What Tutoring Looks Like for Students With Learning Disabilities

Consultation

First, you should create a list of tutors who specialize in working with students with disabilities. You can often find local tutors through word of mouth. For example, your school’s special education teacher could help you learn how to get a reading tutor for learning disabilities. Other parents of students with learning disabilities may also be able to recommend excellent in-home tutors for subjects like chemistry and math.

Additionally, you can use the internet to search for online or in-person tutors with relevant experience. It can be helpful to read the tutor’s reviews to see if they have a positive history of working with students with learning disabilities.

Next, you may want to schedule a consultation with a few potential tutors. During this consultation, the tutor will gather information about your child, such as:

• Academic strengths and weaknesses
• Accommodations your child has received from their school, such as extended time on tests
• Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 plan
• Performance in classes
• Special learning needs

The tutor can also share information about their qualifications and approaches to instructing students with learning disabilities, including:

• Certifications
• Educational background
• Experience working with neurodivergent children
• Frequency of communication with the child’s parents and educators
• Knowledge of specific learning disorders
• Teaching philosophy
• Tutoring methods

A consultation can help determine if the tutor has the skills and tools to assist your child. Don’t be afraid to interview several tutors until you find the perfect fit.

Understanding of a Student's Academic Challenges

To provide the most effective instruction, a tutor must understand your child’s specific academic challenges. Every student is unique, but children with the same learning disability often have similar struggles to one another.

For example, here are a few common learning disabilities and ways that a tutor can help students with these disorders:

• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): This neurodevelopmental disorder makes it difficult for students to focus, retain information, and sit still for long periods. A tutor can use many strategies to help a student with ADHD succeed, such as reducing background noise and taking notes for them during sessions. The tutor can also teach the child organizational skills and effective study methods.
• Dyscalculia: This learning disability affects how students process math concepts and quantities. A tutor can use the CRA (concrete to representational to abstract) sequence of instruction and other approaches to help students with dyscalculia master math theories.
• Dyslexia: This visual processing disorder makes it challenging for affected students to comprehend and use language. A specialized tutor who uses multisensory structured language education methods can help dyslexic students learn to read and write fluently.

A tutor with extensive experience working with neurodivergent students can help your child succeed.

Customized Tutoring Plans

Effective tutoring for students with learning disabilities will include customized plans for each child. Depending on your child’s needs, their tutoring plan could include:

• Basic skills: A tutor can teach your child valuable skills to help them excel in any class, such as cultivating a growth mindset and managing their time.
• Academic skills: Many children with learning disabilities need a little extra help mastering academic skills. An expert tutor can help your student develop a deeper understanding of math, physics, and other subjects. As your student hones their academic skills, they’ll gain self-confidence and a passion for learning.
• Study skills: Your child’s tutoring plan can also include essential study skills to improve their performance in any subject. For instance, a tutor can help your child locate practice exams and teach them study strategies based on empirical research.

A custom tutoring plan that combines multiple skills can improve your child’s academic performance and empower them to become an independent learner.

Reports To Establish Progress in School

Many tutors for students with learning disabilities send progress reports to your child’s school. These reports allow your child’s teachers and tutor to collaborate to develop the most effective tutoring plan for your child. They can also inform teachers of areas where your child may need additional support in the classroom.