Resources
Tutoring Resources & Information |
General Tutoring Information How much should tutoring cost? As with pretty much everything in life, you get what you pay for - but in tutoring, there can be exceptions. Here are descriptions of common tutoring sources and reasonable prices for each:After school: Tutoring programs that occur at school sites after school generally have a few common characteristics. First, there are a lot of kids. Unless you know differently, assume there could be anywhere between 10 and 35 students at one time. Second, because of the number of students, no one will be getting too much personal attention. Third, the adults in these programs are generally either teachers who have already taught for an entire day, or local high school students. Either way, this is not the most effective tutoring environment. Price range for this type of tutoring should be between free and $10/hour.Tutoring centers: Tutoring centers offer more than just tutoring. These businesses invest a great deal in student assessments, materials, incentives, and advertising. The tutoring is generally very effective as a result of these measures. Paying for these services is like joining a health club; often there is a one-time sign-up fee between $100 and $200, and then a monthly fee, which generally averages out to between $20 and $40/hour.Online tutors: Tutors who work online function in a few different ways. First, they may make themselves available by email to answer questions. The obvious drawback to this can be the turnaround time. Also, online tutors may be available for tutoring via a live chat room. This can be a great format for getting questions answered, but there is the drawback of requiring certain technical abilities from the student. Without effective keyboarding and web surfing skills on the student's part, this service can be overpriced compared to in-person tutoring. Generally, online tutors are available for $15 to $30/hour, though some offer monthly subscription services that range from $150 to $300/month.Novice tutors: For younger students, finding an older student in the family or community who can tutor them is often a great way to go. This type of tutoring is best for homework help and straightforward academic progress. Expect personal attention, but not necessarily the most effective diagnosis or instruction. A reasonable price for this type of tutoring is $10 to $15/hour. Professional tutors: Tutors with several years of experience and a college degree are often able to combine personal attention with effective teaching methods. Expect that these tutors come to your home, have their own materials, and can adapt to different learning styles and teaching approaches. Tutors of this kind generally cost between $25 and $50/hour.
Things to Consider When Selecting a Tutoring Center While choosing to take your child to a tutoring center is a large step toward improving his or her academic performance, you must be sure to select the best tutoring center for your child to experience the most positive results. Here are some things to consider before choosing a tutor. While help for your child comes in many forms, many parents choose to enroll their children in established tutoring centers. There are a number of reasons to consider when doing so. Tutoring centers have set policies and procedures that can usually be reviewed before-hand, so parents know precisely what to expect. Because these facilities usually employ a number of different instructors, each with his or her own strengths, it is much simpler to find one that is well-suited for your child's needs. Whatever your reasons for turning to a tutoring center, it is crucial that you be selective and choose the one that is most convenient and appropriate for your child. Things to Consider:
Is it noisy and distracting, or peaceful and organized? Is it well equipped with computers, books, and calculators? A center can tell you just about anything about their methods, but you should evaluate it for yourself.
Group sessions teach one to work well with others and can be very effective for most students, while private tutoring may be particularly helpful for a child who is struggling. Many centers either provide one or the other, or charge different fees depending on which type of program you choose. It's best to ask.
It is important that a center make every effort to understand your child and his or her needs. In order for sessions to be successful, the instructor must be able to accommodate a child's individual learning style and temperament.
Often children who need help have fallen behind in their studies and struggle with basic concepts. In order to understand their current lessons, they must go back and master whatever was missed. Only then can a child truly move forward and develop new skills. Most quality centers are aware of this and ask that students take assessment tests to determine where they are struggling.
Children with learning disabilities, ADD/ADHD, or other unique concerns often need personal attention from one who is experienced in helping students overcome these difficulties. Be certain the center you choose is aware of your child's needs and can tend to them properly.
A love of learning begins at home with parents who care about their child's academic progress and do their best to generate a positive learning environment. Make sure the center you choose keeps you up-to-date on your child's progress. It is even better when a facility allows you to participate in sessions from time to time, this way you will be more prepared to help your child at home should they ever ask for it. Finding a quality tutoring center that meets your child's needs is an invaluable investment. It can allow struggling children to get caught up in their studies, and unusually bright children to stay ahead of the curve. Choosing a center wisely ensures your child has the best opportunity to succeed possible. Tutoring Info Links
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Home Schooling Information |
Home Schooling can be a great alternative to traditional public or private school education. Parents often find it difficult to effectively teach their own children on a consistent basis for a number of reasons. Typically these barriers include: * Lack of ability and skill sets to teach advanced subjects. * Lack of motivation on the part of the student. Windows of Opportunity has extensive experience working with home schooling students and we can help you ensure a successful and fulfilling home school educational program for your children.
Each fall when school begins, a growing number of school-aged children do not head off to a classroom. Instead, they learn at home with their families, at tutoring centers or with other children in their communities. Home schooling takes many forms, from a daily routine following a scheduled curriculum to child-led learning in which parents supervise and help. Choosing to home school or to traditionally educate a child is often a difficult and confusing decision for parents and guardians.. If you decide to home school, Windows of Opportunity will communicate with the DOE and file all necessary paperwork on your behalf including the notice of intent to home school your child to the local public school principal. This may be done via a Form 4140 "Exceptions to Compulsory Education" or by letter (please see Compulsory Attendance Exceptions for information required in the letter). Windows of Opportunity offers complete home schooling program supervision and tutoring to keep your learner on track.
Here are some sites with suggested reading and resources for parents who are considering home schooling:
http://homeschooling.gomilpitas.com/
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