Washington Middle School’s Tutoring Program is only a few years old, but it has become one of the most visible and sought-after academic student intervention programs in the school. The program as a whole has been quite successful, thanks to the efforts of the Tutor Coordinator, Susan Huntley. Her report for this school year follows.
The in-school tutoring program is wrapping up another successful year at Washington Middle School. Over the course of the year, we saw 85 volunteers working with our students individually and in classrooms. Of these, 23 were parents and grandparents of students. We had a a total of 25 undergraduate tutors from Seattle University’s Children’s Literacy Project, and two SU staff members participated as well, thanks to a new program to encourage community volunteerism. In addition, we had 8 students from University of Washington’s Pipeline Project, and 8 from Seattle Central Community College; for the first time, we had two participants from Bellevue College as well. Four of our college-age tutors were former Washington Middle School students! Of all the people who tutored in 2009-10, 16 were volunteering for at least their second year.
Around 70 Washington students received one on one tutoring for at least part of the school year. These students are referred by their grade level counselors, who may be asked by parents, teachers or the students themselves for more academic support. Once a week, tutors meet them in the library during their elective (non-core) class time. They may work on missing homework or classwork assignments, binder organization, research projects, or reading practice. Tutors are encouraged to stay in touch with the student’s teachers and to keep up with the student’s current grades on Source from the Tutor Coordinator’s office.
In addition to one on one tutoring, our volunteers participate in math, science, social studies, language arts, and reading classrooms. This year, over 20 of our teachers have welcomed volunteers into their classes. They assist with labs, work with small groups, coach writing, even give reading assessments. Here is some feedback from our teachers about the classroom volunteers:
“I am really appreciating (volunteer) in my classroom. She is a wonderful tutor as well as student-teacher. .. she also helps monitor students and redirect them as they work. Thank you for sending her my way.” (math teacher, grade 6)
I want to let you know how terrific it has been to have help from your wonderful volunteers…. They provide an incredibly valuable service that is necessary for the success of students who receive Special Education services. The individualized attention is most critical in addressing students’ needs such as: teaching and re-teaching skills to the students, keeping students on task, assisting with completion of class assignments, and helping students maintain appropriate behaviors.
(The volunteers) have made lasting connections, and our students look forward to seeing and working with the volunteers each week. I cannot thank them enough for their assistance and for providing a nurturing and caring environment for my students.”
(Special Education teacher, all grades)
From the volunteer’s point of view, I will close with this quote from a parent who worked with a 7th grader this year:
“In the beginning of the year, my student acted as though he did not care about his grades. As the year progressed he showed me little by little that his grades are tremendously important to him and affect how he feels about himself. Tutoring allows us a little opportunity to help another accomplish and learn, directly impacting their self esteem. That’s an enormous opportunity for us as community members.”
To volunteer as a tutor next year, please contact Susan Huntley at 206-252-2644, or write (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)