Dean's Personalized Learning Service (PLS) is designed for any student who is academically ready to start the associate degree coursework, but who may need additional one-on-one or small group tutorial support. Academic Coaches work with students to address immediate needs, while developing long-term independent skills in studying, reading, writing and mathematics. PLS actively works to help students become independent learners and to eventually transition away from tutorial support.
- PLS begins with a detailed assessment to help families and students decide how they would most benefit from the PLS service.
- Dean respects individual differences in learning styles and PLS is customized to accommodate each individual's needs. Students work individually or in small groups with academic coaches from one to five hours per week.
- Proven techniques and enthusiastic coaching from professionals who are actively involved make a difference. Planning and goal-setting help participants define objectives and take satisfaction from their progress.
- A range of support options and skill building tools are offered, plus midterm and semester-end narrative reports to aid in evaluation.
- PLS addresses the student's actual academic assignments, so the time spent is doubly productive - learning skills are strengthened and assigned work gets done.
- PLS is flexible with the option of one, two, three, four, and five hours per week of individual sessions, with a fee schedule geared to the actual level of assistance.
- Limited financial aid to defray PLS costs is available.
Building upon each student's strengths, PLS creates a partnership between the student, the academic coach, faculty and family to help each student learn the necessary skills and strategies to achieve academic success.
