Is hiring a tutor for your child worth the money?

Anyone who has ever faced off with their child over a homework assignment knows the value of a tutor. I, personally, know rational, decent, intelligent folks who have been reduced to wild-eyed rants and nervous twitching (okay, maybe that was just me) in an attempt to help their kids with classwork, or explain educational concepts to a struggling child. It ain't pretty, and it explains why some parents will pay almost anything to hire a trained professional. Improved grades, increased understanding, higher test scores (Ivy leagues here we come!) and no more temper tantrums by either parent or child: priceless.

In fact, I think it explains why in spite of a national recession, the New York Times reports that "spending on tutors is growing at more than 5% a year," according to Steve Pines, executive director of the Education Industry Association. While the growth has slowed since 2007, Pines said it still remains healthy in an otherwise anemic economy. The amount parents are willing to pay for tutors, however, has declined as families tighten their belts. Nationwide, the average rates paid to tutors range from $45 to $65 an hour, Pines told the Times.