Implementation Checklist
- Outline and implement all pre-entry legal requirements based on district, state, and institutional regulations
- Outline a clear support and management structure for tutors, including who will observe and evaluate tutors
- Clearly delineate and communicate all expectations, policies, and procedures to tutors prior to the start of tutoring
- Articulate a performance evaluation process to ensure tutors meet performance expectations
Implementation Tools
(Click on the links below or visit the pages on the lefthand navigation for more information.)
Tutor Background Check Guidance Setting Expectations with Tutors
Key Insights
Know the law (or, more realistically, get counsel from someone who does).
- Programs need to be aware of all legal requirements, which can vary based on district, state, and institution. Information related to state requirements can typically be found via the state’s Attorney General’s Office. Programs should also check with partner school districts and other institutions to keep abreast of any additional requirements. Set aside a budget for legal counsel, leave enough time to implement their advice, and plan to deal with more challenges in the future as regulations change or the program expands to new jurisdictions. Devote particular attention to the various state laws around recording sessions, institutional policies around rights and rules, and federal confidentiality legislation (e.g. FERPA).
Set clear expectations for your tutors from the start.
- Clear expectations provide tutors with a benchmark for self-evaluation, a reference point when expectations are not met, and a way to hold tutors accountable. Because consistency is critical, expectations should not be set lightly; an advisory group or board of directors should approve them. With guidance from this group or board, programs should review and revise their policies and procedures regularly (both reactively and proactively). Programs should provide orientation for tutors on policies and expectations. Having all tutors sign off on the expectations prior to the start of the program establishes their importance in tutors’ minds and provides legal cover if a tutor fails to meet them.