Tutoring Homeless Children
There is an urgent need for tutoring homeless children. Homeless youth, particularly those of racial and ethnic minorities, face significant challenges that can significantly impact their academic performance and future outcomes as adults.
These challenges include a lack of stable housing, access to basic needs such as food and healthcare, and emotional and social support. Tutoring homeless students can help address the needs on the educational side of things.
Statistics show that African American and Hispanic students are disproportionately represented among the homeless youth population.
Clear Benefits of Tutoring Homeless Children
Homeless students who need extra help in school often seek tutoring to supplement their regular classroom education. One advantage of tutoring homeless students is that the instructor can adapt to the student’s current level of comprehension. Depending on the tutor’s schedule and the number of students who need help, tutoring students online can be done in either small groups or one-on-one sessions.
One advantage of tutoring homeless children is that knowledgeable instructors can modify their teaching style to fit the needs of their students.
Some learners are more receptive to visual aids, while others do better with step-by-step instructions. The tutor determines how best to present the material to the student.
Students can develop efficient learning and study habits that will serve them well throughout their educational careers with a personalized approach.
Tutoring homeless students can help students move at their own pace without the interference of classroom competition and teacher expectations. To facilitate a more thorough understanding and application of the material, complex concepts and processes are explained at the individual student’s level.
Students who are too modest to admit their lack of comprehension often avoid being singled out in class. Ancestrally, when being cast out of the group meant certain death, this is a natural and understandable fear.
To avoid being singled out in front of their classmates and teacher, gifted students will sometimes “hide.” He is an outfielder who hopes the ball won’t be hit his way.
A student’s learning ability is severely impaired when in the “flight or fight” state of extreme anxiety.
Facilitating a secure and relaxing atmosphere where students can learn is another perk. The student must feel they can make mistakes without negative consequences to learn. Sometimes, a one-on-one setting with a tutor is the best way to ensure a student’s safety during the learning process.
Tutoring Reduces the Number of Potential Distractions
It’s not always easy to focus in class. Not every student places a high value on education. Those who aren’t invested in learning can make it difficult for those who are. There are a lot of distractions in the classroom, such as the class clown or your new crush. One of the main advantages of one-on-one tutoring is that it eliminates these disturbances. Some students do better in a one-on-one setting.
Tutoring Students Online Enhances Learning and Retention
Tutors can also show their students how to do better on tests and how to solve problems in general. It’s a common problem that many students don’t know how to study efficiently, so they spend their time doing nothing but wasting it. If you’re taking a math exam, you might read the chapter before you take it. Reading the chapter has minimal effects on performance. The best way to learn math is to do many practice problems. Having a knowledgeable tutor can help clear this up for many students who are confused by it.
Have you noticed a decline in your student’s memory? True or false? No, it’s not because they have a poor memory, as is commonly assumed. Knowing how much you grasp helps you remember it. A student who can’t seem to remember things from one day to the next relies on memory, not reasoning.
Tutoring Homeless Children Increases One’s Sense of Worth and Confidence
The most significant gain from having a tutor is an increase in self-assurance. The concept of “natural ability” is given too much credit. Some people are just naturally brilliant, but a lack of confidence is usually the biggest obstacle for the rest of us. Often, a tutor’s job is to get the student to stop getting in their way. Over the years, many students have developed defense mechanisms to prevent being embarrassed by their lack of knowledge. A tutor’s role is to help the student relax and be open.
Confidence can be bolstered by the following:
– Developing a trustworthy and secure setting.
– Walking the student through the best way to tackle the task.
– Help the student reach moments of epiphany that make them feel good about themselves and their skills.
– Give the student time to try out what they’ve learned independently.
– Get a better grade on the next test by studying hard.
– Show your appreciation by heaping on the accolades.
– Keep the ball rolling by giving the student progressively more complex tasks.
The student’s confidence will skyrocket due to this procedure, leading to numerous positive outcomes, including higher performance in school and a more fulfilling academic experience. In addition, the learning process will be significantly enhanced by the student’s newfound assurance.
Tutoring Homeless Students Promotes Healthy Study Habits
Your habits will shape you. Learning to incorporate study time into your daily routine is an acquired skill. The student may benefit from a tutor’s guidance in setting priorities. Making use of a study calendar is an excellent method. So the student has a set routine to follow each day and can hold themselves accountable for their actions.
The tutor has the unique opportunity to assess the student’s weekly progress. Before coming to see you, they made the student attempt to complete their homework. However, the student is not using the tutoring hour effectively if they are beginning their homework. Therefore, before meeting with the tutor, the student should try to complete all the assigned work. In this way, the tutor can help zero in on the areas that need attention with maximum efficiency.
Tutoring Students Online Can Motivate Students to Ask More Questions
It can be nerve-wracking for some students to put their hands up in class and ask questions. Having someone else do the talking for you is just one-way tutoring services help relieve the pressure of always having to perform. When working with a private tutor, even the shyest student can ask probing questions they might have been too embarrassed to voice in class. Successfully navigating challenging courses like those in math and science requires students to actively participate in class by asking questions and demonstrating an interest in the material at hand.
