Whether your child is lost in a haze of elementary grammar rules, sinking fast in a jumble of
Newton’s laws in middle school, or lost in the details of an A level biology class, you need help
quickly, before your child falls way behind the class and never recovers. So, what exactly can
you do….now?
Many frustrated parents solve this problem by hiring a tutor. However, each family has unique
needs, and tutors have many degrees of know-how and caring. So it is important to know what
you want, then thoroughly investigate the skill, experience, commitment and personality of the
tutor.
- Know your goals
Ask yourself or your child’s teacher:
a. What level of help do we need? Does my child need homework help, intensive revision classes,
or something in between?
b. What areas do we want to see the tutor improve: better scores in one subject (chemistry,
geometry); improved general skills (math, reading, science); study skills; motivation?
c. What do I know about my child’s learning style? Does he learn best by reading, listening,
moving, touching? Does he do better with men or women? Does he need lots of nurturing or a
firm hand? What motivates and interests him?
d. How much time and money can you devote to tutoring? Don’t skimp, but be honest with
yourself before you start. - Know your options
a. Call your child’s teacher and share your concern. Good teachers will have met with your child
and should have files on his progress throughout his academic year, his scores on tests, and
notes on possible personality problems. Check out the local paper. Many good tutors list their
credentials there.
b. Ask friends and neighbors for ideas. Retired teachers may be willing to help out. Make sure
they know the subject matter you need.
c. Call your local branch of a learning center like Kumon. Ask if your child fits their profile.
Usually they work with general problems like reading comprehension, rather than specific
subjects like biology or literature.
Dollars and $ense
Unfortunately, price is often the determining factor in choosing a tutor. However, it’s more
important to look at value. A more expensive tutor may be a better fit for your child and may be
more effective in meeting his needs. Don’t rule him out because of his fees.
Beyond cost itself, ask:
- What are your payment policies?
Find out in advance what forms of payment your tutor accepts, and when it is expected. Some
tutors accept only cash and require payment at each session. Some will allow you to prepay a
month at a time. Others may bill you for completed sessions. - What are your cancellation policies?
While most tutors are rather flexible, some require 24-hour notice if you’re going to cancel.
Learn this information up front to avoid charges down the line. - Test your options
a. Check credentials carefully. Ask questions to see how well their skills match your child’s
needs:
o What is your educational background? If the tutor will work on chemistry, she should have at
least a college minor in chemistry. A different education is needed to teach first-grade reading.
o What type of teaching experience do you have? Look for a tutor who has worked with students
similar in age and ability to your child.
b. Meet with several candidates. Include your child and ask plenty of questions:
o How do you evaluate each student’s needs? Find out whether the tutor will use tests, school
reports, or other forms of evaluation to discover your child’s strengths and weaknesses.
o How long do you think you will need to prepare the lessons? Keep in mind that difficult subject
matter will take longer to prepare, so expect to pay more for the extra preparation time.
o What tutoring methods do you use? A skilled tutor will do more than just answer questions
and do problems with students. He will assess your child’s strengths and weaknesses, prepare
individualized materials and use handouts materials wherever possible. He will work hand-in-
hand with the classroom teacher, and most of all, give your child a “can-do” attitude and lots
of positive reinforcement.
o What do you expect from me? Good tutors need a family’s cooperation. They need parents to
contact classroom teachers and ask for cooperation in making tutoring a success: a copy of
the textbook they use; a syllabus of their class or subject; any extra worksheets they have
that might facilitate the tutorial process.
o How do you motivate your students? Think about what motivates your child, and seek a tutor
who uses these methods.
o What hours are you available? This question often makes or breaks a deal. You may have
found the perfect tutor, but if she doesn’t fit your schedule you’re out of luck.
o Where do you do your tutoring? If you have checked out the situation carefully, a home
should be acceptable, especially if another person is at home during the session.
o How long do you expect tutoring to last? It’s important to get an estimate of how long it will
take to help your child develop the skills and confidence to succeed independently.
o How much do you charge for your services? Cost varies greatly, depending on subject area,
location, and the credentials of the tutor. Neighbors or friends may charge less, but
remember, professional tutors charge professional rates.
o What is the range of results you see? How much have other clients improved in the past?
o Is there someone I can contact who knows your tutoring skills? You get references for
electricians, doctors and dentists. Doesn’t it truly make sense to get a reference for the person
who will be working very closely with your child?
- Partner for results
a. Watch how your child relates to the tutor. Sit in on part of a session if possible. Your child
must be comfortable, if you want to see success.
b. Monitor progress. Ask for feedback from your child, and see if your child’s grade gradually
improves. If, after several sessions, you don’t see improvement or you feel a negative attitude
in your child, move on to another tutor.
Finding — and keeping — a good tutor involves some work on your part. But then isn’t your child
worth all the help you can give?
