FCPS Data shows that Tutor.com is a failture

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Page 27 of this slide show is heartbreaking. Less than 6,000 students received one-on-one or small-group math catch-up interventions outside of school hours. For reading, that number is less than 7,000.

https://go.boarddocs.com/vsba/fairfax/Board.nsf/files/CKMQEU68CF92/$file/Presentation--ESSER%20III%20Updates.pdf

Fairfax county got $188million and they only used a drop of that money for the most effective interventions. Not surprising.

There was a recent article (in WaPo maybe?) that said every school district was the same - barely were able to use any ESSR funds.

And what exactly would you have them use the funds for? Hiring more teachers, IAs, tutors, etc. would be the best use of the funds but there are no people to hire.

Actually there are. You just have to pay them better. There are plenty of retired teachers who would do tutoring sessions a few times a week after school for small groups if they offered them decent money.

It would have to be over $100/hour since that’s what they can make under the table privately, in their own home.

The latest call for tutors offered $30/hr, so they have a big gap to cover.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Page 27 of this slide show is heartbreaking. Less than 6,000 students received one-on-one or small-group math catch-up interventions outside of school hours. For reading, that number is less than 7,000.

https://go.boarddocs.com/vsba/fairfax/Board.nsf/files/CKMQEU68CF92/$file/Presentation--ESSER%20III%20Updates.pdf

Fairfax county got $188million and they only used a drop of that money for the most effective interventions. Not surprising.

There was a recent article (in WaPo maybe?) that said every school district was the same - barely were able to use any ESSR funds.

And what exactly would you have them use the funds for? Hiring more teachers, IAs, tutors, etc. would be the best use of the funds but there are no people to hire.

Actually there are. You just have to pay them better. There are plenty of retired teachers who would do tutoring sessions a few times a week after school for small groups if they offered them decent money.

They need to make it easier to do this. I retired in June and would consider doing the tutoring job but you need a separation of I think 6 months. I wanted to work part time so I started subbing earlier this month. I needed 1 month separation for subbing. Because I’m subbing though I’m not eligible for the tutoring job.

[Anonymous]

"parent advocacy group" is code for openFCPS or whatever it's evolved into, yes?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It was only rolled out on April 14 of SY 2021-22. Is that even two months? Maybe it's a total failure but it seems premature to say so now.

This. A lot of kids don’t even know it’s available. I’m sure they would use it if they knew.

How many newsletters has this info been included in at this point? Every one for almost 2 years? Kids are using it because it's not helpful. At least it isn't at the ES school level where there was a lot of learning loss. Having a different random tutor every time we log in to talk about why my kid can't read isn't very helpful, especially if (like at our ES) the kids don't get homework. Sounds like it was more helpful for middle school or high school kids who needed homework help.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:They didn’t charge that amount. That’s what it worked out to considering the very small numbers who used it.

And who could’ve guessed so few kids would use it. Easier for parents to complain on DCUM about FCPS than encourage their kids to try it (PP who tried it for a math problem excepted but that person should try it again — another tutor might be better. The report said most kids who used it gave it positive reviews).

This. Also, you don't need tutor.com (or vouchers for Wyzant). Just ask the school for the tutor list and ACTUAL teachers in FCPS can tutor your kid (for pay).

Quit your bi---ing and find a solution that works for you.

Yes, this.

First of all, Tutor.com is more of misnomer and I think people had unreasonable expectations about that. It isn't "tutoring" as we think of it (or I do). It's more targeted. Help with homework/specific questions.

But, the list of FCPS teachers is a real thing and we've used it. And it was helpful. More people should do so, imo.

But, I also found reasonable tutors, as have friends, via online groups, in school tutors (e.g., my kid tutors other kids in her language), etc. And I and my DH also pitch in where we are able to and understand the material.

I also agree iwth the "quit your b---ing" and get it done. It wasn't convenient. It wasn't ideal. I don't want to do some of the things I needed to do to fill the Covid gaps. But I did it. I do recognize that some kids will not have the same opportunities for whatever reason. But there is often SOMETHING that will make it up even a little. And lbh, most of us posting here can do something. It's just easier to complain that others are not doing it for you.

It's been 3 years. Get a grip. Make a plan. And just do it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Page 27 of this slide show is heartbreaking. Less than 6,000 students received one-on-one or small-group math catch-up interventions outside of school hours. For reading, that number is less than 7,000.

https://go.boarddocs.com/vsba/fairfax/Board.nsf/files/CKMQEU68CF92/$file/Presentation--ESSER%20III%20Updates.pdf

Fairfax county got $188million and they only used a drop of that money for the most effective interventions. Not surprising.

