Although an abundance of educational services are on the market, no governing body ensures the quality of these programs.
“Most states don?t have a process for quality control for these businesses,” said Steven Pines, executive director of the Education Industry Association, a Washington, D.C.-based group representing the interests of more than 600 business owners providing educational services to the kindergarten through college market.
“Just like any business, parents can also contact the Better Business Bureau” with their concerns, he said.
“We?re not the police.”
Pines said the educational products and services represent a half-trillion dollar industry, largely fueled by the increased demand for student tutoring.
“There?s been an upsurge in the demand for test preparation, in part driven by the [The College Board] modifying the SAT by adding the writing portion,” Pines said.
Pines said association members must agree to standards that include hiring quality teachers, maintaining sound business practices and providing good customer service.
Sylvan Learning, based in Baltimore, is one of the top tutoring companies with 1,136 centers throughout the United States and Canada, said Kevin Shaffer, chief financial officer of Educate Inc., Sylvan?s parent company.
He said about two-thirds of Sylvan?s clients receive remedial help, while the other one-third receive what he called “enrichment.”
“I think the biggest driver of this [industry] is that people are willing to invest in education,” he said.
“Parents want to see their children do better, and it?s so competitive to get into college.”
According to the College Board, the best way to prepare for the SAT is by taking free, practice tests that are available online at CollegeBoard.com or by buying a book with sample tests.
“Students should know that about one-third of coached students are likely to have no change or experience a decrease in their scores after taking these high-cost test preparation courses,” said Caren Scoropanos, spokeswoman for the College Board in New York City.
2005 SAT mean scores
» National: Critical reasoning: 508; Math: 520
» Maryland: Critical reasoning: 511; Math: 515
Source: The College Board
