Our tutors are highly qualified professionals with expertise in general education, special education and specific training in supporting students with dyslexia, dyscalculia, and ADHD. Most of our tutors are experienced teachers still in the classroom, some are retired. A few have PhDs or are enrolled in PhD programs. All our tutors undergo rigorous training in the Orton-Gillingham method and the Concrete-Representational-Abstract (CRA) method. It's important to note that OG and CRA are methods, not scripted, boxed curricula and Mindguide is not wedded to any one training center or organization. All of our OG tutors are trained by organizations recognized by the International Dyslexia Association. There is no parallel organization for multi-sensory or CRA/CPA math.  Tutors use the essential aspects of each method to support individual learners. 

This is not quarantine-style distance learning! Our online tutoring format allows for one-on-one interactive sessions where students can engage with physical materials and digital tools in a way that is tailored to their individual learning styles. We sent math kits via UPS, and both student and tutor have document cameras to see each other's tabletops. We use paper and pencil and white boards to write with real writing utensils. 

Students are comfortable in their own homes, not self-conscious in front of peers, and always observed by their tutor. Tutors adapt to their emotional and academic needs moment to moment. It's convenient for parents too - no more rush hour drives and waiting. 

Our intake assessments give us a starting point in the scope and sequence. The math assessment is based on conversation and observation. We ask students how they feel about math, how they solve or would solve a math equation. We review even the most basic numeracy skills to see if there are inaccuracies in counting, skip counting, reading and writing numbers, or their conceptual and procedural understanding of the four operations. 

Before starting with language students, we assess four skills:  phonemic awareness (separating and manipulating the sounds within words), phonics knowledge (sound/symbol correspondence), spelling and reading fluency. Parents receive a report with this information. 

Post-assessment data is taken every quarter so we can celebrate our students' success.