Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who understand Tulsa's school districts and can align instruction with your student's specific IEP goals and classroom curriculum. Before starting, you'll share your student's IEP, current grade level, and learning objectives so the tutor can create targeted lesson plans. This personalized approach ensures tutoring reinforces what's being taught in school while addressing gaps in foundational skills.

Students with learning differences often struggle with reading fluency, math computation, executive function skills, and keeping up with grade-level pacing in classroom settings. With a student-teacher ratio of 20.8:1 in Tulsa schools, many students don't get the individualized attention they need. Personalized 1-on-1 instruction allows tutors to slow down, repeat concepts, use multi-sensory techniques, and build confidence—all at your student's own pace.

The first session focuses on getting to know your student and understanding their learning style, strengths, and challenges. The tutor will review any available IEP documentation, assess current skill levels in key areas, and ask about your goals for tutoring. This foundation helps the tutor design a personalized plan that targets specific skills while building your student's confidence and engagement.

Progress in special education tutoring is tracked through specific, measurable goals aligned with your student's IEP objectives. Tutors monitor improvements in areas like phonemic awareness, math facts, reading comprehension, or organizational skills through regular assessments and progress notes. You'll receive updates on what's working, what skills are improving, and how tutoring is supporting your student's overall academic growth.

Look for tutors with training or certification in special education, experience with specific learning disabilities (dyslexia, dyscalculia, ADHD, autism spectrum, etc.), and knowledge of evidence-based instructional strategies like Orton-Gillingham or Structured Literacy. Tutors should also be comfortable collaborating with schools, understanding IEPs, and using accommodations and modifications. When you connect with Varsity Tutors, we match you with qualified professionals who have the expertise your student needs.

Foundational skills like phonics and number sense are critical for students with learning differences, as gaps in these areas compound over time. Tutors use structured, sequential instruction with repetition, multi-sensory approaches, and immediate feedback to build these skills systematically. By breaking concepts into smaller steps and allowing extra practice time, personalized tutoring helps students develop automaticity and confidence in these essential building blocks.

Parent involvement is essential in special education tutoring. You'll collaborate with the tutor to set goals, share information about your student's learning style and what strategies work at home, and receive regular updates on progress. Many tutors also provide strategies and resources you can use between sessions to reinforce learning and support your student's success both in tutoring and at school.