The first step was identifying your child’s needs. In this plan identification step, we want to self-identify their strengths and weaknesses. Your child may thrive in reading, but struggle in mathematics. Is it logic-based or a block in concepts connected to how they are comprehending the questions being asked?

I always ask the questions: Do you like school? What is your favorite subject? Do you do or get homework? The reason being, students who are burned out after their final class for the day typically exhaust their efforts trying to keep up with their education rather than letting their education keep up with them. Getting to know your child’s experience is a key component to your child’s growth and success. If your child is keeping their responses shortened, with words such as “it’s fine” or “not really,” that tells me that the support system outside the classroom might be greater than the support system inside the classroom, or vice versa.

A support system is crucial to your child’s advanced education. By understanding their struggles, their strengths, experiences and support systems at play; we have begun the supporting their growth network. Supporting their growth can start by connecting with their educator, their accessibility coordinator or even their test results. The mClass, TEKs and STAAR results formulate data which can showcase their room for improvement (think of this as their struggle), and amplify their driven talents. As a parent, you have the tools to enhance their supporting network.

You are the expert on your child. You know their behaviors and success outside the classroom—and very well could possibly know it on the inside too! Your child’s teacher is able to provide insight into your student’s learning environment, their challenges daily or as a whole, and deserve the opportunity to connect to their growth. While the classroom setting can range from 10-35 students on average, your child’s learning styles may be different than the teacher’s; and that’s okay. Learning to differentiate and connect both learning styles together is what a tutor can do!

Tutors can be a short-term solution, a resource or a long-term support system. Timelines, goals and expectations can vary based on the educational needs; which means how your tutor is supporting you can either be long-lasting or just a seasonal need. Short-term solutions could mean summer sessions, workbook creations specialized to your child, or check-ins. Long-term support can be anywhere from weekly sessions, homework assistance, or even yearly involvement.