Tutoring Illegal, But Effective

A father whose daily tutoring rallied his son to pass seventh grade was convicted Wednesday of illegally yanking the boy out of study hall for the sessions.

But District Justice Lois Dielh waived the $22 fine for 34 study periods missed by Charles Hayden’s son, Chris.

“Legally, you were wrong. Morally, I’m going to give you the benefit of the doubt,” Diehl said in her ruling. “I hope you don’t do it again next year.”

Chris, 13, had a 56 percent average in social studies and was failing science and study skills with 11 weeks to go in the school year. He also was in danger of failing English and reading.

His father’s tutoring in March, April and May helped Chris improve to an 85 percent average at the end of the term.

Hayden said Chris would have been distracted by his friends and noise if he tried to learn at school, so he took him to his framing shop in Greensburg, about 30 miles southeast of Pittsburgh, for lessons.