Washington Middle School’s Tutoring Program is now three years old, and it remains 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 again to the efforts of the Tutor Coordinator, Susan Huntley. Her report for this school year follows.
My fourth year of coordinating the tutoring program at Washington has come to an end. Once again this year, at least 70 volunteers worked for thousands of hours with our students individually and in classrooms. These included parents and grandparents of current and former students. We also had many volunteers from Seattle University’s Children’s Literacy Project, as well as a cohort of six SU sophomores in a special program for those considering a teaching career. In addition, there were volunteers from University of Washington’s Pipeline Project, and Seattle Central Community College service learning program. Finally, there were several candidates for Masters in Teaching programs who totaled many required hours working in classrooms and observing experienced teachers.
Between 60 and 70 Washington students received one on one tutoring from these volunteers 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, reading, and world language classrooms. Over 25 of our teachers welcomed volunteers into their classes this year. Tutors assist with labs, work with small groups, coach writing, even give reading assessments. Many of our college students worked after school with our students in the HOST Academic Study Club or Math Study Club programs as well.
Here is just a sample of feedback from our teachers about this year’s classroom volunteers:
“___ is fantastic with the kids. They like her, accept help from her.. she could come any day, any period, and be an asset.”
“All of this support is just amazing.”
“My student is very motivated to work with ___ because of his increased success. He has transformed from one of my most un-motivated students to the most motivated in that class.”
“___has a great rapport with the students and she holds them to high standards.”
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).