Effective tutoring is a process that enables the learner to build confidence in their ability to learn and develop competent skills both academically and socially.  As a parent, there are a few things to consider when choosing a tutor for your child who may struggle academically.

The first thing to look for is an experienced tutor who can differentiate curriculum in the areas of reading, writing, and math and relay that information on the student’s level.  To differentiate curriculum means to adapt the process of learning for different abilities and levels that the student may be working at.  A learner with special needs may be below grade level for reading, on grade level for math, and below grade level for writing. That is why it is so important that an effective tutor modifies the curriculum specific to the student. Likewise, this type of tutor can teach the content in a way that the student can grasp concepts and skills.  No matter how much content the tutor knows, if they cannot get the student to understand, they are not an effective tutor.  Students with special needs, must see how the skills they are being taught are relative to their lives. It needs to be fun and make sense.

Secondly, an effective tutor can easily build relationships with his/her families and students.  This type of tutor is confident in their ability to teach, and therefore, confident in their ability to communicate with the family/student.  Students who struggle academically need a tutor who can make them feel comfortable, self-assured, and less anxious about learning.

Lastly, an effective tutor will help you and your child set goals for learning.  They can identify strengths and weaknesses and develop a plan of action.  It is so important to start with a student’s strengths, because if those are known, the tutor can develop a plan of where the student needs to get to.  Therefore, creating a goal plan sets the stage for an effective tutoring session.