Written by Katherine Stevens and Nicole Keller

If you're a student who is falling behind - or the parent of one - it's best to get help before things get too out-of-hand and the rest of the class has moved way ahead.

Teachers or other parents often can recommend a good tutor. Be sure to ask about training, experience and references.

The Sylvan Learning Center makes tutoring its business. Certified teachers use a mastery learning method - meaning the students must prove they have mastered one skill before moving on to another.

The center helps with math, reading and writing and also helps students prepare for the SAT, ACT or state-mandated tests.

College students can find help too. IUPUI has a Math Assistance Center for students who need help.

IUPUI students can get free help via live online tutoring for algebra, pre-calculus and finite courses. Assistance via software is available for some math and statistics classes, and some lectures are available online.

Tutoring should be scheduled when students are most ready to learn, rather than after a series of classes when they may need a break.

Article appears as published in the IW August 2003 issue.