| Life
is a series of choices. Choice of what we will do. What we won't
do. When parents seek educational help outside of school for their
children, they have to make a tough decision - what will we give
up or where will we squeeze?
The clinical tutorial
approach to changing learning disabilities and attention deficits
is a demanding one. It generally requires a minimum of two sessions
per week and because it is so individualized and specialized, often
has a slightly higher price tag than other kinds of tutoring. The
question is, "Is it worth the cost?" Is it worth giving up finances,
playtime, work time, sports, or other extracurricular activities?
The goal of the clinical
tutorial approach is that the student (child or adult) will be working
comfortably and independently at their grade level or potential;
that they will be in control of their attention and learning. This
is accomplished through actively involving the student in developing
both the underlying thinking/learning processes that are causing
the inefficiencies, as well as the needed academic skills. At the
Stowell Learning Center, some of the results of such a program have
been:
- A 50-year-old man
who can smile and look people in the eye again; who has learned
to read for the first time in his life
- A second grader who
isn't "lost in class" anymore
- A ninth grader who
has transitioned out of special education and is maintaining a
place on the honor roll without help
Learning disabilities,
Dyslexia, and attention focus problems are not diseases. They are
differences in thinking or processing information that can be helped.
Our work at the Stowell Learning Center is based on enabling individuals
to process information appropriately so they will be ready to learn.
The student is taught how to learn and is introduced to strategies
for learning to read, etc. These students can overcome their disadvantages,
learn to read, and live productive lives.
Is it
worth the price?
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