There was a recent article (in WaPo maybe?) that said every school district was the same - barely were able to use any ESSR funds.

And what exactly would you have them use the funds for? Hiring more teachers, IAs, tutors, etc. would be the best use of the funds but there are no people to hire.

Actually there are. You just have to pay them better. There are plenty of retired teachers who would do tutoring sessions a few times a week after school for small groups if they offered them decent money.

It would have to be over $100/hour since that’s what they can make under the table privately, in their own home.

The latest call for tutors offered $30/hr, so they have a big gap to cover.

Nope, our wonderful math tutor was 30+ years with FCPS. And we pay her $80 / hour. DD has had A+s in all math from Alg. 1, Geom, and Alg. 2 (all honors).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Page 27 of this slide show is heartbreaking. Less than 6,000 students received one-on-one or small-group math catch-up interventions outside of school hours. For reading, that number is less than 7,000.

https://go.boarddocs.com/vsba/fairfax/Board.nsf/files/CKMQEU68CF92/$file/Presentation--ESSER%20III%20Updates.pdf

Fairfax county got $188million and they only used a drop of that money for the most effective interventions. Not surprising.

There was a recent article (in WaPo maybe?) that said every school district was the same - barely were able to use any ESSR funds.

And what exactly would you have them use the funds for? Hiring more teachers, IAs, tutors, etc. would be the best use of the funds but there are no people to hire.

Actually there are. You just have to pay them better. There are plenty of retired teachers who would do tutoring sessions a few times a week after school for small groups if they offered them decent money.

It would have to be over $100/hour since that’s what they can make under the table privately, in their own home.

The latest call for tutors offered $30/hr, so they have a big gap to cover.

Nope, our wonderful math tutor was 30+ years with FCPS. And we pay her $80 / hour. DD has had A+s in all math from Alg. 1, Geom, and Alg. 2 (all honors).

I just finished 30 years w/FCPS and I get $60/hour for ES aged students. I don't always do hour long sessions though because if it's one subject we can get a lot done in less time and even with a stretch break an hour can be a long time for some after a day of school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:For the thousandth time, they didn’t have enough teachers wiling to teach summer school.

+1, yep. No one wants to teach it.

+1111111 staffing. Staff don’t want to teach it. Summer break just keeps getting shorter and shorter for several reasons- way too many PD days for mandatory “trainings” and all the religious holidays for multiple religious holidays. Staff are burnt out and want to protect their time off. It’s also extremely difficult if not impossible for staff to take personal days during school year bc of staff shortages (and parents complain). Staff don’t want to work summer school in these current working conditions.

More and more staff are saying that more parents are also verbally abusive, demand unrealistic scenarios, and are litigious or “advocating” for “their rights” with no respect for educator or professional judgement. Staff wants a break.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:"parent advocacy group" is code for openFCPS or whatever it's evolved into, yes?

Don’t know but it’s embarrassing that they had to exist in the first place.

Had there been more than one serious member on the board they would have been unnecessary.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:They didn’t charge that amount. That’s what it worked out to considering the very small numbers who used it.

And who could’ve guessed so few kids would use it. Easier for parents to complain on DCUM about FCPS than encourage their kids to try it (PP who tried it for a math problem excepted but that person should try it again — another tutor might be better. The report said most kids who used it gave it positive reviews).

This. Also, you don't need tutor.com (or vouchers for Wyzant). Just ask the school for the tutor list and ACTUAL teachers in FCPS can tutor your kid (for pay).

Quit your bi---ing and find a solution that works for you.

Yes, this.

First of all, Tutor.com is more of misnomer and I think people had unreasonable expectations about that. It isn't "tutoring" as we think of it (or I do). It's more targeted. Help with homework/specific questions.

But, the list of FCPS teachers is a real thing and we've used it. And it was helpful. More people should do so, imo.

But, I also found reasonable tutors, as have friends, via online groups, in school tutors (e.g., my kid tutors other kids in her language), etc. And I and my DH also pitch in where we are able to and understand the material.

I also agree iwth the "quit your b---ing" and get it done. It wasn't convenient. It wasn't ideal. I don't want to do some of the things I needed to do to fill the Covid gaps. But I did it. I do recognize that some kids will not have the same opportunities for whatever reason. But there is often SOMETHING that will make it up even a little. And lbh, most of us posting here can do something. It's just easier to complain that others are not doing it for you.

