If your child is struggling in school or if you want to make sure your child gets and stays ahead of the class, choosing a qualified tutor might be just what your family needs. Before entrusting your child’s academic future to someone, it’s vital to make sure the person is the best qualified to meet your child’s unique learning needs. Researchers agree that skilled tutors can make a huge difference and help students improve test scores and grades. Whether your child is struggling with homework assignments or prepping for college entrance exams it makes sense to be savvy before digging into your wallet. Today’s tutors can provide homework help, boost test-taking strategies and help strengthen weak areas. No longer just for children who are falling behind, many families hire tutors to help their kids with advanced studies, or if a child needs an extra push to motivate them or to prepare for college testing. But with so many options today, choosing the best services for your child can seem daunting.
What to Consider
There are many things to consider when choosing a tutor. You’ll need to know what to look for and the steps you should take to ensure you’ve chosen the right one to maximize academic results. If you think your child could benefit from the individualized attention of tutoring services, be proactive, because the extra help from caring, motivated tutors can help your child regain academic balance, progress to the next level or simply get a head start. When considering tutoring services, make sure you select an individual or organization that is well qualified to address your child’s needs and has a track record of success.
The Setting
Once you’ve decided to find tutoring help, you need to determine what form it should take and the best setting. Some children feel more comfortable working privately with a tutor in their own home; others are more motivated by small group dynamics and can concentrate better away from the distractions of home. Those children may benefit from a study group or learning center. Private tutors and learning centers are readily available and often advertise locally. Also, try to get recommendations from guidance counselors, teachers, local colleges or other parents. Online tutoring is another option that provides maximum flexibility. Look for well-trained, passionate, reliable, empathetic candidates. A skilled tutor does more than simply review homework, she will assess your child’s strengths and weaknesses, prepare individualized lessons, formalize a learning plan and consult with your child’s teacher while setting a timetable to evaluate progress.
The Tutor
Next, have your child meet the tutor, observe the center or if possible arrange for a complimentary sample session to determine if there is a good fit before making a long-term commitment. Ask yourself what do you want this tutor to help your child accomplish, what academic challenges your child is experiencing and what are her strengths? Ask the potential tutor for references and how much teaching and tutoring experience they have, have they worked in the school system and are they familiar with curriculum and state standards, availability, what subjects do they specialize in and what ages have they worked with?
It may be difficult to accept that your child requires additional resources but truth is, it’s not uncommon. Hiring a tutor with the education and experience to help your child with their academic work is your best option. Talk to the tutor and your child after every session to determine if they are on the right track. Are your child’s grades improving, do they have more confidence in subjects they have struggled with, are they feeling better about learning. This informal observation, combined with their teacher’s input will determine if the tutoring relationship is working. Remember, it can take a few months for a child’s performance to improve, but if you sense it’s not working trust your intuition and confer with the tutor. If they are unable to address your concerns look elsewhere.
Dawn Marie Barhyte is a freelance writer and former educator who has taught at all levels in Westchester County. She now resides in Warwick, N.Y. with her family and continues to touch the lives of families through her writing.
7 Signs Your Child May Need a Tutor
1 Your child is anxious about tests and seems stressed about scoring well on SAT or other standardized tests.
2 Your child works hard but her grades are mediocre or dropping and she begins to fall behind.
3 No matter how much time your child spends on homework it’s inaccurate on a regular basis.
4Your child’s attitude is poor, she has lost interest in learning, her motivation is declining and her confidence is slipping.
5 It can be timing – if college testing is on the horizon, your child may need study strategies if the college your child wants to attend requires high scores.
6 Your child is an advanced learner or gifted student and has surpassed local school system offerings.
7 Your child is showing frustration and difficulties in a subject.
