Choose the Right Tutor

8/14/2019 Choose the Right Tutor

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Choose the Right Tutor

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Table of Contents

Create a Customized Tutoring Program for My Child

Interview Your Child's Tutor

Monitor My Child's Tutoring Program

Real Life Story: When Good Kids Get Bad Grades

Real Life Story: Center-based Tutoring Can Improve Kids' Grades

Tutoring Programs: Know Your Rights and Responsibilities

Tutoring Options: A Summary of Types, Programs, and Costs

Tutoring Programs FAQs

Should I Be My Child's At-home Tutor?

Does My Child Need a Tutor?

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Choose the Right TutorDo I need this EduGuide?

Yes, if you suspect that your child needs some extra help either because shes struggling with her schoolwork or because she needs

greater challenges.

How does it work?

l Quizzes help you know where you stand.

l Articles give you the background information you need to make a good decision.

l Real Life Stories tell the actual experiences of real parents and real kids.

l ShortCuts help you take immediate action. Choose one or go through them all.

What will I learn?

l Whether my child needs a tutor and if I can do the job myself

l How tutoring works and what kinds of tutoring programs are available

l What you can expect from a tutor and what a tutor expects from you

l How to find the best tutor and the best program for your child

Quick Solutions

l What can I do in fifteen minutes? Take the quiz "Does My Child Need a Tutor?"

l What can I do in an hour? Read "Tutoring Programs FAQ's" and discuss the information with your child

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Create a Customized Tutoring Program for My ChildOne Size Does Not Fit All

Before you choose a tutor or tutoring program, make an appointment to sit down with your child, your childs teacher or teachers, and

counselor to map out your childs specific needs. To create a program with the highest potential of success in tutoring children, be

sure to get answers to the following questions:

1. What kind of tutoring does my child need? Does my child need basic skills review, student homework help, or more intensive

assistance?

2. In what areas do we want to see improvement: better grades in a subject (English, geometry) improved general skills (math,

reading), study skills, goal setting and motivation?

3. What is my childs learning style? Does he or she learn best by reading, listening, or moving and touching?

4. Does my child learn better from men or women?5. Does he or she need lots of nurturing or firm discipline?

6. What motivates and interests him or her?7. How much money can we spend on tutoring?

8. How much time can we devote to tutoring?

9. When can we expect to notice results?

10. What kinds of results are reasonable for us to expect?



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Interview Your Child's TutorKnow What Questions to Ask and How to Judge the Answers

EduGuide Staff

Use the following questions and comments to help you evaluate potential tutors for your child.

1. What is your educational background and experience tutoring children?

Look for a tutor who has taught students the same age as your child. The more experience the tutor has had in the specific subject

area (three years minimum) the better.

2. How will you develop a tutoring plan and methods for my child?

Good tutors consult with classroom teachers and use test results to come up with individualized plans and lessons that employ

methods suitable for your childs learning style. Ask to see the plan and sign off on it before tutoring starts. If appropriateor if you

have concernsshow the plan to your childs teacher or teachers if they have not seen it.

3. In what way and how often will you evaluate progress?

The best tutors evaluate formally by testing and informally by observation. They provide feedback to students, parents, and teachers

regularly. Feedback can be after each session, weekly, monthly, or less frequently. It can be oral, written, or both. Make sure you are

comfortable wit the frequency and form of evaluation.

4. When can you meet with my child, where will you meet, and how long will the lessons be?

Make sure a potential tutor can meet with your child at a time and place that are convenient for you and your child. Be sure everyone

agrees about the length and frequency of the lessons. Ask for explanations if either the suggested frequency or length dont seem

right to you.

5. What are your tutoring business policies?

You need to know all the details up front: how much the lessons will cost, what forms of payment the tutor accepts, when payment is

expected, and what the cancellation policy is.

6. Can you provide some recent references?

You should expect to get three to five references (including references from students, parents, and teachers). Even with positive

references, you may decide that the tutors teaching style does not seem to be a good match for your child. Use your intuition. You

know your child better than anyone else does.



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Monitor My Child's Tutoring ProgramStay Involved to Ensure the Best Results for Your Child

EduGuide Staff

Follow the following suggestions to monitor and enhance your childs tutoring program.

Be Patient

l It may take several months before your childs grades improve, but that does not mean the tutoring is ineffective. Most tutoring

relationships last from several months to a year.

l Work with your child, his teacher or teachers, and the tutor to establish milestones and set a target end date for the tutoring.

