Posted By: Donna Lowry
ATLANTA -- For students who failed the Criterion-Referenced Competency Test math portion or struggle with science summer school isn't the only option. Some parents are turning to tutoring services that are geared that focus on Georgia's curriculum.
Thirteen-year-old Jeremy Williams is getting help with determining ratios from his online math tutor. "Math this year has been kind of hectic and I've had a bit of trouble," he said.
Even so, he did well on seventh grade math CRCT.
However, Jeremy's parents are taking out a form of insurance by getting him tutoring. They want him to continue to gain more confidence in his abilities.
"So that when he takes the high stakes 8th grade test, he is more than ready," said Jeremy's mother Debbie Williams.
The eighth grade math CRCT is what an estimated 40 percent failed this year in Georgia.
Needless to say, Be A Star Tutoring, wants to help those students and anyone else.
"We offer the curriculum that is developed in different states and follow content based on curriculum," said Alka Citrin, Ph.D., CEO of Be A Star Tutoring.
The private tutoring service is available to children who are in kindergarten through college and ranges from $17 to 22 an hour.
"I just use it whenever I feel like I need it and if I feel like there's a topic I need help with," said 13-year-old Miller Lansing.
Citrin teaches in the business school at Georgia Tech and found tutors in her homeland, India. The tutors all have graduate degrees and a minimum of seven years of teaching. "A lot of my research has been in the area of outsourcing and off shoring. So I understand the phenomenon very well," she said.
Citrin is also addressing this country's shortage of math and science teachers.
Those using the service like the flexibility.
"You don't have the cost of gas. You don't have to go anywhere. You can do this at your own schedule. You can work it around the soccer game. You can work it around the swim team," Debbie Williams said.
"If you want, you can wear your pajamas or something," said Miller.
The private tutoring business in this country is a $2 billion dollar industry.
Teachers make such small salaries and would greatly appreciate the chance to make $20.00 an hour during the summer.