching the review courses.”
Mary Dewing, Modesto, CA, Apr 06
“Against all odds I passed the grading exam this time! I am so relieved and thankful that I found your class! No one offers the kind of class that you put so much work into--it is so valuable, I can't even tell you! Many thanks again from one happy camper in Michigan!“
Nannette Alton, Lansing, MI, Oct 07
“I have now successfully passed all 5 sections. I credit you and your courses for that, and appreciate all that you taught us.”
Troy Cook, SLC, UT, Apr 08
“Very good at reinforcing basic skills in preparation for the exam. Instructor is great at explanations in a very straightforward manner. I found the practice vignettes to be incredibly valuable and appreciated the overview of each vignette.”
“I just received the official letter from the State of Washington that I have passed Section C. Many thanks for the class! I could not have sorted out the program without all of your guidance.”
Wes Simmonds, Seattle, WA Apr 06
“Thank you for offering these classes...they are a great help in taking the test. I really think that the two (performance section) courses prepared me better than I ever could have done on my own.”
Valerie Peninno, Stockton, CA Fall 03