It's been 3 years. Get a grip. Make a plan. And just do it.

Oh, there are many people with the resources to not depend on FCPS to be wholly competent.

It’s the underprivileged and underserved who really get screwed over.

[Anonymous]

You shouldn't need to hire tutors to teach your kid the basics. But that's where some people end up in FCPS because of the curriculum that comes down from Gatehouse and how they don't staff up enough for students who need extra help. And not giving teachers enough time to do grading and planning and all of the things that they need to feel good about teaching their students.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Page 27 of this slide show is heartbreaking. Less than 6,000 students received one-on-one or small-group math catch-up interventions outside of school hours. For reading, that number is less than 7,000.

https://go.boarddocs.com/vsba/fairfax/Board.nsf/files/CKMQEU68CF92/$file/Presentation--ESSER%20III%20Updates.pdf

Fairfax county got $188million and they only used a drop of that money for the most effective interventions. Not surprising.

There was a recent article (in WaPo maybe?) that said every school district was the same - barely were able to use any ESSR funds.

And what exactly would you have them use the funds for? Hiring more teachers, IAs, tutors, etc. would be the best use of the funds but there are no people to hire.

Actually there are. You just have to pay them better. There are plenty of retired teachers who would do tutoring sessions a few times a week after school for small groups if they offered them decent money.

It would have to be over $100/hour since that’s what they can make under the table privately, in their own home.

The latest call for tutors offered $30/hr, so they have a big gap to cover.

Nope, our wonderful math tutor was 30+ years with FCPS. And we pay her $80 / hour. DD has had A+s in all math from Alg. 1, Geom, and Alg. 2 (all honors).

What do you mean “nope”? Your tutor can pick your family to work with or not work with for $80/hour. With FCPS, the school picks the kids. I tutor all the time and I work with the families because the parents and kids are polite and respect me, my skills, and opinions. With the kids that FCPS chooses, tutors lose that flexibility.

Plus, FCPS will take out taxes, your tutor probably doesn’t pay taxes on all of the revenue they take in.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:They didn’t charge that amount. That’s what it worked out to considering the very small numbers who used it.

And who could’ve guessed so few kids would use it. Easier for parents to complain on DCUM about FCPS than encourage their kids to try it (PP who tried it for a math problem excepted but that person should try it again — another tutor might be better. The report said most kids who used it gave it positive reviews).

This. Also, you don't need tutor.com (or vouchers for Wyzant). Just ask the school for the tutor list and ACTUAL teachers in FCPS can tutor your kid (for pay).

Quit your bi---ing and find a solution that works for you.

Yes, this.

First of all, Tutor.com is more of misnomer and I think people had unreasonable expectations about that. It isn't "tutoring" as we think of it (or I do). It's more targeted. Help with homework/specific questions.

But, the list of FCPS teachers is a real thing and we've used it. And it was helpful. More people should do so, imo.

But, I also found reasonable tutors, as have friends, via online groups, in school tutors (e.g., my kid tutors other kids in her language), etc. And I and my DH also pitch in where we are able to and understand the material.

I also agree iwth the "quit your b---ing" and get it done. It wasn't convenient. It wasn't ideal. I don't want to do some of the things I needed to do to fill the Covid gaps. But I did it. I do recognize that some kids will not have the same opportunities for whatever reason. But there is often SOMETHING that will make it up even a little. And lbh, most of us posting here can do something. It's just easier to complain that others are not doing it for you.

It's been 3 years. Get a grip. Make a plan. And just do it.

Oh, there are many people with the resources to not depend on FCPS to be wholly competent.

It’s the underprivileged and underserved who really get screwed over.

That’s right. It is Education Malpractice.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for this post, OP -- we tried it for the first time tonight as my DH is struggling to help DC with Geometry. DC got through the homework but guessed at something so we decided to login and try it out. Used the voice feature so they could talk back and forth. Pretty quick pick up time and was able to guide DC though the question (we took a picture of the page and attached that -- tutor used the white board to draw out the angles etc to help answer the questions).
Will definitely try that again!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It's clear in the wake of this report that online hw help cannot be the primary answer when it comes to how FCPS addresses learning loss.

Instead, FCPS must level with parents where students are behind & provide direct academic intervention to those students most in need.

The current school board has failed FCPS students at every level, throughout the pandemic and its aftermath.

Anyone in FCPS who votes for democrats tomorrow is voting against their children’s best interests.