Canadian Journal of Behavioural Science / Revue canadienne des sciences du comportement, Vol 57(4), Oct 2025, 266-276; doi:10.1037/cbs0000451
The prevalence of private literacy tutoring is growing in Canada, yet we know little about the literacy tutoring landscape in Nova Scotia. In this study, we used a cross-case approach with semistructured interviews and thematic analysis to identify the reasons why families in Nova Scotia seek private literacy tutors, and the barriers they face when doing so. Seven mothers shared their experiences seeking and obtaining private literacy tutoring for their children. We constructed seven themes from this data. One theme discussed dissatisfaction with formal education as the reason parents in Nova Scotia sought private tutors for their children. The other six themes described barriers and challenges that exist within Nova Scotia when trying to find and hire private literacy tutors. These themes are discussed within the context of past international research on private tutoring and the current literacy education context in Nova Scotia. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved)