There are homework tutoring program franchises operating in every state. These programs offer homework assistance and often guarantee to improve grades and test scores.
Finding a Tutoring Service
A tutoring service can be found through an online tutor directory or even in the yellow pages. Services might also advertise on a local school supply store’s bulletin board or at the public library. Homework tutoring centers sometimes advertise directly to the homeschooling community by buying advertisements in newsletters or on homeschooling web sites.
Choosing a Tutoring Center
Several communities have more than one tutoring center to choose from. Parents should interview each tutoring service and learn the differences and similarities so that they can come to conclusions about which might be a better fit. One tutoring program might boast success with one-on-one attention, while another offers homework tutoring in small groups. Another variable to consider is curriculum. Some centers use their own curriculum and others rely upon curriculum brought in by the students. Some tutors specialize in writing and language arts while others specialize in mathematics or science.
A parent who is enlisting the help of a tutoring center should visit the options that look the most promising and interact with the staff before deciding which one to use. It would be wise to make sure that the tutors understand they’re dealing with a homeschooling family. Some tutoring programs have special discounts for homeschoolers, since homeschool help can be given during school hours. Tutoring centers also sometimes offer different learning programs for homeschoolers, since a homeschool child might have different learning goals than a child in a traditional classroom.
Children in traditional classrooms can fall behind when they’ve been absent or otherwise missed something along the way. Finding the “hole” and bringing the child back to the point where the rest of the class is can improve his grades and test scores. Homeschoolers, however, can follow a variety of different curriculum programs and the use of a tutoring center might be simply to supplement the education they’re receiving at home and offer a “second opinion” for the student to consider.
Using a Tutoring Program
Many tutoring centers begin their relationship with the child by assessing his / her current needs. In the absence of a report card, homeschool parents can present a portfolio for review, or perhaps the child’s most recent test scores. It is likely that the tutoring center will administer its own diagnostic test so that it can set a measurable learning goal and map out a plan to reach that goal.
Try a Tutoring Service
Learn where your local tutoring center is and rest easy, knowing that homeschool help can be found in your own neighborhood.
Lisa Russell - Lisa Russell is a freelance writer and mom of six daughters. She blogs about their life at lisarussell.org