Monitor Progress

l Talk with the tutor after each session. Find out what your child accomplished and what areas need additional work. Ask for

suggestions on ways you can help your child.

l Talk to your child. Does he or she enjoy the tutors lessons and believe they are helping? Does your child feel more confident

about the subject and about schoolwork in general?

l Talk to your childs teachers. Find out whether your childs grades and attitude about school have improved. Are the teachers

satisfied with the progress? Being informed about your childs progress is an effective way to improve relations with his

teachers.

Take Action

l If you arent getting the results you had hoped for, set up a meeting with the tutor, your child, and your childs teacher or

teachers to discuss your concerns.

l Work together as a team to solve the problem or end the relationship.



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Real Life Story: When Good Kids Get Bad GradesLisamarie Sanders

Ryan lay in bed Monday morning, complaining of yet another stomachache. A child who once loved school was now avoiding it

whenever possible. He lied about student homework assignments and hid his test papers. Whenever his mother, Carol, asked about

school, Ryan changed the subject or stormed off to his room. At first she thought his behavior signaled a preadolescent phase, but

she realized there was a bigger problem when she saw his report card.

Facing Facts

Carol set up a meeting with Ryan's teacher to find out what was going on. Mr. Edwards told her that Ryan was trying hard in class but

didn't seem to be grasping the material. He suggested finding a tutor to work with Ryan one on one to help get him up to speed. At firstCarol resisted the explanation. Ryan was a smart kid who had always done well in school. She assumed the teacher was at fault.However, she knew Ryan would be in Mr. Edwards' class all year, so she needed to do something to help him succeed.

Rebecca Rothman McCoy, an experienced tutor in Anchorage, Alaska, says that many parents have a hard time admitting their

children need extra help. "But tutoring is not a stigma," she says. She adds that all children learn differently, but large class sizes limit

a teacher's ability to personalize lessons for each student. That's where a tutor can help. "Tutoring should be seen as a proactive step

parents can take to help their children," McCoy says.

Sandy Fleming, who has been tutoring in Michigan for more than twenty years, says it's best to seek help as soon as you see any sort

of academic difficulty. "It shouldn't depend solely on grades," she says. "If parents are concerned that the child isn't making enough

progress, or if they feel that something just isn't right, they should consider getting a tutor." Identifying and tackling the problem early

can make a world of difference for your child's self-confidence and success levels.

Where to Start Tutoring Children Who Need Help

Carol decided that getting extra help would be good for Ryan, but she didn't know where to find a tutor or what to look for. She called

Mr. Edwards for advice. He explained that tutors can help in many different ways, from basic homework support to intensiveremediation, and that Ryan needed something in the middle. He offered a list of tutors he had worked with in the past and suggested

she try them first.

John J. Prelich Jr., a teacher and school psychologist currently at New Jersey-based Corn Associates, says that contacting your child's

teacher for referrals is one of the best ways to find a tutor. He says, "If the teacher knows the tutor, they may be more willing to work

together as a team." And the teaming of home and school is the best way to find success.

A Different Kind of Learning That Can Improve Grades

Carol called several tutors on the list and was able to find one she thought would be a good match for Ryan. Then she and Ryan did

an informal interview with the tutor and decided to hire him. However, Carol worried that the after-school tutoring sessions would be

too much "schooling" for Ryan. She was afraid that if he hated school now, the extra learning time would make the situation even

worse.

Fleming, however, doesn't worry. She says that tutoring is a different kind of teaching from what a child gets in school. Tutors provide

individualized attention that fits a child's learning style, and many tutors try to make the sessions "fun enough that the students actually

want to be there," she explains. The fun and games teach the student that learning can be a positive experience. Positive tutoring can



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help a child learn the material, get better grades, and form a better attitude about school.

On the Road to Success

It took only a few sessions for Carol to know she made the right decision in hiring a tutor for Ryan. He stopped faking illnesses to get

out of class. He started doing his homework. He showed his tests to his tutor and suggested things he thought they should work on

together. Although his grades didn't improve instantly, his attitude did.

It will take Ryan several months of tutoring to catch up to his peers, but Carol now knows that it will be time well spent.

Lisamarie Sanders is a former early childhood and elementary school teacher, currently raising two preschoolers. She is a freelance writer specializing in

family and education articles.



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Real Life Story: Center-based Tutoring Can Improve Kids' GradesPamela A. Zinkosky

Elementary Tutoring Helps Struggling Students

Ruth Gingell's eight-year-old son, Nick, has five to ten pages of homework every night, but it's not for school. His homework is for the

reading and math learning center he attends one night a week.

