What better solution could Mr. Watkins have offered Maria after her tutoring session?

The best solution Mr. Watkins could have offered is to wait with Maria until her parent could pick her up. This approach provides immediate support and shows care for her well-being. By staying with her, he ensures that she feels safe and less anxious while waiting, especially if there is a delay in parental arrival. This action also demonstrates a commitment to student safety and emotional support, which is crucial for creating a nurturing educational environment.

In contrast, having Maria wait alone could lead to feelings of isolation or insecurity, and calling her parent to rush over could add unnecessary pressure or stress for both Maria and her family. Providing bus fare could be helpful under different circumstances, but it doesn't address the immediate concern of her safety while waiting for a ride. Therefore, waiting with her is the most supportive and responsible choice in this scenario.