Impact and Programs
Accomplishments
LDA Minnesota’s spectrum services include diagnostic assessments, tutoring and executive function skill building, academic interventions for students in low-income schools, teacher training and professional development, family literacy activities, parent workshops and support groups. LDA directly served 1,131 individuals during FY 2021 (Sept. 1, 2020 – Aug. 31, 2021), of those served, 76% were children and families; 24% were adults; 73% were low-income; and 63% were people of color. Many, if not all, of our low-income students would not have access to high quality tutoring or academic support if it were not for LDA’s programs.
LDA’s largest program, Learning Connections, continues to deliver important intervention time to students who are behind in basic reading and math skills. With gaps in learning time due to the pandemic, our expanding network of school partners are emphasizing the importance of focused interventions to help students catch up. During the school year 2020-2021, the Learning Connections Program served 166 students in grades K-12. For students receiving reading or math interventions during the school year, 85 had at least two benchmark data points: 89% showed positive growth, and 74% exceeded expected growth expectations, narrowing their achievement gaps.
LDA’s newest program, our alternative teacher preparation and licensure, graduated its first cohort of teacher candidates in May 2021 and welcomed a new cohort this Fall 2021 who include 55% who identify as Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC).
Current Goals
LDA Minnesota’s goal is to improve learning outcomes for Minnesotans achieving below their potential, especially for individuals challenged by learning disabilities, attention deficits, and economic or educational disadvantage. All of LDA’s programs contribute to this goal either through direct service with students or indirectly through teacher or parent training and development.
LDA's Learning Connections Program will provide intensive academic instruction will increase reading and math skills and improve academic achievement for more than 300 low-income students at-risk for school failure at seven sites.
LDA's Assessments will serve 39 individuals and diagnose learning disabilities or ADHD and follow-up feedback to improve their understanding of how they learn, their academic strengths and weaknesses, and helpful accommodations. Additionally, 65 children, youth, and adults with learning disabilities, attention deficits, or other learning challenges will receive individualized Tutoring or Executive Function Skill Building to achieve personal educational goals.
LDA Minnesota's Teacher Prep Program will enroll a diverse group of teacher candidates with at least 40% identifying as BIPOC and retain 90% of candidates through completion in the program.
Community or Constituency Served
LDA Minnesota helps children, youth, and adults with or at risk for learning and attention challenges to achieve their potential in work, school, and life. LDA’s goal is to improve learning outcomes for Minnesotans, especially for individuals challenged by learning disabilities, attention deficits, and economic or educational disadvantage.
Geographic Area Served
Statewide with primary focus on the Twin Cities
