Academic Skills Gaps

Traditional tutoring attempts to fill in academic skills gaps (i.e. identifying the parts of speech; learning the multiplication facts, etc.)  In some cases this type of tutoring is very successful; in others, it is not.  We have found that this type of tutoring is imperative to the success of the student when they are ready for it.  For example, when the foundational abilities to learn the multiplication facts are in place (i.e. auditory memory and classification skills) then drilling the multiplication facts is effective.  Continuing to drill without these abilities in place is not efficient; it is frustrating, and it is usually not effective.  Therefore, academic skill gaps are addressed in our client's plans after their foundational abilities are in place.  We will not address the academic skills gaps until the foundational abilities are in place.  In addition, we carefully choose the materials and methods for filling in the skills gaps so the remediation takes place in as timely a manner as possible.  Finally, for our clients who have successfully completed their programs we offer drop-in tutoring when needed.  For example, if a students has successfully completed their program here, but several weeks, monthly or years later needs specific help on a term paper, they may call and make appointments on an hourly week-to-week basis until the term paper is complete.  Another example might be a student who successfully completed our program but was absent from school for an extended period of time and needs to be caught up.  Because we known that these individuals have their foundational abilities in place, we know that we can be effective with traditional tutoring -- filling in the gaps.   

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