Learning Specialists
Learning Specialists work with at-risk and high-needs student-athletes in individual sessions to overcome learning disabilities and the build essential academic skills necessary to allow independent learning. Learning Specialists recognize the root causes of learning disabilities and the concerns of under-prepared students and how these affect their classroom performance. Learning Specialists develop detailed academic support plans for student-athletes including specific skill areas on which to focus, tutor and mentor support needs, time management and organization assistance, and additional educational and developmental services to employ.
Educational Testing
To help student-athletes identify and address any concerns they may have with their learning, Directed Studies creates a Learning Profile for each incoming student-athlete. Learning Profiles note student-athletes’ learning preferences and styles and students’ strengths and weaknesses. Students can then work with their tutors and mentors more effectively as they capitalize on their strengths and work to address areas of concern.
To identify any possible learning disabilities or other significant concerns, Directed Studies screens student-athletes using an in-house screening tool that looks at their memory, academic skills, attention, and psychological concerns. Students may then be referred for formal testing to diagnose any possible learning disabilities.