Dear ACS Families,
I've been having conversations with our school principals and others about the use of academic tutors by our students. Tutors can certainly be beneficial in situations:
- when students are below grade level in a particular academic subject and trying to catch up.
- when students are genuinely struggling with the content of an academic subject, which usually happens in high school.
- when students have diagnosed learning disabilities and are figuring out strategies to be successful.
At ACS, we firmly believe that all students have the ability to be successful in their academic classes as long as they have good motivation, strong work habits and self-discipline, and support from their ACS teachers. They do not require tutors to achieve academic success at ACS.
When tutors are engaged for reasons other than those mentioned above, there is often a negative impact on a student's academic growth and development. First, if students depend on tutors too much, they may not actually learn the material or develop the skills that are necessary for a particular class. Second, students who depend on tutors may not develop as independent, autonomous learners, which can lead to bigger problems either at the higher grade levels of ACS or in university.
One of the best gifts that any parent can give to their children is to help them become truly independent, autonomous learners who have the confidence to self-advocate and to effectively deal with academic challenges. We encourage all parents to utilize tutors judiciously and only in the circumstances that are outlined above. Students who are able to do things on their own are more self-confident and less anxious about their academic work. This is exactly what we all want for our children.
Please be reminded that Monday is Labor Day in Lebanon, and we do not have school. Enjoy the long weekend.
Sincerely,
