Tutoring Programs at No Cost
Free tutoring services are available to qualifying children under the No Child Left Behind Act(NCLB) Title I programs. The NCLB legislation requires that Title I schools not making adequate yearly progress(AYP)to provide free tutoring services to children who qualify.
Free Tutoring - Which Schools Must Participate in the Free Tutoring Program?
Schools That:
- Have Title I programs serving low-income students;
- Fail to make AYP for two years; and
- Must provide services until progress goals are met for two consecutive years.
Which Children Qualify for Free Tutoring Services?
Low-income, low-achieving children are priority. Tutoring can be provided to other students as budgets permit and after priority students are served. Students with specific learning disabilities (SLDs) and other types of disabilities are also eligible to receive these services.
What Free Tutoring Services are Available?
Instruction in reading and math is available. Learning disabled students may benefit from these services, especially those with learning disabilities in:
Who Provides Free Tutoring?
States evaluate independent tutoring agencies and approve them as providers.
Providers may include commercial tutoring agencies, local educators, church and civic organizations, and qualified individuals. Parents can choose from providers in their areas.
How Can Parents Find Out if Their Schools Must Provide Free Tutoring?
School districts must notify parents if schools are required to provide services. However, parents can also contact their local school board offices or state department of education offices to find out if the program is available in their children's schools.
How Can Parents Choose the Best Instructional Programs for Kids?
States provide information on the qualifications, services, and performance records of each approved tutoring service provider to help parents make informed choices of programs.
What Should Parents Look for in Quality Tutoring and Instructional Programs?
Parents should consider available information and ask questions to ensure the programs meet their unique needs. Things to consider include:
Location - Is Access to the Tutoring Program Convenient?
Can you get your child to the sessions? If not, does the school provide transportation?
Instruction, Assessment, and School Support
Does the program test your child to determine what his skill levels are and then develop unique learning goals for him? Does the program also communicate with your child’s school to ensure that their methods and subject matter align with classroom expectations?
Personalization - Will the Tutor Adapt to Meet Your Child's Needs?
Does the program work with your child to determine what strategies will help him, or is the program fixed only on teaching a specific method?
Behavior - Can the Instructors Manage Behavioral Needs of Your Child or Other Children?
Is the program ready to meet the instructional needs for children with behavior problems as well as learning problems? Do they use positive behavior strategies to motivate children? How and when will the program share behavior progress reports with you?
Staffing - Are There Enough Adults to Adequately Serve the Children
Does the program have enough staff and support to give each child the attention he needs? Is there a certified teacher with advanced degrees either delivering instruction or closely supervising those who deliver the instruction?
Materials - Does the program use fun and engaging materials?
Look for a variety of types of materials for instruction. Are there books, tapes, hands-on materials, learning games, physical activities, and other fun activities that also teach concepts?
Children's Opinions - Is the Program Responsive to Them?
Do the children seem to enjoy the learning experience in the program? Do kids talk favorably about the program? Do they look forward to the sessions? Does the facility seem like a fun, safe, environment where teachers and students enjoy working together?
Service Delivery - Look for Flexible Instructional Strategies
Does the program offer one-on-one or small group instruction? If the program is online, does the school or the provider offer technical support if you need assistance? Is there an online, real-time teacher to guide your child?
Resolving Problems - Find Out How Problems are Resolved Beforehand
Is the program open to parental input and participation? If there is a problem, what is the school district's policy on changing providers? Who are the contact people at the school district who can assist you with problems or questions?
Cost for Value - Find Out Which Tutoring Programs are the Best Value?
Even though the program is funded by the school district, it is important for parents to consider the cost of the services. Parents will want to choose programs that offer the best instruction at the best price to ensure their children get the maximum amount of quality instruction that they can.
How to Find Out if Your School Offers Free Tutoring
Schools are required to send notice to parents if services are available at their children's schools. If you are not sure about the availability of the services, contact your state government's department of education Title I or Federal Programs office for details.
