Although all tutors are very able in mathematics, they are not necessarily equipped to teach a variety of age groups with diverse math needs. A monthly newsletter gives tips on tutoring skills and responds to tutors' comments. Topics covered include the math curriculum in the local schools, effective questioning techniques, typical homework assignments, and the types of errors students frequently make. When tutors are not busy with students, they answer email from youngsters who cannot make it to the mall or who live out of the area. Tutors have a list of Internet sites where students can practice their skills while they are waiting for their tutor or their ride home.
Tutors volunteer to work every other week for two hours.
They are asked to make a one-year commitment to the program and donate a total of 36 hours from September through May. Prospective tutors complete an application form and are interviewed. Screening procedures include a test for tuberculosis and fingerprinting for a background check. No tutor is permitted to participate in the program without the completion of screening procedures. It is also important that tutors feel like winners. Because they have busy schedules in addition to their tutoring, finding convenient times for recognition events was difficult.