Tutor for pre-algebra - Arlington

[Anonymous]

My son has had a math tutor for years, because I cannot help him (I have a disability). We've had good luck with Mathnasium's virtual (one on one) tutors. There's so little feedback in middle school that it's helpful to have someone work with him and explain to me what is going on. Last year when my son's 6th grade teacher was out for weeks and they didn't cover new material, it was especially helpful to keep him on track for this year. Don't listen to the naysayers.

[Anonymous]

Try the online resources first like iXL (provided by APS) for review and instruction.

My son learns and reviews math concepts from YouTube videos like Mathantics. He said that site taught him more than the (expensive) Mathnasium summer sessions!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If an 8th grader needs a tutor for pre-algebra, that’s one thing. But, a 6th grader? If he can’t keep up without a tutor, he’s only in there because you’re forcing him into a class he’s not ready for.

Let him try to keep up on his own (agree with PP that *you* shouldn’t be helping either). You’ll know whether or not it’s the right class for him within a couple of weeks.

Doing calculus his senior year is more than fine. Don’t destroy your kid.

Why wouldn't you say the same to a parent looking for a tutor for their 8th grader in prealgebra? It's also "ahead" by national standards.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If an 8th grader needs a tutor for pre-algebra, that’s one thing. But, a 6th grader? If he can’t keep up without a tutor, he’s only in there because you’re forcing him into a class he’s not ready for.

Let him try to keep up on his own (agree with PP that *you* shouldn’t be helping either). You’ll know whether or not it’s the right class for him within a couple of weeks.

Doing calculus his senior year is more than fine. Don’t destroy your kid.

Why wouldn't you say the same to a parent looking for a tutor for their 8th grader in prealgebra? It's also "ahead" by national standards.

It’s multiple years ahead for a six grader they should not be slowing down the class.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Youy posted this before school even started. Way to have confidence in your kid. Why put him in this class if you know he'll need help??

Or you could interpret the post and reply as…

You posted this before school even started. Good idea to have a source of help lined up in case they need it. I suggest keeping an eye on how they are doing in the class, so you’ll know whether they need do indeed need the tutor. And if they need a great deal of help, perhaps it’s not the right placement for them.

[Anonymous]

OP, tutors are often found via word of mouth in neighborhood FB groups and the like.

[Anonymous]

You are a way outlier if you are tutoring your kid for pre algebra in sixth. Which is fine. But just know that 99% of the other kids do not need a tutor AND it’s not that hard for them. That will change over the years. Many will drop down; only a few will move up. Accordingly, you should plan on whatever the tutor cost is now x ten plus the time commitment to stay in this math level. Compare what would happen to your child if they were in a class for which they did not need a tutor at this stage. I don’t see a terrible outcome. Rather, they may believe they are a strong math student, can do it on their own, get good grades, and pursue math through college.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You are a way outlier if you are tutoring your kid for pre algebra in sixth. Which is fine. But just know that 99% of the other kids do not need a tutor AND it’s not that hard for them. That will change over the years. Many will drop down; only a few will move up. Accordingly, you should plan on whatever the tutor cost is now x ten plus the time commitment to stay in this math level. Compare what would happen to your child if they were in a class for which they did not need a tutor at this stage. I don’t see a terrible outcome. Rather, they may believe they are a strong math student, can do it on their own, get good grades, and pursue math through college.

That's not true. Plenty of kids in pre algebra in sixth have parents/tutors/assistance with the course. It's not always because the student is struggling either. With less direct instruction in class, parallel instruction outside the course ensures students don't have gaps. People don't necessarily talk about, but it happens a lot.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If an 8th grader needs a tutor for pre-algebra, that’s one thing. But, a 6th grader? If he can’t keep up without a tutor, he’s only in there because you’re forcing him into a class he’s not ready for.

Let him try to keep up on his own (agree with PP that *you* shouldn’t be helping either). You’ll know whether or not it’s the right class for him within a couple of weeks.

Doing calculus his senior year is more than fine. Don’t destroy your kid.

Why wouldn't you say the same to a parent looking for a tutor for their 8th grader in prealgebra? It's also "ahead" by national standards.

There’s a big difference in developmental readiness when you compare an 8th grader to a 6th grader. I actually think (barring learning disabilities) most 8th graders should be ready for pre-algebra. The problem is lousy teaching of foundational skills in elementary.

One can tutor an 8th grader and actually get somewhere. The only 6th graders than should be taking that class are those who are so mathematically talented that they can do it without much help.

Hope that helps.

[Anonymous]

The pre-algebra offered to sixth graders is so watered down that it leaves them at a disadvantage later.

I wish they would force the younger kids into the real classes with older students and see if they can actually keep up. Then crazy parents might realize Little Johnny isn’t so advanced after all.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The pre-algebra offered to sixth graders is so watered down that it leaves them at a disadvantage later.

I wish they would force the younger kids into the real classes with older students and see if they can actually keep up. Then crazy parents might realize Little Johnny isn’t so advanced after all.

The sixth graders taking pre-algebra are the strongest group of pre-algebra students and post the strongest results. They would be the strongest students if mixed with older students as well. All pre-algebra students take the Math 8 SOL in APS so you can compare results for the different ages/grades.

Of the 8th graders taking pre-algebra, roughly half fail the SOL and almost none pass advanced. For 7th graders taking pre-algebra, 20% pass advanced. For 6th graders taking pre-algebra, 50% pass advanced.