Learning Differences

The Challenge

Approximately 20% of children (10 million students) struggle in United States public schools as a result of their own learning profile not being well matched with the curriculum and instructional models being used in their schools. We currently refer to these students as having learning differences. This implies their approach to learning varies enough from the majority of students to create a substantial barrier to their ability to succeed in a classroom based on a traditional model of teaching and learning.

As a result, these students are often perceived as not "smart", not capable of being high performers in school, unmotivated or just not trying very hard. The result is the loss of a critical resource for our society, in that these students often disengage with school, perform poorly and may not graduate from high school. Those who do graduate often choose not to pursue post-secondary educational opportunities.  As adults, many are under-employed or even incarcerated.

Paradoxically, these learners bring the strengths of persistence, alternative problem-solving approaches and creativity along with their capable minds - to school, and later to the workplace and society.

What we're doing

In the Learning Differences Programme, we are focused on addressing these challenges in public school systems. 

We support research and activities that contribute to both knowledge about and strategies available to students (from kindergarten to college) who struggle in school as a result of learning differences. These differences represent a profile of learning strengths and weaknesses which, when understood  by the student, parent and teacher, can be addressed and leveraged to promote success at school.

Please read the What we fund page for more information on our programme priorities and current grant information.