The Learning Support Program (LSP) provides tutoring to low income children who demonstrate characteristics of or are diagnosed with learning disabilities or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The overarching goal of LSP is to enable each student to reach their academic potential. Tutoring services focus on giving structured, sequential remediation that is targeted to the identified needs of each student.
Services
Tutoring services for reading, written language, math, or study skills are provided by highly skilled teachers who are able to diagnose and correct learning problems and are employees of the Commonweal Foundation. Each student receives tutoring 2 or 3 days a week in small groups of 2 or 3 students per tutor for one-hour sessions. LSP provides instructional materials geared to each student’s academic level. Progress is measured through pre- and post-tests administered in the Fall and Spring of each year.
Tutoring usually takes place at schools, community sites or public libraries. Sixty percent of our students are elementary school students and the other 40 percent are middle and high school students. LSP partners with local schools who demonstrate a 50 percent or greater student participation in the federal Free and Reduced Meals program. There is no cost to students, their parents, or the host site for this service. Summer tutoring is available and participation is determined on a case-by-case basis.
Student Qualifications
Services are available for students who:
- Have an Individual Education Plan (IEP), a 504 Plan, or other significant indicators of a learning disability or ADHD.
- Live in families with incomes at or below 200% of the federal Poverty level (income chart available).
- Live in Washington DC, or Montgomery or Prince George’s Counties in Maryland.
- Are in the first through twelfth grades.
- Demonstrate average or above average intelligence and are experiencing educational difficulties.
- Are able to regularly attend tutoring sessions at partner sites.
Requirements to Participation
- Students must attend regularly.
- The Commonweal Foundation does not provide transportation for the students, child supervision outside of the tutoring sessions, or snacks.
- Families must communicate with program staff and provide current school records (report cards, new IEPs, and standardized assessments) when requested.
For more information, contact program staff by phone at 240-450-0032 or by email at lsp@cweal.org.