10 Tips for Choosing the Right Tutor for Your Child

Tutors offer a wealth of educational resources for students who need remedial work, as well as for those who want academic enrichment and maintenance. To choose the right tutor for your child, consider these 10 tips:

1. Pitch & persuade. Before searching for a tutor, discuss it with your child. Keep the conversation positive: “You know how reading is kind of hard sometimes? We are going to find someone who can help you.” Most students don’t like to struggle, so if your child is aware that there is a problem, he may be more likely to want help. Even so, expect apprehension and offer encouragement.

2. Ponder priorities. There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to tutoring. It depends on your child’s needs, setting, convenience, and cost. Some people choose a private tutor. Others go with a tutoring center. Still others opt for an online service. When choosing a setting – either small group or one-on-one instruction – determine which is the best fit for your child. If you choose a group setting, find out the maximum number of students per class. A convenient location is important too. Studies show that more frequent tutoring sessions yield greater results. When it comes to cost, bear in mind that one-on-one tutoring may be more costly than group sessions and in-home tutoring more expensive than traveling to a center.

3. Reach for recommendations. Begin your search by asking your child’s teacher, principal, guidance counselor or others within the school unit. Some school districts have a list of tutors and are willing to make recommendations. Also, check ads in your local parenting magazine or newspaper. Other parents are a good resource too. Is there someone they have had success with?

4. Check credentials. Find out if the tutor has experience teaching the subject your child needs help with. Although the instructor may not be credentialed for your child’s grade level, it’s a good idea to find one who holds a college degree and has completed a tutor training program. This will ensure he understands educational theory, instructional strategies and remedial approaches. Graduate students with strong content knowledge may be a good option too. Equally important is experience and teaching style. Ask if the tutor has taught children of similar age and learning style as your child. Likewise, consider personality and attitude. Is he patient, upbeat and encouraging? Is he congenial with children?

5. Tally the track record.  Equally important to check references and track record. Does the tutor you are considering have satisfaction surveys from past parents and students that prove he has helped them raise test scores, improve classroom grades, and/or experience better homework completion?

6. Time it right. Although extracurricular activities and parents’ work schedules often dominate the clock, try to be flexible so tutoring sessions are held at a time when your child is most open to learning. Some students need a half hour or so break after school.  But if you give other kids that same downtime, it will be a battle to get them to work. Know what timing works best for your child and adjust your schedule accordingly.

7. Collaborate on goals. When formulating tutoring goals, get everyone on board – teacher, tutor, parent, and child. Teachers and tutors are aware of what the goals should be, but parents know their child best and should be involved in the goal-setting process. It’s ideal if the tutor and teacher work toward a common goal and communicate regularly to reinforce each other’s techniques. The teacher may also be willing to give feedback on your child’s progress in the classroom.

8. Request progress reports. Many tutors offer periodic progress reports and will check off goals and redefine them, if necessary. Ask for a sample of progress reports to see if they are clear and helpful. Also, inquire how often reports will be given.

9. View policies. Clarify policies before signing on the dotted line. Some tutors charge clients if an appointment is canceled without a 24-hour notice. Others have detailed policies for scheduling makeup sessions. Also, ask about substitutes. How much say will you have in who teaches your child, in the event your tutor is out due to illness?

10. Show support. Remember, parents play an important role in the whole learning process, so look for practical ways to support your child’s academic endeavors. At the end of each tutoring session, find out what he is expected to do before the next one – whether it’s memorizing his multiplication facts or completing all of his classroom assignments – and couple those learning efforts at home.

Denise Yearian is a former educator and editor of two parenting magazines and the mother of three children and four grandchildren.

QUESTIONS TO ASK WHEN CHOOSING A TUTOR

• At what age do you tutor?
• Is it for remedial work only? Or do you do enrichment and maintenance too?
• What subjects do you offer?
• Do you have summer programs?
• Can my child go during school hours?
• Do you offer diagnostic testing? Is it required?
• Do you teach in small group sessions or one-on-one?
• Where does tutoring take place?
• What qualifications do you/your teachers have?
• What if my child has a personal problem with the tutor, can I get another one?
• How often is the child required to go?
• Can you work sessions around my family’s schedule?
• How often will I receive progress reports? Will they be written for verbal?
• What is the duration of the contract?
• How much do you charge?
• Are there any hidden fees?

SIGNS YOUR CHILD NEEDS A TUTOR

There are a number of indications a child needs a tutor. If you see any of the following signs, your child may be a good candidate for tutoring:

• Doesn’t want to go to school
• Difficulty doing homework
• Gaps in learning
• Poor test grades
• Hiding test scores from parents
• Teacher reports missing assignments
• Unable to keep up
• Multiple wrong answers
• Unfinished assignments
• Frustration and possibly tears
• Decreased self-confidence
• Parents are frustrated and don’t know how to help