After school program provides valuable help

Students at Rector Elementary who need a little extra help with their studies are receiving assistance through the district's after school tutoring program.

Operated by four volunteer teachers, the program is designed to help those students who may be having difficulties with one or more of the key subjects in the elementary curriculum. While the program is open to all students, it is designed to identify those who might benefit most from additional tutoring. Students typically are selected by examining standardized test scores, as well as taking into account recommendations teachers and requests from parents.

"It's a really good program," said Kathy Fowler, who teaches Title I Reading at RES, as well as tutoring an after school class. "It lets us help students in the areas they might not be their strongest so they can develop those skills."

Students gather each day in classes of no more than 10 students from 3 to 4 p.m. Fowler's group includes fourth and fifth graders, while guidance counselor Julia Wyss tutors first grade students, art teacher Debbie Robinson works with second and third grade students and fifth grade teacher Leisa Wesley helps a group of fifth and sixth graders.

With each group limited to 10 students, the classes are kept small in order to better facilitate more one-to-one instruction and assistance between teacher and pupil.

"I think that's one of the best things about the program," Fowler said. "It allows the students to work on their skills in a small group setting that they might not get otherwise."

Each day, the teachers began the tutoring session by helping the students with their homework for the evening.

"We start with their homework, because that's more of an immediate concern," Fowler said. "It's important for the students to have a good understanding of what they're currently doing in class, so they do not fall behind."

Once homework has been completed, any remaining time is spent working on skill lessons designed to assist with standardized testing.

"The skill exercises have definitely had a positive effect for many students in both reading and math," Fowler said.

The students are provided with a snack to help keep their focus on learning. There also is a short break period before tutoring begins. Since the program takes place after school, parents or guardians must provide transport home for the students.

Fowler says it's important students and parents understand the value of the program.

"We all learn differently. The most important thing is to identify which students can benefit the most from this program and make it available. We want every student to do their best. Tutoring is one way we're trying to make that possible."