Tutoring generally implies a one-on-one interaction between the student (called the tutee) and the teacher (referred to as a tutor). Unlike classroom teaching, tutoring focuses on individualization of learning, which many educators claim as the best way to learn.

Experts say optimal learning happens when teachers handle less than 15 students at the same time. The teachers allocate more time on each of the students, thereby, increasing academic achievement. However, advocates of educational reform say individualization of learning is better than decreased class size.

In-home tutoring best exemplifies individualization of learning. Unlike center-based tutoring, an in-house tutor can spend a few hours each day on each student. The in-house tutor discovers each tutee’s learning style and applies the appropriate methods of instruction.

Comparatively, center-based tutoring leaves little time for individualized instruction or help. Without this one-on-one interaction, center-based tutoring turns into a burden to a child that is already behind.

Furthermore, center-based tutoring limits the place and time of tutoring sessions. The company that runs the tutoring center dictates the time for the sessions. The center’s location may not also be ideal for some parents, who may have limited transportation options.

Other parents turn towards online tutoring as an alternative, but the lack of direct human interaction may not be good for children with learning problems. Online instruction coupled with interactive quizzes is ideal for independent learning, a method unfit for students who need help.

One of the reasons we started our in-home tutoring service back in 2004 was that we noticed there were TONS of listings in Craigslist for tutors but there was really no way for parents to screen out who was qualified and to make sure their child would be safe if they ever left them alone with the tutor.

Since our inception, we have required every tutor to provide references, teaching credentials, and authorize Stepping Stone Tutors to run a 50 state criminal background check which we outsource to a 3rd party called ABSO in part because they also have access to the FBI national sex offender database.

When I read the article today in the The Morning Call about an online scam from an individual claiming to be a tutor and asking the parents to wire money, it helped to reaffirm our decision to launch our service.

No Child Left Behind (NCLB) is a program with excellent intent but poor funding. Most school districts are faced with the decision of whether or not to use NCLB money to pay for private tutoring and what their requirements for tutoring companies providing these services should be.

Depending on the allocation requirements, schools can use the funds to hire new teachers and support staff or designate some of the money for program improvement schools which have not met their AYP goals.

Using NCLB money for private tutoring can have a positive impact for students who attend program improvement schools; however, using these state and federal funds gives school administrators fewer options when considering how to allocate money for supplies and staff at the school site.

For school districts that have decided not to use NCLB funds for private tutoring or have only allocated a small percentage for this option the other option to consider is to use most of the money for additional teachers and resources at the school and to recommend reputable private tutoring companies.