| As most parents know nowadays, it is more | | | | homework. It’s important to plan ahead and |
| important than ever for their kids to do well in | | | | manage this carefully so that you don’t get |
| school. The No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) has | | | | sidetracked or overwhelmed later. |
| made the Standard of Learning (SOL) tests more | | | | 2. Be involved. Be involved in every aspect of |
| important than ever by local school systems. | | | | your child’s academic progress. This can |
| Harder competition to get into a reputable college | | | | include overseeing that he or she does his or her |
| has added pressure to high school students to | | | | homework, communicating with teachers or |
| earn good grades and standardized test scores | | | | guidance counselors on his or her academic status |
| such as for the SAT or ACT. Additionally, most | | | | or progress, and being aware of important test or |
| national universities now consider advanced level | | | | exam dates. |
| courses taken more seriously. | | | | 3. Tutoring. Finally, if you struggle with having time |
| Each of these factors has caused most parents | | | | or being able to enforce the two points above |
| to be more concerned than ever with how their | | | | there is help. Tutoring is a popular service that |
| children are performing academically. These | | | | parents can turn to if they need assistance with |
| factors coupled with a tougher job market often | | | | helping their kids stay on track. A tutor can help |
| make parents feel it’s necessary for them to | | | | you take some of the load off by enforcing |
| help ensure their children a secure future. | | | | academic structure, monitoring homework and |
| As the upcoming school year approaches a lot of | | | | test dates, and relaying information between you |
| parents ask themselves, “How can I help my | | | | and teachers or guidance counselors. A word of |
| child improve his or her grades and test scores? | | | | warning though… hiring a tutor does not relieve |
| “ There are many answers to this question | | | | you of your responsibilities as a parent in being |
| and I will do my best to include some ideas which | | | | proactive, but rather, works together with your |
| I feel are the most helpful. | | | | involvement in your child’s academics as a |
| 1. Make academics a priority. I can’t tell you | | | | team effort. |
| how often as a private tutor and someone who | | | | If you follow these guidelines you should be on |
| runs a successful tutoring services company I | | | | your way to helping your child succeed |
| come across parents who don’t put aside | | | | academically. Bear in mind that improving grades |
| enough time for their kid’s homework. | | | | and test scores usually takes time and effort. |
| Extracurricular activities, sports, or social | | | | It’s not something that occurs instantly but |
| engagements can cause some parents to | | | | gradually. However, when you and your child start |
| unintentionally make academics take a backseat | | | | to experience the fruitful results of your efforts |
| priority. It’s ok to have your children involved | | | | this could create the foundation for long-term |
| in activities as long as you make sure that you | | | | success in the future. |
| have also put aside time for them to do their | | | | |