A year ago, Nick was in an elementary tutoring program at Winchester Elementary School in Northville, Michigan, for students

struggling with reading. The program, called Reading Boost, was offered during school hours.

Still Gingell felt that Nick also needed some extra study time. "It was very rare that he had homework," says Gingell. "I just felt heneeded something extra."

Reading Tutoring Program Makes a Difference

Gingell enrolled her son in a nearby reading tutoring program recommended by a family member. This national program emphasizes

repeated practice of basic concepts through timed worksheets that students complete every day. Gingell was surprised at the resultsof her son's tutoring. Nick's teachers noticed a difference in his reading ability almost immediately, and he no longer needed the

Reading Boost program after four months in the after-school program.

At the center, students are tested and given work based on what they knownot their age or school grade. They begin with basic

concepts they understand based on the results of the testing. They spend fifteen minutes per subject completing worksheets for their

learning level and then go over the answers with the instructor. Students take home packets of worksheets and complete theworksheets every day. Once they can consistently solve all of the problems for their learning level in a set length of time, they move on

to the next level.

Gingell says the program works for her son because he doesn't mind doing the work. "It's not like a chore for him," she says. She also

notes that he concentrates intensely on the worksheets as do the other students at the center. "What amazes me is that you go in

there, and you could hear a pin drop," she says.

For more information about this national center-based program, contact Kumon Learning Centers at 800-ABC-MATH.

http://www.kumon.com/


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Tutoring Programs: Know Your Rights and ResponsibilitiesAs with any professional relationship, parents and students have certain rights and responsibilities in their partnership with a learning

tutor. Here are some of both to keep in mind before the tutor lessons begin.

Rights

You have the right to:

l Shop for a tutor who best suits the students individual needs

l Be certain that the student is safe and comfortable with the tutor

l Know the tutor's educational background and experience

l

Ask for and check a tutor's referencesl Understand the tutor's teaching methods and techniques

l Receive an outline of the tutor's lesson plan

l Know what is going on during the students sessions

l Receive student progress reports

l Know, understand, and agree to the tutor's payment, cancellation, and withdrawal policies

l Know, understand, and agree to the tutor's discipline techniques and policies

l Meet with the tutor at mutually convenient times to discuss progress and concerns

l Share the tutor's assessments, progress reports, and other information with the students teacher(s)

l Terminate the tutoring program if it is not meeting your needs

Responsibilities

You have the responsibility to:

l Share pertinent medical and/or educational information about the student with the tutor

l Attend sessions as scheduled, except in the case of emergency or illness and/or giving as much notice as possible when the

student cannot attend

l Arrive at tutoring sessions on time

l Come prepared for the session (with pencils, paper, books, homework, etc.)

l Pick up the student on time after the session

l Follow the tutors recommendations regarding homework

l Request progress reports

l Discuss any concerns, especially regarding the student's progress and attitude

l Follow the tutors policies regarding payment, cancellation, and withdrawal

l Inform the students teacher of the content and progress of the tutoring sessions

l Give at least two weeks' notice to end the tutoring arrangement



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Tutoring Options: A Summary of Types, Programs, and Costsby EduGuide Staff with contributions from Lisamarie Sanders and Carole McGraw

When it comes to finding a learning tutor, it's important to compare your options.

Option 1: Private Tutor

A private tutor can be a friend, neighbor, family member, student teacher, peer or student, classroom teacher, or professional. Each

will provide one-on-one instruction.

Pros

l Private tutors offer individual attention.

l The program is tailored to the student's individual needs.

l The student can develop a strong relationship with the tutor or benefit from an already existing relationship.

l Lessons can be very affordable, even free.

Cons

l The quality of the tutors lessons can vary depending on tutor's expertise and the length of time spent.

l Finding a good match can take time.

l If tutoring happens during the school day, the student could miss class and fall behind in another subject area.

l If the tutor is sick, the student misses a session.

l If the tutor is a family member, differences of opinion could strain personal relationships.

Costs

l Peer tutors (often older students), classroom teachers (including student teachers from a nearby college), neighborhood drop-

in tutoring centers, and family members often provide tutoring services free.

l Professional tutors charge between $20 and $75 per hour highly experienced subject specialists in such subjects as math or

chemistry can charge more.

Tips

l Ask your students teacher for suggested tutors.

l Ask friends and coworkers for referrals.

l

Always interview tutors to make sure they fit your student's personality and needs (see EduGuide ShortCut Interview YourChilds Tutor).

