Frequently Asked Questions:

Is All-Ways Counseling and Learning Center a counseling center or a learning center?

It’s both. We offer mental health counseling services to children, adolescents and adults.

We also offer academic support, school case-management, learning style assessments and homework assistance.

Is Academic Support the same as tutoring?

No. Academic Support is not the same as tutoring. Academic support includes individualized learning style assessments, school case-management, customized study skills, and homework supervision.

What is an Individualized Learning Style Assessment?

An Individualized Learning Style Assessment begins with a parent consultation during which parents bring in samples of their child’s schoolwork, report cards, standardized tests, and teacher comments. We then complete a thorough review of the student’s academic records, conduct an interview with the parents, and discuss the students’ areas of strengths and weaknesses. The next step is meetings with the student during which we establish rapport, discuss the child’s perspective of school success and difficulties, and assess the child’s social/emotional coping strategies. The third step is a second meeting with the parents to develop a customized plan to help solve the child’s school difficulties.

What might a customized plan include?

Depending on the findings of the initial meetings with the parents and the student, it may include:

·       Weekly sessions in which we work side by side with the student on in order to further identify areas of need and devise specific strategies to compensate for the areas of weaknesses.

·       Classroom Observations

·       Meeting with teachers to collaborate on strategies to assist the student with class and homework.

·       Meetings with students and parents to develop workable home plans assignments and studying.

·       Individual counseling for students and/or family counseling.

Does a Learning Style Assessment replace a full Academic and Psychological Evaluation?

No. In order to be eligible for Special Education Services, specific tests are required. Our Learning Style Assessment utilizes an individual phenomenological approach to understand the student’s unique cognitive processing style. It does not involve lengthy paper and pencil tests.

What is a phenomenological approach?

A phenomenological approach to a Learning Style Assessment is based upon observation of and interaction with the student. It includes viewing the schoolwork and classroom through the eyes of the child. A phenomenological approach seeks answers to the questions, “What is it like for this child at school?”

“How does this child react to school frustrations?”

“What academic strategies does this child use?”

“What academic strategies would work better for this child?”

“What does this child need to be happy and successful at school?”

What is the purpose of the Learning Style Assessment?

To quickly discover a student’s areas of strengths and difficulties in order to develop customized learning, studying, and homework strategies that can be implemented immediately. A Learning Style Assessment may result in a recommendation to parents to request an evaluation by the school or a private agency.

If a student ultimately needs a full evaluation, how was the Learning Style Assessment helpful?

It can prevent students from falling behind in school while waiting for an evaluation. Full evaluations can take many weeks or months to complete. Typically a school district has up to 60 school days to complete an evaluation.  Many private evaluators have a waiting list of students requesting evaluations.  In the meantime, the Learning Style Assessment provides vital information that teachers can use to develop classroom accommodations to assist students in their studies.