During an initial session, a tutor will learn about your student's specific learning difference, current academic challenges, and strengths. They'll discuss what strategies have or haven't worked in the past, and begin building rapport to create a comfortable learning environment. This foundation helps the tutor design personalized instruction that plays to your student's strengths while addressing skill gaps in a way that fits their learning style.

In a classroom with a 22.5:1 student-teacher ratio like Sacramento's average, teachers must pace instruction for the majority of students, leaving those with learning differences either frustrated or unsupported. Personalized 1-on-1 instruction allows tutors to slow down, repeat concepts, use multi-sensory approaches, and adjust teaching methods in real time based on what's working. This flexibility helps students truly master foundational skills before moving forward, building the confidence and competence they need to succeed.

Students with learning differences often struggle with reading fluency and comprehension (especially with dyslexia), math fact recall and problem-solving (with dyscalculia), organization and task initiation (with ADHD), or processing speed across multiple subjects. These challenges can compound over time, leading to gaps in foundational skills and reduced academic confidence. Targeted tutoring addresses the root cause of each challenge rather than just the symptoms, helping students develop sustainable strategies and catch up academically.

Expert tutors working with students who have learning differences should have specialized training in learning disabilities, evidence-based intervention strategies (like Orton-Gillingham for dyslexia or multisensory math approaches), and experience adapting instruction to different learning profiles. They should also be patient, flexible, and skilled at building a student's confidence alongside their academic skills. Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who have the expertise and experience to support your student's unique needs.

Progress with learning differences looks different for each student, but measurable improvements include increased reading fluency and comprehension, improved math accuracy and speed, better organization and task completion, and growing academic confidence. A good tutor will track specific skills (like words read per minute, math facts mastered, or assignment completion rates) and share regular updates on what's working. You should see both academic gains and positive changes in your student's attitude toward learning within a few weeks of consistent tutoring.

Absolutely. Personalized tutoring works hand-in-hand with IEPs and 504 plans by providing targeted skill-building between school support services and reinforcing strategies recommended by your student's school team. A tutor can help your student practice accommodations, build confidence in areas where they struggle most, and develop independent learning strategies. Communication between tutors and your student's school can ensure everyone is aligned on goals and approaches.

Yes. Some students need intensive support in reading and writing (especially those with dyslexia), while others focus on math skills or executive functioning across all subjects. Many tutors who work with learning differences are skilled across multiple subjects but can also specialize deeply in areas like literacy intervention or math remediation. Varsity Tutors can connect you with tutors whose expertise matches your student's biggest academic challenges and learning profile.