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This question is often difficult to answer because you have all these options available:
1. Corporate Learning Centers
2. Freelance Private Tutors
3. Online Tutoring
4. Local/Regional Commercial Tutor Operations
5. Non-Profit School-Sponsored After-School Tutoring
Programs
6. Non-Profit Volunteer Community/Faith-Based Tutoring Programs
7. Local College Tutors
8. Group-Based Online Tutoring
9. Test Preparation Centers
10. No Child Left Behind State-Approved Supplemental Education Service
(SES) Providers
But CompareTutors.com will help you narrow your selections and make the best choice
for you and your child.
Corporate Learning Centers
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1.
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There is one rate and there is no haggling. They offer discounting, but only for
a large commitment and long contract of service.
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2.
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Centers have always had great programs for students that are struggling with basic
skills and have gaps in understanding concepts. However, if a student is “stuck”
in an area of Algebra, Chemistry, or needs help completing an essay, Learning Centers
are not suited for short-term tutoring.
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3.
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Most centers do not have true “one-on-one” tutoring. Most offer small groups of
3-5 students or they “monitor” students who are working on their own.
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4.
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Tutors are employees and have undergone a criminal background and reference check.
However, they are not always teachers and do not necessarily have college degrees.
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5.
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You have a set schedule and will always have a tutor, but many do not accommodate
tardy students or allow make-up sessions. You must schedule your tutoring sessions
around their hours of operation.
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6.
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Travel is required. Private tutors have become popular because of the convenience
factor for today's busy families.
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7.
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Learning Centers require an initial assessment test that last approximately 3 hours
and costs roughly $200-$250.
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8.
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Learning Centers typically require you to purchase a long-term program, be careful
what you commit to, a promise to help your child succeed is often a cleverly disguised
sales pitch.
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9.
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Always READ THE FINE PRINT and take time to review the paperwork before you sign
their legally binding contract.
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10.
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Some will finance the tutoring costs and most accept credit cards for payment.
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Advantages
Convenient locations and immediate enrollment.
Disadvantages
Travel is required.
Something to Consider:
You can request a trial period to determine how effective their program will be
for your child.
Freelance Private Tutors
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1.
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They set their own rates which vary greatly depending on how qualified and experienced
they are and how much they feel their services are worth. Most of the time, the
more experience and the higher their degree the more they charge for their time.
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2.
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They accept checks and cash upfront or at each session. However, there isn’t usually
any accountable method of record keeping on a monthly basis and rarely will a freelance
individual accept credit cards.
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3.
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Their schedules are flexible and they are willing to reschedule make-up sessions.
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4.
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Most freelance tutors are teachers themselves. If they are a public school teacher
then you know the county has run a criminal background check and fingerprint check
on them. However, if they are not, be weary of possible past criminal activities.
Request a background check.
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5.
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Most tutors are willing to meet in a convenient location, such as a library or bookstore
and some will even travel to your home.
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Advantages:
Most of them are experienced teachers with flexible schedules.
Disadvantages:
High hourly rates and dependability.
Because they are not held accountable by anyone, they set their own rules.
Something to Consider:
Ask for (and check!) any potential tutor's employment resume, tutoring references,
and copy of a background check.
Online Tutoring Services
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1.
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With this type of tutoring you have the obvious difference of human interaction;
however recent technology allows online tutors to use webcams and voice over IP
to gauge a student's attitude.
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2.
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Recent studies have shown that online tutoring is as effective as face-to-face tutoring
and one-on-one tutoring is the best way to learn. Most major online tutoring companies
have stringent training and certification programs.
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3.
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Because they cannot interact in person, most major online tutoring companies have
strict processes to make up for that. They typically follow national & state academic
standards and curricula and use extensive libraries of online content, question
banks, animations and simulations for maximum student engagement & learning.
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4.
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Online tutors are also great for answering questions that students have particularly
when it comes to homework help.
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5.
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Online tutors are generally the most cost-effective way to get a professional tutor.
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6.
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While this service is very different from in-person teaching or tutoring, today’s
children and young adults are very accustomed to using technology to clearly communicate.
Nonetheless, this should be monitored
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7.
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Some services do not offer tutoring for younger students (under 8), especially those
needing reading or math basic skills.
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Advantages:
You can get help instantly, at any time of day or night. Most companies (like TutorVista.com
and Tutor.com) provide unlimited tutoring from experienced and certified tutors.
Online tutoring companies also commit to provide parents with detailed assessment
tests and regular progress reports. Most importantly, their “all-you-can-eat” monthly
subscription fees are very affordable for cost-conscious families.
