Guide lines for parents in finding a tutor:

• Where is your child struggling? If your goal is to improve grades in one or two classes at school for a short period, then a private tutor is a great choice. If your child consistently tests low on standardized tests, has always received poor grades, or does not work to his or her potential, then a tutor or learning center that focuses on re-teaching skills and filling skill gaps is the better answer


• Always consider that learning is usually based on a building block approach. If a child hasn't mastered one level or block of knowledge, then he will struggle with the next step. Expert says, "You want a center that offers more than a quick fix, one that will help to fill fundamental skills gaps, which may take time. But this will help them in the future."


• When there are skill gaps like that," says expert, "a private in-home tutor will probably be just a Band-Aid on the big open wound, so to speak. We test to find out exactly what the problem is." Initial diagnostic testing is another thing to ask your tutor or center about. Some require it and charge a fee, others will do their own independent testing, and some may be willing to go with testing results from school.


• Does noise or other activity easily distracts your child? "If they're easily distracted," says expert, "then one-on-one is important."


• What is the tutor-to-student ratio? Most tutoring programs will say they are "individualized," but this doesn't always mean one teacher to one student. While the three-to-one ratio of some centers is often very effective, consider your child's needs first.


• What is the tutor's track record and background? Most agree that certified teachers are the best choices. Also, ask for references. Parent says, "I'm very careful of who I hire. It's got to be somebody who has that caring attitude.


• What is your budget? Prices vary greatly but independent tutors usually charging less than a learning center or service.


• What is your family's schedule? Tutoring services like apnatutor.com can often assist in finding a tutor who can come at the times that fit into your day. With others, session times may be limited by center hours and work schedules.


• Does the tutor work with the school to achieve success and how important is this? Some learning centers will contact your child's school, but the degree with which they interact varies. Expert says the value of this depends on the situation. "I think contact is helpful if it's a backup to let the school know what the tutor has worked on. But the tutor works on skills that my daughter really needs that maybe aren't in the curriculum at school.


• "I think working with the school would be helpful. That way the tutor knows exactly what's going on in order to focus on specific needs," adds expert.