Learning differences/disabilities are common, affecting up to 1 in 5 young people in the United States alone. Students with learning differences make up an important part of today’s education community, and with the right support and instruction, they can reach their goals inside and outside the classroom.
ArborBridge uses a 3-part process to prepare these students for success:
At ArborBridge we empower all of our tutors to provide individualized instruction for students with learning differences. For example, I just finished running a specialized training with all of our tutors on how to best work with students who have ADHD, dyslexia, autism spectrum disorder, and dyscalculia.
When I asked tutors what they enjoy most about working with these students, many said they appreciate the chance not only to introduce students to new ways of thinking, but to learn from their students as well. Students often know their own needs best, and it’s exciting to expand our repertoire of strategies by listening and learning alongside our students, even as we coach them through the tried-and-true steps of test prep.
ArborBridge tutors also recognize that two students with the same diagnosis can manifest their learning differences in completely different ways. Furthermore, even though students with learning differences may have circuitous methods of attacking test questions, those processes might work very well.
For these reasons, our tutors know it’s important to be patient and flexible, adjusting instructional approaches to each student’s individual needs and remaining strategic about the content and skills we prioritize with each student.
Check in over the next few months as we explore four of the most common learning differences and how they affect test prep.