The first session is focused on understanding your student's learning style, strengths, challenges, and specific goals. The tutor will ask about past academic performance, what strategies have or haven't worked, and any formal evaluations or diagnoses. This foundation helps the tutor create a customized approach that plays to your student's strengths while building skills in areas where they struggle.

In a typical Charleston classroom, teachers manage instruction for 13-14 students with varying needs, making it hard to slow down, repeat concepts, or adjust teaching methods for individual learners. Personalized 1-on-1 instruction removes that constraint—tutors can break concepts into smaller steps, use multi-sensory techniques, provide immediate feedback, and adjust pacing based on what your student needs that day. Research on 1-on-1 instruction shows it significantly accelerates learning compared to classroom-only instruction.

Yes. Tutors can reinforce strategies outlined in your student's IEP or 504 plan and help them practice using accommodations like extended time, text-to-speech tools, or alternative formats. While tutors don't write or modify formal plans, they work closely with what's already in place and help your student build confidence and independence with the tools and strategies designed to support their learning.

Students often struggle with foundational skills like reading fluency, math fact automaticity, or organization—which then cascade into difficulty with higher-level work. They may also face frustration, avoidance, or low confidence. Tutors address root causes by building skills systematically, using structured approaches like explicit phonics instruction for dyslexia or concrete-representational-abstract methods for dyscalculia, while also rebuilding confidence through achievable wins and positive reinforcement.

Progress looks different for each student, but tutors track concrete outcomes like improved reading fluency, increased accuracy on math problems, better organization of written work, or growing independence with assignments. You'll see changes in attitude too—reduced frustration, willingness to tackle harder work, and increased confidence. Regular check-ins with your tutor help you understand what's working and adjust the plan as your student progresses.

Look for tutors with training or certification in specialized approaches like Orton-Gillingham (for dyslexia), structured literacy, or evidence-based intervention methods. Experience working with specific diagnoses—ADHD, processing disorders, dyscalculia—is valuable. Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who have demonstrated expertise in learning differences and can explain their approach clearly so you understand how they'll support your student.

Start by sharing details about your student's learning difference, grade level, and specific goals—whether that's improving reading skills, building math confidence, or preparing for a test. Varsity Tutors matches you with an expert tutor who has experience with your student's needs and learning style. You can then connect with the tutor to discuss your student's background and create a personalized plan.