Large, colorful math posters of decimals, multiplication tables, fractions, algebraic symbols and calculus functions cover the walls of Shine Learning Center’s restroom. Admittedly, that is an unusual learning environment, but the private tutoring center takes its mission seriously.
When Joseph Khamo was an elementary and middle school teacher, he knew some students did not grasp some fundamentals and needed supplemental education. As a principal for grades 6-12, he arranged tutors for those students, expecting them to rise to their grade level. To his surprise, the students made little to no progress.
“We needed a results-based tutoring center in the Valley because that wasn’t getting done by existing tutoring facilities,” Khamo said. He founded Shine Math Center in 2009 in McAllen’s Presidio Shopping Center. Today in a hushed room with bright blue and red walls, students (kinder to 12th grade) work with tutors to master various levels of math or beginning reading and reading comprehension. Math tutoring sessions comprise 50% of the workload and the balance includes reading programs and test prep. Beginning reading is the fastest growing program.
“Everything we do is goal-based. That’s the first question I ask parents: what is the goal?” Khamo said. “We’re very results-oriented, goal-oriented. Every student has an individualized plan of action. Those have been really big factors for our repeat customers. We do a really good job of moving students forward once we have filled in the gaps (in their skills).” Shine Learning Center uses benchmarks and mastery of objectives to show steps to goal achievement. Due to their successes, numerous students have stayed with Shine year to year, using tutoring to get ahead or catch up on new subject matter.
Back when Khamo was teaching, he realized he and his fellow teachers had not been taught any ‘secret ingredient’ that would give them good results from their students. So he observed the best teachers to see what they did to get students motivated and learning. “In math, it was strategies.”
While Khamo knew what strategies helped students achieve goals, initially he was less adept at achieving his company’s goals. “We didn’t quite understand what pricing model worked, but soon realized the original model was not paying bills.” But, after studying what tutoring franchises were charging, “we finally found the sweet spot. Once we were competitive on pricing, it was all about our service and results.”
Khamo, who still tutors himself, has trained his tutors, including the UTPA student getting a master’s in engineering and another finishing a degree in business administration. While he teaches them how to teach, he emphasizes the importance of personal skills and being able to motivate the young students. Khamo requires his tutors to be able to write upside down, as they sit across a narrow table from their students. “It makes it easier and more efficient. The student can continue to look at the material.”
Shine Learning Center students rarely have homework. During tutoring sessions, they undergo guided practice, modeling and independent practice to master an objective. After mastering or understanding a skill or process, if repetition is needed only to reinforce the correct way, then homework may be assigned. Prior to that, the tutor has gone over errors with the student to see why the errors were made.
For more of this story by Eileen Mattei, visit the “Current & Past Issues” tab or pick up a copy of Valley Business Report’s August 2014 print edition.