Tutoring FAQs

1. Do you do assessments?

Kendra provides initial assessments to determine strengths and weaknesses in reading or writing, and she can also assess Dyslexia, using a battery of tests. Full scale assessments, that include IQ, or Memory Tests, need to be done by a Neuropsychologist.

2. Are Reading Writing Thinking’s services covered by insurance?

While we are not currently contracted with any insurance companies, we will provide you with the service codes that you may submit directly to your insurance company.

3. What is my role during sessions?

Parents are often involved in part of the session, to learn about what to do while helping at home. Older students frequently come solo. Parents can wait in the waiting area or library or leave and return at the appointed time provided that a contact number is given.

4. How do I explain my child's visit to my child?

Using language appropriate for your child's age and maturity, you may tailor the following to suit your child: "Jacob, you know that you have been working so hard in school, and yet ________ (reading, writing, attention, etc.) is still kind-of hard. I would like you to meet with someone who knows about how kids learn and know ways to make _________ easier.

Also I might learn something about how to be a better parent.

5. What is learning disability?

The National Joint Committee on Learning Disabilities defines it as: A heterogeneous group of disorders manifested by significant difficulties in listening, speaking, reading, writing, reasoning, or mathematical skills. These difficulties are presumed to be due to central nervous system dysfunction, and may occur across the life span. Problems in self-regulatory behaviors, social perception, or social interaction may exist with learning disabilities but do not, by themselves, constitute a learning disability.

6. What is "dyslexia"?

The International Dyslexia Association uses the following definition of dyslexia (2003):

Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that is neurobiological in origin. It is characterized by difficulties with accurate and/or fluent word recognition and by poor spelling and decoding abilities. These difficulties typically result from a deficit in the phonological component of language that is often unexpected in relation to other cognitive abilities and the provision of effective classroom instruction. Secondary consequences may include problems in reading comprehension and reduced reading experience that can impede growth of vocabulary and background knowledge.

7. How is AD/HD related to learning disabilities?

While Attention Deficit Disorder (with or without Hyperactivity) is not considered a learning disability according to the current definition, attention problems can interfere with learning. Many individuals with attention difficulties also have learning disabilities. Various studies estimate that between 15-50% of individuals who have ADD also have co-occurring learning disabilities.

8. How is a learning disability diagnosed?

Kendra can do screenings that uncover specific strengths and weaknesses, and markers for dyslexia or ADHD for under $200. A more thorough report is given from a neuropsychologist, who conducts a variety of assessments, including IQ and memory and specific cognition tests. This is to determine whether a significant discrepancy exists between academic potential, as measured by IQ, and academic achievement. In addition, deficiencies in specific processes involved in learning are assessed. Finally, the underachievement must not be due primarily to visual or auditory issues, emotional disturbance, or environmental disadvantage. Seattle area experts charge between $1500 - $2000.

9. What type of intervention is most appropriate for the treatment of learning disabilities?

Best practices in the field have shown that research-based, systematic, and multisensory (involving the presentation of information simultaneously through visual, auditory, and tactile/kinesthetic channels) approaches yield the best results. While the teaching method is important, the teacher's knowledge base and expertise are even more critical.