Disadvantages:
Each time your student logs in may receive a different tutor so there is less continuity
between the student and the tutor. However, you can schedule sessions in advance
with a preferred tutor. Most online tutors offer a trial period during which time
you can gauge whether or not it is working for your child.
Something to Consider:
Most services offer a trial; take advantage of this to make sure that this form
of tutoring will really work for your student.
Local/Regional Commercial Tutor Operations
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1.
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Most private tutoring operations are competitive in their hourly rates and most
are less expensive than Corporate Learning Centers.
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2.
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Some operations require their tutors to be certified teachers, some hire college
students, and some require a minimum of a college degree. Ask about their tutors'
qualifications.
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3.
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Most services run a local or state criminal background check. Ask for and verify
that it is a NATIONWIDE check, local checks may not show any criminal activity if
the tutor is new to the area.
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4.
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Most services offer in-home tutoring, however at your request, many tutors will
meet in a convenient location such as the library. Ask about student age limits
and their policies for such.
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5.
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Most services do not offer special programs. Tutors are available to help the student
with their school work only. However, some services do offer an initial assessment
test for an additional charge at the parent’s request.
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6.
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Each private tutoring franchise is different. Some require a minimum number of hours
each month, some require upfront fees on a monthly basis, some actually have a revolving
charge on your credit card (beware of these). Some services have no contracts and
no minimums...compare contracts very closely and look for hidden charges and missed
session policies.
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Advantages:
You can always find a tutor for your needs and most services want to keep you as
a client and will work hard to do so. They specialize in helping you find a tutor
that fits your schedule, your grade level and your subject.
Disadvantages:
Because they are privately held franchises, each one sets their own policies on
everything from tutor qualifications to billing, ask a lot of questions and read
everything before you begin tutoring.
Something to Consider:
Most private tutoring franchises have a knowledgeable Director or Owner, if you
are unsure about something or need specific answers; ask to speak with him or her.
Non-Profit School-Sponsored After-School Tutoring Programs
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1.
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Most school-sponsored programs use their existing teaching staff, so your child
will typically be tutored by a certified teacher. These teachers have experience
in remediation and extensive knowledge of the subject area.
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2.
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Eligibility requirements for school-based tutoring may limit number of participants.
Sometimes only those students with the greatest academic need are the only ones
considered for school-sponsored programs.
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3.
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Children may perceive school-based tutoring as some sort of detention. Success rates
may vary when your child is presented with the same teachers, the same classmates
and the same location as their normal school day.
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Advantages:
Convenient location and the school typically provide transportation.
Disadvantages:
Most school-sponsored programs do not offer special or customizable programs. Tutors
are available to help the student with their school work only and or state-required
testing material.
Something to Consider:
Success rates may vary when your child is presented with the same teachers, the
same classmates and the same location as their normal school day.
Non-Profit Volunteer Community/Faith-Based Tutoring Programs
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1.
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Most tutors are volunteers or individuals who provide their time at no charge. While
many reputable volunteer tutor programs (like those held at Boys & Girls Clubs;
YM/YWCA’s, etc.) offer training to their volunteer staff, you cannot be assured
that the volunteers are certified teachers or tutors.
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2.
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These volunteer programs are often government funded with no cost to participants
so they can be a nice alternative to cost-conscious families if these services are
available their communities.
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3.
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Eligibility requirements for volunteer-based tutoring may limit number of participants.
However, because they want to serve as many individuals as possible, many of the
tutoring sessions provide instruction to larger groups.
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4.
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No studies have been conducted to gauge the students' long-term academic improvement
after using volunteer tutors, but the premise of the program is for the volunteer
tutor to see a one-on-one change with each individual student.
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Advantages:
Non-Profit Volunteer Community/Faith-Based Tutoring Programs provide a no or low
cost alternative to fee-based tutoring companies and programs.
Disadvantages:
Untrained volunteer tutors may have a negative impact on your child’s learning experience.
Something to Consider:
Ask for (and check!) the volunteers tutoring resume and references before committing
to this type of program. Also check on your child’s progress on a regular basis
to ensure your tutoring goals are being met.
Local College Tutors
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1.
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Student tutors may lack experience in teaching higher level skills but it can be
a good option for good students needing over-learning and rote practice for skill
reinforcement.
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2.
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They often set their own rates which can vary greatly, but they will accept checks
and cash upfront or at each session.
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3.
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Their schedules are less flexible because of their own classes and course workload.
Parents have complained or repeated cancellations.
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4.
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Often college students do not have ready access to a vehicle, therefore the burden
and costs of transportation to meet tutors is the parents responsibility
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Advantages:
College tutors provide another low cost alternative to tutoring centers.
Disadvantages:
Untrained college tutors may have a negative impact on your child’s learning experience.
