The Academic Coaching Package for College Students with Learning Differences

$4,500

Academic Coach: Lisa Delfino

Students with learning differences have as much chance of success in college as any other student if they possess some key attributes and skills, including an understanding of their learning strengths, the ability to stay organized and manage their time, the ability to self-advocate and the ability to explain how their accommodations mitigate their learning challenges. Fortunately, these attributes and skills can be taught and that is exactly what our coaching program aims to do. Students will experience the following benefits:
• Recognition of strengths
• Increased confidence
• Improved grades
• Reduction in feelings of shame and embarrassment associated with their learning difference
• Willingness to use their accommodations

Students participating in our academic coaching package work towards the following outcomes:

• Identifying their strengths and challenges so they can accurately predict when to use their accommodations and ask for assistance with an assignment.
• Improving self-advocacy skills including the ability and confidence to use their accommodations.
• Understanding how their specific learning difference impacts them in the classroom and while studying independently.
• Developing productive routines and habits to ensure success.
• Identifying and utilizing campus resources including the writing center, tutoring center, career center and disability services.
• Developing a sense of belonging and connection with the campus.

Recommended Timing:
• Freshman and sophomore years of college.

Includes:
• Review of relevant assessments such as neuropsychological report, high school IEP and/or 504 plan
• 12 student coaching sessions
• Parent updates
• Research, email, text and phone time

Services:
This package will be tailored to the specific needs and preferences of each student and family. The following is a list of services included in a “typical” package.
• Review of evaluations, high school IEP/504 plan, high school and college transcripts
• Assistance applying for campus accommodations
• Review of current accommodations
• Education on how accommodations connect to the student’s unique learning profile
• Discussion of syllabus, assignments and grades
• Assistance with time management and organization
• Discussion of academic and/or social successes and challenges
• Education on how to speak with professors about accommodations 
• Practice setting and achieving goals.
• Teach, practice and review useful metacognitive strategies including memory retrieval strategies, strategies for accessing or using information, preparing for content area exams and/or writing essays
• Assistance engaging with campus community including social and professional events, clubs and organizations
• Assistance utilizing campus resources including disability services, career center, tutoring center and writing center