| Laurel, MD. October 5, 2009. It was an idea that took | | | | what we are doing by sharing 'recap |
| shape while she was staying after school to tutor her | | | | reports'--summaries of what was covered in each |
| students. Why not provide a platform for educators to | | | | session and how the session directly addresses the |
| help students at any location, at times that are the | | | | child's learning goals. We want students to begin |
| most convenient for them and their students? | | | | tutoring with a goal in mind so that they can see how |
| 'Several of my students who really needed extra help | | | | much they are progressing to reach that goal.' |
| were not able to stay after school because of | | | | Advantage Learning Tutorials serves students in |
| transportation issues,' says Chandra, science teacher, | | | | grades 3-college, and covers subjects in reading, |
| and now entrepreneur. 'I knew that I didn't want that to | | | | science, math, ESL, social sciences, foreign language, |
| hinder them from getting the help that they needed. I | | | | and Advanced Placement courses. The company also |
| made weekly home visits for a while, but the reality | | | | offers proofreading services for college and |
| was, I could not make visits for all of my students who | | | | scholarship applications, resumes, papers, lab reports |
| were unable to receive extra help outside of class.' | | | | and written projects. |
| So, she created Advantage Learning Tutorials, LLC, an | | | | When asked why she wants to help students solve |
| online tutoring service also known as 'ALT.' | | | | their academic challenges through tutoring, Chandra |
| But this is not your typical online tutoring environment. 'I | | | | replies, 'I believe that my first love has always been |
| am so proud of the fact that ALT matches students | | | | tutoring because of the mentor-mentee relationship |
| with tutors quickly,' Chandra says, 'but unlike many | | | | that it creates. Students are inundated with lots of |
| online tutoring companies, ALT puts an emphasis on | | | | information on a daily basis, and many are unable to |
| equipping students for long-term success. We | | | | hone in on the most important themes and learn them |
| communicate with families to establish learning goals, | | | | effectively. I wanted to start a tutoring company that |
| match each student with their own tutor, provide them | | | | would address that need. |
| with virtual classroom space, and bring teachers into | | | | |