How to Make Tutoring Specific, Measurable and Actionable

Don’t get tutoring help… until you set clear expectations and goals.

Parents who take the time to position themselves as advocates for their child’s learning needs are far more likely to identify a successful, on-target tutoring solution. Being a strong student advocate is not difficult. As an expert on your own child, you’re already highly qualified and motivated. All that remains is to become an educated consumer, so you can accurately identify the best support for your specific needs.

After completing the simple exercise below, you will be able to set clear expectations for the type of tutoring results needed to ensure your child’s academic success.

Present Performance

The easiest way to set clear, measurable goals is to first identify clear, measurable indicators of current academic performance.

With an adult perspective on your child’s learning abilities and habits, you may be tempted toward some personal bias. You will, however, find it far more productive to replace concepts such as “unmotivated” with objective observations and measurements. A good rule of thumb is that if a judgment pops into your head, consider what action or inaction by your child led to this conclusion.

For example, if you think, “My daughter doesn’t apply herself,” try to make an objective observation: “When assignments get too difficult, my daughter gives up and writes down a guess.” Then look for ways in which the situation can be measured: “I estimate she gives up on about 30% of her math homework, which probably explains why she’s getting a C- in the class.” You are now ready to begin.

Answer these questions to help clarify your child’s current situation:

• What is this student’s specific area of difficulty based on his or her present performance? (list each need separately)
• What measurable starting point best illustrates this problem?
• How does this issue relate to the student’s overall learning abilities, performance in other areas, and academic history?
• What are some reasons the student might be struggling in this area at this time?
• Does the above reflect the student’s opinion? If not, what is his or her viewpoint?

Goals and Milestones

Once you have clarified current academic performance, you’re ready to begin SMART Goal Setting. These goals will help direct you to the right type of resources and make smart decisions about how best to support your student.

Answer these questions to identify specific, measurable and actionable tutoring goals:

• What specific achievement is desired?
• In what practical ways will success be measured?
• Is this goal attainable, practical, and in alignment with the student’s overall abilities?
• Over what period of time will this goal ideally be reached?
• What milestones can be set between the starting point and end goal to monitor progress and modify tactics?
• Is there anything specific about the student’s situation that might interfere with reaching goal?

You are now ready to track down the best tutoring solution for you student. As a well-prepared advocate, you know to ask questions aligned with your child’s exact learning needs; listen for very specific answers about the type of tutoring support offered; determine if the proposed solution is a good fit; and watch for specific tutor actions, abilities, and follow-through.

Lastly, be sure to keep your written expectations and goals handy to gauge ongoing progress and ensureyour child’s ultimate success.