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Sometimes kids just need an extra dose of reading help. Many schools provide tutoring support that includes one-on-one reading instruction.

To make sure that your school has a high quality tutoring program, ask these questions:

• How are the tutors trained?

  It's important that the tutors understand the goals and purposes of the lesson.

• What is the structure of the tutoring session?

  Good tutoring programs use a lesson plan that is based in the best reading research.

• How frequently will my child receive tutoring?

  Students should be tutored at least twice a week, for 45 to 60 minutes each time. Some students will need more.

• Are the students assessed regularly to determine progress?

  A reading specialist should supervise the assessment program.

• What types of materials are used during the tutoring sessions?

  Students should be carefully guided through books that are written at their reading level.

• Does the content of the tutoring session support my child's classroom instruction?

  It should.

• Does the content address my child's specific needs?

  If your child sounds out words well but struggles with vocabulary, the tutor should spend more time on word meanings than phonics.