Something to Consider:
Ask for (and check!) the college students tutoring resume and references before
committing to this type of program. Also check on your child’s progress on a regular
basis to ensure your tutoring goals are being met.
Group-Based Online Tutoring
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1.
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Very similar to one-one-one online tutoring, however, in this scenario, one tutor
may be handling questions from 3-5 students at one time.
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2.
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With this type of tutoring you have the obvious difference of human interaction;
however recent technology allows online tutors to use webcams and voice over IP
to gauge a student's attitude.
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|
3.
|
Recent studies have shown that online tutoring is as effective as face-to-face tutoring.
Most major online tutoring companies have stringent training and certification programs.
|
|
4.
|
Because they cannot interact in person, most major online tutoring companies have
strict processes to make up for that. They typically follow national & state academic
standards and curricula and use extensive libraries of online content, question
banks, animations and simulations for maximum student engagement & learning.
|
|
5.
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Online tutors are also great for answering questions that students have particularly
when it comes to homework help.
|
|
6.
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Online tutors are generally the most cost-effective way to get a professional tutor.
|
|
7.
|
While this service is very different from in-person teaching or tutoring, today’s
children and young adults are very accustomed to using technology to clearly communicate.
Nonetheless, this should be monitored
|
|
8.
|
Some services do not offer tutoring for younger students, especially those needing
reading or math basic skills.
|
Advantages:
You can get help instantly, at any time of day or night. Most companies (like TutorVista.com
and Tutor.com) provide unlimited tutoring from experienced and certified tutors.
Online tutoring companies also commit to provide parents with detailed assessment
tests and regular progress reports. Most importantly, their “all-you-can-eat” monthly
subscription fees are very affordable for cost-conscious families.
Disadvantages:
Each time your student logs in may receive a different tutor so there is less continuity
between the student and the tutor. However, you can schedule sessions in advance
with a preferred tutor. Most online tutors offer a trial period during which time
you can gauge whether or not it is working for your child.
Something to Consider:
Most services offer a trial; take advantage of this to make sure that this form
of tutoring will really work for your student.
Test Preparation Centers
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1.
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Many test preparation centers (like The Princeton Review) have expanded their tutoring
services beyond standardized test preparation. Because they already had access to
experienced tutors, this was a natural progression.
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2.
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Centers have always had great programs for students that are struggling with basic
skills and have gaps in understanding concepts. However, if a student is “stuck”
in an area of Algebra, Chemistry, or needs help completing an essay, Learning Centers
are not suited for short-term tutoring.
|
|
3.
|
Most centers do not have true “one-on-one” tutoring. Most offer small groups of
3-5 students or they “monitor” students who are working on their own.
|
|
4.
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Tutors are employees and have undergone a criminal background and reference check.
|
|
5.
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You have a set class or session schedule and will always have a tutor, but many
do not accommodate tardy students or allow make-up sessions. You must schedule your
tutoring sessions around their hours of operation or scheduled sessions.
|
Advantages:
Convenient locations and immediate enrollment.
Disadvantages:
Travel is required.
Something to Consider:
Test preparation centers are very good at preparing your child for standardized
taking; however, you should balance your child’s needs with their other tutoring
services. If you feel your child would be most successful with one-on-one tutoring,
these centers may not be the best option for you.
No Child Left Behind (NCLB) State-Approved Supplemental Education Service (SES)
Providers
This category of tutors encompasses all other types of tutoring previously described,
however we have treated it as a separate category as there are some very unique
features of the SES approved tutors. Providers can be for-profit companies, nonprofits
(community organizations or colleges, for example), but they must be approved by
your state. The approval criterion varies by most states but all approved providers
must comply with the following basis standards:
- Has a proven track record of raising student achievement in academic subjects (such
as reading and math).
- Offers high-quality, research-based instruction focused on improving student academic
achievement.
- Offers services that are in line with state standards.
- Is financially sound.
- Complies with Federal, state and local health, safety, and civil rights laws.
Advantages:
Parents can take advantage of their services at no charge if their child is eligible
to receive this benefit.
Disadvantages:
Your child may not qualify for participation in the program.
Something to Consider:
- Generally, your child qualifies if he/she is getting a free or reduced-price lunch
and attends a Title I school categorized as "in need of improvement" for two years
in a row. Title I schools are in attendance areas where at least 35% of the students
and their families are low income. However, the official word on SES eligibility
comes from your school district. Parents should confirm their child's eligibility
with their child's school or school district.
- Eligibility for free private tutoring is based on whether the school as a whole
made Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP), not the individual academic results of the
student.
- Because the schools are measured for AYP every school year, the eligibility of students
attending the school can change from year to year.
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