There are many reasons that a student may be struggling. Most parents think that it is a lack of focus and effort but for a large number of students, about 10 percent of the population, we see them struggling in one area more than any other. For example, the student has no problem getting ‘A’s in English but hates math and makes every excuse to justify their dislike for the subject something else may be the cause.
One possibility for the discrepancy is a learning difference or disabilities (LD). These students are of normal to high intelligence however they do not perform well on tests. With the proper support these students can succeed and ultimately may become the next Albert Einstein, Thomas Edison and even Bill Gates! What we call a disability can result in enormous creativity.
Learning differences (LD) causes learning or memory to be insufficient and or inconsistent. LD is not to be confused with a low IQ, in fact, LD students have normal to above average intelligence but have trouble receiving, processing, or expressing information. They are not “stupid,” but are often convinced they are because of the struggles they face.
Some of the most common manifestations are: difficulties with memory, distractibility, right-left confusion, reversals-dyslexia, visual-spatial difficulties, motor problems, difficulty with languages, difficulty with basic math facts, poor listening skills, poor written language skills, difficulty with organization.
Often I am speaking to parents and they confess; “My child is just like me, I was never good at math either!” It is true that LD has a strong genetic component, but we are not looking for excuses and there are solutions. The good news is that students with LD can learn coping strategies and ultimately outperform other students!
How do you know if your child has LD? When the student has a severe discrepancy between achievement and intellectual ability in one or more areas then the child may have LD. The next step is consulting an Ed. Psychologist and supporting their learning with a great tutoring program.
Call today to learn more about our tutoring support, transferable math and science classes, Homework Café, SAT/ACT preparation workshops, and much more.
For more information, please call 661-255-1730 and visit www.mathsupportservices.com.