During the first session, a tutor will assess your student's strengths, learning style, and specific challenges to understand how they process information best. They'll discuss any formal diagnoses, classroom struggles, and academic goals to create a personalized approach. This foundation allows the tutor to tailor instruction, select appropriate materials, and build strategies that work with your student's brain, not against it.

In a classroom, even with accommodations, instruction typically follows a set curriculum and pace that may not align with how your student learns. Personalized 1-on-1 instruction allows tutors to use multisensory techniques, break concepts into smaller steps, provide immediate feedback, and adjust on the fly based on your student's responses. This flexibility is crucial for students with learning differences, where small adjustments in teaching method can unlock understanding and build confidence.

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 completion (with ADHD), and written expression. Many also experience slow processing speed, difficulty with working memory, or trouble transferring skills between subjects. A tutor experienced in learning differences can identify which specific challenges your student faces and implement evidence-based strategies—like structured literacy approaches, multisensory math techniques, or executive function coaching—to address them directly.

Progress looks different for each student—it might include improved reading fluency scores, faster math fact recall, better organization, increased confidence, or higher test grades. A good tutor will track specific, measurable goals (like moving from struggling readers to grade-level fluency) and share regular updates on what's working. You'll likely notice improvements in classroom performance, homework completion, and your student's attitude toward learning as personalized strategies take hold.

Look for tutors with specialized training in learning differences—such as certifications in structured literacy, dyslexia intervention, ADHD coaching, or special education. Experience working with your student's specific diagnosis is valuable, as is knowledge of evidence-based strategies like the Orton-Gillingham method, multisensory approaches, or executive function techniques. Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who have proven experience supporting students with learning differences and can explain their approach clearly.

Classroom accommodations—like extended time or text-to-speech—are essential for leveling the playing field, but they don't teach the underlying skills your student needs. For example, extended time on a reading test doesn't improve reading fluency. Personalized tutoring fills this gap by building foundational skills, teaching learning strategies, and addressing the root of academic struggles. Many students benefit from both accommodations and tutoring working together.

Start by identifying your student's specific challenges and any formal diagnoses or evaluations you have. Share this information when connecting with Varsity Tutors, along with your student's grade level, academic goals, and preferred subjects. You'll be matched with a tutor experienced in your student's learning profile who can begin with a personalized assessment and build a plan tailored to help your student succeed.