The notion of tutoring, whether it’s to catch up, keep up or get ahead, has been around for a very long time. Socrates, for instance, tutored Plato and Plato tutored Aristotle. These were all bright philosophers and scholars who learned from someone who knew more. So, how can parents know when a personal instructor is right for their child?

Supplemental education may be the answer, if your child:

Demonstrates a pattern of slowly worsening grades in school

Develops low self esteem and thinks negatively of himself in relation to his school performance

Makes excuses as to why she is not working up to potential

Misbehaves in school or loses interest in learning

Is preparing for college testing, including college entrance exams, SAT and ACT tests

Struggles to focus on a task (spending more time daydreaming than on homework)

Has test scores that do not reflect her daily performance

A good personal instructor will inspire and help students – at all levels of academic accomplishment, develop study habits and organizational skills that will result in significantly improved schoolwork and test scores. Taking the time to consider whether to hire supplemental assistance means parents are giving their children an opportunity to excel in the classroom.

When children are successful in school, they build confidence that translates into all areas of their life, helping them build a strong foundation for a successful future. The purpose of tutoring is to teach children efficient learning skills and techniques to use in the classroom and, ultimately, in the workforce as adults. It is important that parents take action early and seek a reputable supplemental education service that personalizes and develops these skills for success.

If you notice that your child is struggling with homework, the first step is talking with your child and determining the underlying cause. Once you know the potential source of difficulty, it will be easier to develop a strategy for changing the struggle into success.

Even a child who is doing well in the classroom may benefit from outside help to sharpen study and test-taking skills. A supplemental education provider can help your child prepare for a test, catch up or get ahead in a particular subject area.

What should parents look for when selecting a tutor? Make sure the instructor is licensed and certified. Get recommendations from family, friends and teachers, and ask prospective tutors for references from previous employers and students. Or hire a respected supplemental education company with a proven record of academic success.

Ask personal instructors how they will help your child master a specific skill and request an assessment to gauge your child’s current level. A good teacher will require that a child learn a specific skill before advancing to the next academic level, and, by utilizing the results of an assessment, you can benchmark your child’s progress. Most importantly, ensure the instructor will work with you and your child’s teachers to create a personal learning program based on your child’s current needs.

If you’re looking for maximum flexibility, consider online educational services. Look for online programs that offer real-time assistance where students obtain individualized attention and personalized programs taught by highly trained and certified teachers – from the convenience of home. Although parents may not have the necessary skills to tutor their child, they can take the right step by obtaining the proper academic help.

For additional educational resources for children in grades pre-K through 12, visit www.tutoring.sylvanlearning.com/learning-for-parents/index.cfm or call 1-800-31-SUCCESS.