Facilitates Students’ Growth as Self-Directed Scholars
Tutoring is helpful because the instructor can help students learn how to fish. Addiction to a tutor occurs when a student depends excessively on them for guidance. For example, when a student asks a question, a professional tutor will respond almost immediately. Students won’t learn to think for themselves if their questions are always answered.
Tutoring for homeless students will help students when needed and know when to let them figure things out independently. An essential advantage of tutoring is that it helps students develop learning strategies.
How Homelessness Affects Education in the US
According to the National Center for Homeless Education, as of the 2017-2018 school year, there were 1.5 million homeless students in the United States, nearly 40% of these students under six. Additionally, research suggests that Black and Latinx youth are more likely to experience homelessness than their White counterparts.
In terms of academic performance, homeless students, particularly those of racial and ethnic minorities, are more likely to have lower graduation rates than their non-homeless peers.
According to the National Center for Homeless Education, the graduation rate for homeless students is just over 60%, compared to the national average of 84%. Additionally, homeless students, particularly racial and ethnic minorities, are more likely to struggle academically, with higher rates of absenteeism and lower test scores.
One of the main challenges that homeless youth face is a lack of stable housing. Without a stable living situation, it can be difficult for students to maintain a consistent learning environment, leading to educational disruptions. Additionally, many homeless youths struggle with basic needs such as food and healthcare, which can significantly impact their overall well-being and ability to focus in school.
Another challenge that homeless youth face, particularly those of racial and ethnic minorities, is a lack of emotional and social support. Homeless youth may feel isolated and alone and may not have a supportive adult to turn to for guidance and support. This can lead to hopelessness and despair, significantly impacting their academic performance.
Additional Challenges to Homeless Youth
Furthermore, the chances of incarceration are higher among homeless youth, particularly those of racial and ethnic minorities, which can significantly impact their future as an adult. Research suggests that a lack of education and job opportunities and a history of involvement in the criminal justice system can make it difficult for individuals to secure stable housing and employment, leading to a cycle of poverty and homelessness. However, education can be a factor in more positive outcomes for homeless youth, particularly those of racial and ethnic minorities. Through the provision of school-based programs and services, such as access to basic needs like food, clothing, and healthcare, and emotional and social support through counseling and mentoring services, schools can help reintegrate homeless youth back into the educational system.
Additionally, specialized schools and programs for homeless youth can offer additional support and resources to help them succeed academically and break the cycle of poverty and incarceration.
Schools can also implement targeted interventions such as trauma-informed practices to address the specific needs of homeless youth, considering the traumatic experiences many homeless youths have faced. This can include providing counseling and other mental health services and training staff to understand the impact of trauma and how to support students best.
Schools and Community Organizations
Additionally, schools can partner with community organizations to provide additional resources and support for homeless youth and their families. This can include providing access to housing, job training, and other support services to help families achieve stability and self-sufficiency.
One successful example of this type of program is the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, which provides funding to states and local school districts to support the education of homeless children and youth.
This act requires that homeless students have the same access to education as non-homeless students and receive transportation to their school of origin, if feasible.
The act also requires schools to provide homeless students with the same services and resources as non-homeless students, such as free meals and textbooks.
Another example is the Education for Homeless Children and Youth program, which provides grants to states to support the education of homeless children and youth. This program provides funding for transportation, school supplies, and other resources to support the education of homeless children and youth.
Providing access to education and job training opportunities is essential to improve the job prospects and college attendance rates for homeless youth. This can include supporting them to attend college, such as financial assistance and academic support services and job training programs to help them acquire the skills needed to secure stable employment.
Additionally, providing mental health and other support services can also help homeless youth overcome the barriers that may be preventing them from achieving success in the workforce.
One way to improve education and job prospects for homeless youth is by implementing programs that provide career and technical education (CTE) opportunities. CTE programs can provide homeless youth the skills and training they need to secure stable employment in a specific field, such as healthcare, construction, or manufacturing. Additionally, CTE programs can provide students with practical, hands-on learning experiences to help them succeed in the workforce.
Improving Prospects for Homeless Youth
Another way to improve education and job prospects for homeless youth is through implementing programs that provide mentoring and other support services. Mentoring can provide homeless youth with the guidance, advice, and support they need to navigate the complex challenges of the workforce and achieve success. Additionally, mentoring can allow homeless youth to connect with positive role models who can help them develop the skills, knowledge, and confidence they need to succeed in their careers.
Homeless youth, particularly those of racial and ethnic minorities, face significant challenges that can significantly impact their academic performance and future outcomes as adults. However, by providing targeted interventions, such as trauma-informed practices, and partnering with community organizations to provide additional resources and support, schools can play a crucial role in reintegrating homeless youth into the educational system and helping them achieve academic success.
Additionally, programs such as the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act and the Education for Homeless Children and Youth program can provide critical support and resources to help homeless youth succeed in school. Additionally, providing access to career and technical education opportunities and mentoring and support services can help improve the job prospects and college attendance rates for homeless youth and help them break the cycle of poverty and homelessness.