The University of Kansas Institute for Learning has designed strategies which have been tested in research studies, showing positive results for students with learning disabilities. The purpose of strategic learning is "to learn how to learn". The students who understand their learning profiles are able to tailor strategies to their own needs.

DSPS 77 will cover the TOWER strategy, a 5 step process for writing papers, in the first month. Each step requires a slightly different type of thinking so is presented individually.

A similar strategy is presented by Royce Adams, former SBCC English professor and author of many books on study skills, reading and writing.