Option 2: Tutoring Centers

Tutoring centers include national tutoring companies such as Sylvan Learning Centers, Kumon Math and Reading Centers, and

Huntington Learning Centers. Your community may have local tutoring centers too. Kaplan, among others, offers courses to prepare

students for high-stakes standardized tests.

Pros

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l Tutoring companies use objective tests to pinpoint students' strengths and weaknesses.

l Students move through structured levels of achievement that give concrete benchmarks for a feeling of progress.

l More than one tutor is available.

l Tutoring companies usually hire trained, certified teachers.

Cons

l Tutors work with groups of three to five students.

l Since these are standardized tutor programs, the teaching methods may not suit your student's learning style (see EduGuide

Quiz: What is My Childs Learning Style?)

l The family can't choose a specific tutor.l The tutoring assignments are in addition to the student's regular homework homework support may not be part of the

curriculum.

l The cost is high.

Costs

l The cost is as much as $150 a week payments is expected weekly or monthly.

l Most tutoring companies accept credit cards.

l Some companies offer financing or scholarship programs.

Tips

l Ask if the tutoring business will communicate with the student's teacher.

l Make sure the center's philosophy matches yours.

Option 3: Online Tutors

Online help includes homework help sites, one-on-one tutoring, and step-by-step software.

Pros

l Tutoring can fit into your schedule without leaving home.

l Questions can be posted any time.

l This is a great option for quick answers.

l Online tutoring can be fun, particularly for students who love technology.

Cons

l Little or no mentoring relationship is formed.

l Online tutoring provides no personal assessment of student needs and progress.

l The tutor has no contact with the classroom teacher.

Costs

l Help is free on homework help sites such as mathnerds.com.

l Some sites charge per minute, per month, or per servicefor example per essay or assignment.

l Expect to pay between $20 and $50 per hour for tutors.

Tips

l Make sure you get as much information as possible from and about the online tutor.

l Monitor your student's work. Is he or she learning or just having fun without real thinking?

Option 4: No Child Left Behind

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Under No Child Left Behind legislation, families at certain schools are entitled to free tutoring services.

Pros

l The services are free to qualifying families.

l Tutors are highly qualified.

l Tutors will work closely with classroom teachers.

Cons

l The student's school must be identified as needing improvement.l If supply or funding is limited, only the neediest students qualify.

l Schools can use only services and service providers approved by the state.

Costs

l Services are free to families in Title I schools that fail to make adequate yearly progress (AYP) for three or more years.

Tips

l Ask your school's principal or Title I coordinator whether you qualify.



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Tutoring Programs FAQsEduGuide Staff

If this is your first experience with a tutor, you probably have some questions. Here are four questions parents ask most frequently

about tutoring programs.

1. How long do tutoring programs usually last? The most effective school-based tutoring programs last between five and

eighteen weeksthough this depends both on the students needs and the intensity and teaching methods of the tutor. Based

on your child's goals, your tutor should suggest the number of sessions the tutor expects your child to need for noticeable

improvement. For basic skills like reading, writing, math, or learning a foreign language, it's fair to expect twenty or moresessions before improvements translate into better grades.

2. How many times a week should my child meet with a tutor? Sessions that occur twice or even three times a week typically

produce faster results. Meeting more frequently helps keep students moving ahead.3. Which subjects respond best to tutoring? Math skills usually improve more quickly than reading skills. Struggling readers

may need more than a year of tutoring to get up to grade level.

4. What are the most successful tutoring techniques? Though techniques vary depending on the subject being taught, the

following generally yield the best results:

a. Developing a student's independent problem-solving skills

b. Timely feedback to confirm good choices and correct mistakesc. Quickly recognizing which techniques work best and structuring the tutoring plan

around those methods

Sources:

Cohen, P.A., Kulik, J.A., Kulik, C.C. (1982) Educational outcomes of tutoring: A meta-analysis of findings. American Educational Research Journal. 19:2.pp.237-248.

Juel, C. (1996) What makes literacy tutoring effective? Reading Research Quarterly. 31:3 pp.268-269.

Merrill, D.C, Reiser, B.J., Merrill, S.K. & Landes, S. (1995) Tutoring: Guided learning by doing. Cognition and Instruction. 13:3. pp.315-372.



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Due to the dynamic nature of our quizzes, they are only available on the web. Follow the addresses below to take a quiz on our

website.

Should I Be My Child's At-home Tutor?

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Does My Child Need a Tutor?

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