On December 12, 2006, the Board approved an agreement between the District and the City of San Diego Public Library.  Through this agreement, the District, in partnership with the San Diego Public Library, and with support from a number of small business and individual contributors, will make available “Live Homework Help” for all San Diego students and their parents.

What is Live Homework Help?

Live Homework Help, provided by Tutor.com, is a subscription-based, one-to-one online tutoring service connecting kids to qualified tutors from any non-Mac, Internet-enabled computer.  (Note: While Live Homework Help is not currently available through Macs, it is expected that it will be in the fall/winter of 2007.)  

Tutoring is available, in English and Spanish, in four content areas:  math, science, social studies, and English, at no cost to the student or school.  Tutors do not provide answers to questions or problems but guide the student to find the right answers.  Students can use Live Homework Help as often as they need help.  

Students, parents and teachers can connect to online tutors through the Public Library web site during the hours they choose:
English: 1 PM – 10 PM Pacific Time, every day
Spanish:  1 PM – 7 PM Pacific Time, Sunday through Thursday

How can students and their families access Live Homework Help?
 
To connect to Live Homework Help, a student or parent must go to the Home page of the San Diego Public Library at http://www.sandiegolibrary.gov, and click on the Live Homework Help button on the right side of the screen.  Users will be prompted to enter their San Diego Public Library card number. Users then select their grade level (4th – 12th or Introductory College), and their subject (math, science, social studies or English), and are connected to a tutor.  Users must have a San Diego Public Library card to access the tutoring service.

Notes:

• Students can also directly access the service at any public library with a computer bank.
• The District is working on establishing a link on our website to the Library.  We’ll keep you posted when it’s ready to use.

How about students who do not have a library card?

The District is working closely with the Library to explore ways that we can assign “library access cards” to students.  This card is similar to  a library card with certain restrictions concerning the borrowing of books.  However, it will allow students to access the on-line tutorial service.  In the meanwhile, administrators, teachers and counselors are encouraged to support students in obtaining a library card or using the cards they hold to access Live Homework Help.

How are tutors selected?

Live Homework Help tutors successfully complete a comprehensive application process, which includes submitting a resume, teaching experience and teaching samples. Tutors must complete a third-party background check (students’ credentials are confirmed by their university) and receive certification through the Tutor.com Training Program.

How successful is this program?

Students who use Live Homework Help report they are gaining confidence, completing their assignments and even improving their grades. An overwhelming 95% of students who have used the tutorial service say they would recommend Live Homework Help to a friend and they do!

Who do I call to get more information?

For more information about Live Homework Help, contact the San Diego Public Library at 619.236.5838.  If you would like a staff presentation about Live Homework Help, the Library will work with us to the extent they are able.