Kumon vs. Sylvan Learning Center?

[mrsw94]

My dd8 is struggling in math, and we are considering one of the two programs for her. Overall she is quite bright, and reading above grade level (3rd grade). However, math is a nightmare. She grasps the basic concepts of adding, but is still counting on her fingers. I can't seem to figure out how to help her memorize.

I'm wondering if anyone has had experience with either of these 2 programs and has any recommendations? Thanks!

We are in the San Francisco Bay Area.

 

[Queen2PrincessG]

They are both scams. they will test your child lower than her ability and the retest with an easier exam so she "show improvement".

You're best option would be to find a tutor through your daughters school or even ask the Math teacher if they know of a retired teacher who may be looking for a few extra dollars. OR even contacting a nearby colleges career services and requesting a tutor.

 

[mrsw94]

They are both scams. they will test your child lower than her ability and the retest with an easier exam so she "show improvement".

You're best option would be to find a tutor through your daughters school or even ask the Math teacher if they know of a retired teacher who may be looking for a few extra dollars. OR even contacting a nearby colleges career services and requesting a tutor.

Thanks. I was already leaning in that direction, but good to hear it from someone else.

 

[Queen2PrincessG]

Thanks. I was already leaning in that direction, but good to hear it from someone else.

Good Luck! Good job being proactive with her education!

 

[Ar1el]

They are both scams. they will test your child lower than her ability and the retest with an easier exam so she "show improvement".

You're best option would be to find a tutor through your daughters school or even ask the Math teacher if they know of a retired teacher who may be looking for a few extra dollars. OR even contacting a nearby colleges career services and requesting a tutor.

I only ask this bc I am thinking of putting my own DS in the Kumon program, did you have a child in either program or did you work for either program? If the answer is no to both of them then where did u get ur info that they are scams?

 

[GinnyEmma]

Thanks. I was already leaning in that direction, but good to hear it from someone else.

oops, wrong quote. Actually tried quoting the other poster!


No. I have a friend with a math disability who was taken from a 3rd grade level through algebra one in 9 months. I know her original ability from working with her, and her ability to help the kids we worked with. This was Sylvan.

I also know homeschoolers who have used the service to teach something they aren't comfortable with, with progress being proven through use of the iowa basic scores.

 

[mjkacmom]

I am a firm believer of old fashioned methods, like writing out math facts. There are some good websites, like starfall.com, to make it more fun for the kids. If timed tests haven't started, they will soon. My dd14 always did great in school. However, her grades started slipping in math in 5th grade. I was going to check out a program like Sylvan, but had a conference with her math teacher. Her only issue was she hadn't totally memorized her multiplication tables. We worked on them (writing, flashcards, computer), and she got straight A's after that.

 

[GinnyEmma]

I am a firm believer of old fashioned methods, like writing out math facts. There are some good websites, like starfall.com, to make it more fun for the kids. If timed tests haven't started, they will soon. My dd14 always did great in school. However, her grades started slipping in math in 5th grade. I was going to check out a program like Sylvan, but had a conference with her math teacher. Her only issue was she hadn't totally memorized her multiplication tables. We worked on them (writing, flashcards, computer), and she got straight A's after that.

I agree. There is a lot to be said for the simple memorization. Sometimes i think it gets lost in the big "learn the process" push.

 

[GinnyEmma]

op, on that subject, there is a game/learning tool we used called "Mathit" that started with the easiest problem sets, and added the others bit by bit. There aren't really that many to learn, when you take out the redundancy. It is timed, also.

 

[Queen2PrincessG]

I know professional tutors who looked into working for them and have said that they couldn't morally do it. If you need more explanation then feel free to PM me.

 

[GinnyEmma]

Lol, I'm sure the competition is unbiased.

 

[CaFeeney]

As a teacher I always feel a bit dismayed when parents feel the need to pay for the corporate tutoring. I don't have an opinion on the quality of instruction as I am sure it varies from site to site. But if you are going to pay please be sure to see what their staff have for teaching credentials.

I do know that is is very expensive and I wonder if you might be better served finding a teacher or student teacher in your district who would like to earn some extra money after school. The benefit of using someone in the district is that they are familiar with the curriculum and the methods they are using.

Also, be sure to ask at the school if they offer any tutoring programs after school- I know we offer SES (Supplemental Educational Services) tutoring at a number of schools and it is free for eligible families.

Finally, please talk to your child's teacher and get his/her thoughts and suggestions!

 

[powellrj]

If you have a local college, you might give them a call. I know we have 2 schools that we have had tutors from. They are graduate students who they pair up with your child. We have always been very happy with the out come.

 

[okeydokey]

They are both scams. they will test your child lower than her ability and the retest with an easier exam so she "show improvement".

You're best option would be to find a tutor through your daughters school or even ask the Math teacher if they know of a retired teacher who may be looking for a few extra dollars. OR even contacting a nearby colleges career services and requesting a tutor.

I worked at Sylvan and it is not a scam. The test is an accurate measurement of your child's current ability. If you are accusing me of faking test scores then I am highly offended. The post test is the exact same level test as the original. Sylvan is a great program that works, but it is very expensive.

 

[okeydokey]

I know professional tutors who looked into working for them and have said that they couldn't morally do it. If you need more explanation then feel free to PM me.

Must have been one particular center. They are all individually owned.

 

[NYEmomma]

I know professional tutors who looked into working for them and have said that they couldn't morally do it. If you need more explanation then feel free to PM me.

Whole-heartedly agreed!

I've got my master's in education but couldn't find a job so I interviewed with Sylvan for a tutoring position. I got the job offer, but I was just so deeply offended and disturbed with their entire set-up and business plan, that morally, I couldn't do it.

Those places are awful. Can't comment for anywhere other than Sylvan, but I can't imagine the other companies would be much different.

 

[GinnyEmma]

Considering the tutors are teachers it is sad so many support the programs.

 

[NYEmomma]

Considering the tutors are teachers it is sad so many support the programs.

It's possible that in some of the cases, there could be a conflict of interest. I know many teachers have to take a second job to supplement their income & some go to the tutoring centers. Most just tutor on their own though... which, I believe, is the best option for parents looking for a tutor for their children.

Finding a college student that can tutor is a good option too, but most of them don't really have a background in education & I've got to say, my approach to education changed DRASTICALLY after I completed my college education course. You learn techniques that work better & have a better understand of how learning & retention actually occurs in children.

 

[GinnyEmma]

i'd not hire a college student at all. It is silly for an 8 year old. A highschooler failing algebra, yes.

Either the teachers teaching at sylvan are sell outs, or they are doing their best and the program works as teachers help children. I have seen the program work. (sylvan) I find it interesting that someone who hasnt had any connection, isn't a teacher, and has a toddler is such an expert.

OP, I'd still check out the computer, games, and realize that maybe the child is just not ready for the process. Until a child is developmentally ready, you can't make them figure it out. The programs are wickedly expensive, so I'd personally check other options first.

 

[okeydokey]

There is a big difference between tutoring and a learning center. Tutoring will use the child's books and try to teach the material. Learning Centers evaluate all your skills and try to fill in the ones you are missing, thereby making you stronger overall. Many kids are having problems in Algebra because they never mastered basic math skills. If you address the basic skill gaps first, the algebra becomes easier.

Sixth graders who are having problems in reading comprehension can't sit down with a 6th grade book and get tutored in it. The level is too high for them. Learning Centers will start them where their skills currently are and get to that higher level.