Tutoring works when a student has missed considerable school time because of illness or is disoriented about new course work such as beginning algebra. In such cases tutoring works because there is a smaller teacher/pupil ratio (usually one to one but many times one to three or more) and the tutor can spend more time on individual subject matter problems.

Tutoring does not work when a student has processing problems, such as dyslexia or ADHD. Tutoring does not correct the underlying cause of why the student fell behind peers in the first place. Reading tutors working with students having processing deficiencies achieve only temporary gains. Regular tutors do not know how to work on processing speed, working memory, visual and auditory processing and other cognitive skills which are essential to academic success.

Correcting underlying processing problems such as dyslexia and ADHD eliminates the need for long-term and expensive tutors. If you think that you have a problem that is beyond the help of tutors, contact Learning Solutions of Utah for a free evaluation.

Learning Solutions and Schools Differ in Many Ways.

Schedule.
Learning Solutions programs are supplementary to schools and run mostly after regular school hours. However, frequently parents pull children out of school for a short time on the days of their sessions to attend Learning Solutions' programs.

Source of students.
Students are mandated by law to attend public schools. Learning Solutions gains students by referrals and advertising. Frequently, teachers observe that a student has a learning problem and may suggest to parents that they investigate Learning Solutions' services to help their child perform better in the classroom. Learning Solutions partners with schools to achieve a solution to a common need.

Financing.
Public schools are financed by the tax base of the community. Learning Solutions is financed by parent's payment of student program costs.

Curriculum.
Schools focus on teaching subject matter. Learning Solutions' primary focus is on developing the brain's processing skills. Only after processing skills are enhanced does Learning Solutions focus on subject matter.

Analysis of the problem.
Learning Solutions first identifies specific student problems with pre-testing. Programs are tailored to the student's identified problems.

Goals achieved.
Post-testing assures that the original problem is solved. Schools use a more general approach.

Learning problems.
Schools separate special needs students into special classes and accommodate the curriculum to meet the capacity of the lowest and slowest student. The curriculum is "watered down" to meet the student's capacity. Learning Solutions improves the ability of the mind so the mind can handle the regular curriculum.

Methodology.
In schools, teachers mostly use the approach of "tell" and then "apply". They also use a variety of techniques that improve student interest and involvement. Learning Solutions' programs are more similar to sports coaching or band and symphony directing. Short instruction is given and then practice with intensity requires the brain to expand quickly.

Grades.
Schools use grades as an accountability measure. If a student receives poor grades, this indicates that the student is not performing as well as peers in the class. It also implies that the student is not applying him or herself, or assumes the student does not have the ability. Learning Solutions takes the position that if a student does not have the ability to handle the load, then our primary requirement is to enhance this basic ability until the student can perform. Not until the basic ability is improved does Learning Solutions assist the student with standard school subject matter.

Parent Involvement.
Schools encourage parents to be involved in the school process. School board members (those elected or appointed) are often parents. Parents head the PTO and are involved in fund raising. Occasionally parents act as teacher aids in the classroom. Parents are expected to help with homework. Most parents want to feel that they are making a real contribution in their children's learning.

Learning Solutions requires parents to be an integral part of the program. They must attend the training sessions to learn how to conduct practice sessions at home. On off-training days parents practice an hour a day with their student at home on the assigned exercises. With this much involvement in the process, parents know their student's weaknesses and see the progress and receive immediate feedback. They are an essential part of the learning process. They learn what to do and how to do it and become a part of their child's success.

Click here to read our testimonials or get started right away with a free, comprehensive, learning problem evaluation with Dr. Woolf.