Learning Strategies
Learning Strategies (LS) was instituted in 1973 and accommodates a select group of students with minimal, diagnosed language and learning difficulties. Dunn's program is unique among learning support programs in private independent schools. It takes place within a rigorous college preparatory curriculum and no academic work is altered for the LS learning student. Over the years this program has helped students achieve academically while also nurturing social and personal growth. LS students meet individually with their personal teacher an average of fifty minutes four times per week. In addition, these teachers usually serve as the advisor to the LS student. Instruction includes teaching strategies for coping with and compensating for the students' learning disabilities. Key elements of Learning Strategies are:
- Tutoring is centered on daily class work and homework.
- Tutorial sessions include organizational and study skills.
- Small group review sessions for major tests and final exams.
- LS teachers receive weekly assignment sheets and progress reports from each of the student's classroom teachers.
- LS students are given additional time to complete final exams in small group settings proctored by an LS teacher.
- Most LS students are allowed extended time on SAT's and Achievement Tests.
- LS students have access to audio books to help them with difficult reading assignments.
Although Learning Strategies makes no guarantees for success, time has shown that it has given many students the confidence and tools necessary for academic and personal achievement. Over the years LS graduates have gone on to make contributions in many areas, including academics, art, music, leadership, tourism and sports.
Over the past ten years colleges where Dunn's LS students have been accepted include: Bates College, Berkley School of Music, Boston University, Brooks Institute of Photography, California State College (East Bay), Cal Poly, California State University Long Beach, Curry College, Dartmouth College, Hofstra University, Lewis & Clark College, Loyola Marymount, Pitzer College, Pratt Institute of New York, Regis University, Rhode Island School of Design, Santa Clara University, St. Mary's College, St. Johns University, University of Nevada Reno, Trinity College, University of California Santa Barbara, University of California Davis, University of Southern California Thornton School of Music, Virginia Military Institute and Whittier College.
