Struggling in school is one of the hardest challenges a young person can face. Children and teens work hard to perform in the classroom, watch their classmates do better, and conclude that they are stupid, lazy, or just bad. They commonly feel frustrated, embarrassed, inferior, and ashamed. This can contribute to difficulties with low self-esteem and hopelessness, which can last for years. It is a tragic pattern I have seen and helped young people and their families address in therapy dozens of times over the course of my career.
The reality is that kids, teens, and adults who struggle in school are not stupid, lazy, or bad. Their brains struggle with certain kinds of tasks, such as reading, writing, math, and spelling. Learning Disabilities are relatively common, affecting between 10% and 15% of the population. They have nothing to do with intelligence, willpower, or ability any more than asthma, allergies, or diabetes do. Some people just have brains that take longer to learn and do certain kinds of tasks. It’s normal. But in our culture, which often does not check to see if children have these conditions until long after they have become a problem, these issues can lead to significant trouble for children, teens, and families.
Thankfully, there are options. For the last several years, I have worked with clients who attend Learn to Learn Tutoring Solutions, a tutoring program with offices in St. Paul and Oakdale, MN, and have heard how it has changed their lives. In October, I met with Gabe Michalski, one of Learn to Learn's administrators, to learn more about the program. I was very impressed with him and his company.
“We work hard to connect clients with tutors who really connect with them personally. Our approach is mastery-based. We aren’t trying to get someone to succeed on one test or in one assignment. We want to help them learn skills that they will use for the rest of their lives, and we want them to feel confident in themselves. Some of our clients have been with us for years, and we want to make sure our clients and their families feel comfortable with their tutor,” Gabe told me.
He continued, “Everyone is different. We all have different needs, strengths, weaknesses, talents, and interests. If someone is quieter, we want to connect them with someone who won’t be overwhelming. If someone is really outgoing, we want to match them with someone who matches that vibe. This isn’t about just putting someone in front of an iPad. It's about learning from another human being, someone who cares about you, wants the best for you, and is invested in you as a human being.”
I couldn’t be happier to hear this. Psychology research shows that strong teacher-student relationships are critical to learning. Many of my family members are teachers, so it doesn’t surprise me that many of the tutors at Learn to Learn Tutoring Solutions are teachers during the day.
Learn to Learn Tutoring Solutions uses a combination of computer-based assessments, assignments, and face-to-face tutoring. They even have their own artificial-intelligence reading software called Cody Reading, which lets students choose topics and details, then immediately creates customized reading passages based on their input and reading level.
“Learning is hard work. We want to remove as many barriers as we can to keep students interested and motivated,” Gabe told me.
Gabe allowed me to try the software. I asked it to write a story about how ADHD can help high school students be more successful at school, in social situations, and in other areas of their life. In less than a second after I entered my query, the software generated a page-long story at a 12th-grade reading level about my topic.
Most of Learn to Learn’s students are in second to eighth grade, but some are older.
“Everyone is different,” Gabe said. “Some students start in early to mid-elementary school, and they get what they need by the time they are in late elementary school or middle school. But sometimes people start later, and sometimes people want to stick around for support. And that’s fine.”
Another thing I was impressed by was how long the tutors have been with Learn to Learn.
“We have about 20 tutors, and most have been with us for several years. Several have been here for over 10 years.”
Learn to Learn is also family-run; Gabe’s mother, sister, and aunt all help operate the company.
One of the hardest things about being a psychologist is hearing about the difficulties your clients experience, but not being able to address them all yourself. During my training, one of my supervisors told me that I need to accept that I am one rung of a ladder, and that clients may need other services to get what they need. Former NAMI Minnesota Executive Director Sue Abderholden often spoke about how mental health care is a patchwork system with many different parts, and many clients need more than one service to really thrive.
Clearly, Learn to Learn Tutoring Services is a wonderful resource and a key patch in the Twin Cities mental health care quilt. Based on what I had heard about them before my meeting with Gabe Michalski, I had high expectations. I am pleased to say that, based on what I heard and saw, they exceeded those expectations. I highly recommend Learn to Learn Tutoring Solutions for any family in the area seeking tutoring assistance for their child.
David Nathan, MBA, PsyD, LP
I offer ADHD and ASD testing in St. Paul, MN. I would love to help you or a loved one if you are seeking an ADHD or ASD evaluation. For more information, please call me at (651) 337-3944 or fill out my contact form.
Disclaimer:
This site is for information only. It is not therapy. This blog is only for informational and educational purposes and should not be considered therapy or any form of treatment. We are not able to respond to specific questions or comments about personal situations, appropriate diagnosis or treatment, or otherwise provide any clinical opinions. If you think you need immediate assistance, call your local emergency number or the mental health crisis hotline listed in your local phone book. Use of this blog establishes your consent to the provisions of this disclaimer.
