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COULD YOUR CHILD BENEIFT FROM TUTORING?  

Question: Which of these students could benefit from private tutoring?

a.) Kathy, an 11th grader who is struggling to pass Chemistry.
b.) Mike, a third grader who gets good grades but has difficulty keeping his school and homework organized.
c.) Jamie, a bright just-turned-five-year-old who can't wait to go to kindergarten so that he can learn to read?

Answer: ALL OF THE ABOVE! Children of all ages and abilities can benefit from one-on-one tutoring. Read on to learn more about the benefits of tutoring, and how to find the right tutor for your child's needs and learning style.Long ago, to have a personal tutor meant high social status, and was available only to the most affluent. More recently, a stigma had become attached to needing a tutor, implying underachievement or failure. But now, a new and pragmatic attitude has taken hold in the society at large. Many students truly enjoy having a tutor, much as they might enjoy the "in your face" experience of a private pitching coach. It makes them feel special. Tutoring can provide the personal attention that teachers just don't have the time to offer within a class of 25 or more kids.Consider some typical situations in which students could benefit from one-on-one tutoring:

• Struggling in School. Brian is struggling to keep up with the rest his class. His self-esteem is suffering, along with his grades. A good tutor can re-teach, or reinforce skills and concepts directly aligned with the school's curriculum to help Brian be more successful in the classroom. Special Education Needs. Katie has an identified learning disability, often needing to work twice as hard or more to keep up with her classmates. Her Individualized Education Program (IEP) also requires a close and coordinated relationship between home and school. A tutor, familiar with Katie's learning style, can help facilitate this and assist with any reinforcement necessary for her to achieve success in school. Test Preparation - both for standardized tests, (such as SAT, ISEE and others), or for final exams at school. Students, especially those with college on their minds, often need to brush up on content and concepts that they'll see on the test. The right tutor will also instill learning tips and strategies for tackling the test format. Research Reports and Projects. Davis excels with day-to-day homework assignment and tests, but becomes overwhelmed by larger tasks, such as a long-term History report. Consider hiring a tutor for a specified amount of time prior to its due date. A good tutor will guide David step-by-step through the process, as well as the actual project.
• Enrichment. Some students need more challenge in order to remain engaged and excited about learning. Some preschoolers are ready for a jump-start to reading. High school students may appreciate a relaxed introduction to upcoming coursework over the summer, especially if they know already that they'll be taking an Advanced Placement (AP) Course. Other children - even entire families - may want to learn a foreign language!

So, you've decided to hire a tutor. How do you know you'll select the right person? Here are some important considerations:

• What is the professional and educational background of the teacher? Is s/he state certified? Does s/he have experience working with children in your child's age group? What is their teaching style? Is s/he funny or serious, a skilled communicator? How will lessons be structured? Will the teacher's style match your child's personality? Is s/he open to consulting with your child's classroom teacher?
• How will progress be measured or substantiated over time?

Once you've decided on a tutor and have scheduled the first session, be prepared to provide samples of the student's work or test results. A good tutor will glean from it valuable information to help develop a productive approach. Be sure to clearly articulate your goals with that tutor. After a few sessions, ask the tutor for a brief meeting to check in on those goals and others s/he has identified. You'll know that your child is progressing well with the tutoring when s/he finds homework to be easier and school less frustrating. When your child starts to demonstrate enthusiasm and takes pride in what s/he has learned, you'll know that you made the right choice.

Shannon Converse Ed. M. is co-director and founder of My Tutor and Me, LLC, a service that matches quality tutors with families in the Southern CT and Westchester County areas. She is also a Special Education teacher for the Ridgefield Public Schools. For more information about tutoring call (203) 857-0196 or visit the My Tutor and Me website at www.mytutorandme.com