How to Know When a High School Sophomore Needs a Tutor

Sophomore year in high school can be a time of big changes in a teenager's life. It can also be a time when he may need the extra boost provided by a tutor. Whether it's a "sophomore slump" or something more serious, determine if your child needs a tutor to improve her grades.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Communicate with your child. They are mature enough to know what the problem is. They may just not want to discuss it.

2. Determine if your child is spending too much time on after-school activities. Seek ways to help her organize her life. Sophomores have a lot of activities in which they can participate. Sometimes they just don't know how to say "no" yet.

3. Stay in touch with your child's teachers. Most teachers have email addresses so it's easy to find out if there are any problems that need immediate attention.

4. Determine if your child is at grade level on standardized tests. Contact the school's guidance counselor for this information. The guidance counselor can also help you decide if your sophomore needs a tutor.

5. Realize that many sophomores carry some pretty serious coursework. Subjects that may have come easily to your child in the past may be a bigger challenge than you think. If you aren't able to help with homework without frustrating your child, it's time to think about getting a tutor.

6. Help your child prepare for college entrance exams. If your child is taking early entrance exams and feels they have a weakness in one of the core areas of study, by all means consider getting a tutor.

Tips & Warnings

• Many schools offer peer tutoring at no charge. Or, you can hire an expert in the area of study that your child needs help.

Who Can Help Sponsored

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