Academy Tutoring Project: Tutor Training

On Saturday, February 5, 2011 I braved the frigid weather and went to the training to become a tutor for the Academy Tutoring Project. I met the coordinator of the project, a very energetic woman who clearly has a passion for her job.
The initial hour of training involved all of the volunteers from this organization and the Memphis City Schools Tutor Program. We were introduced to the Program Coordinators, given our training binders and given a run-down of the basics. This was followed by a power point presentation of the Project and Processes. We were given statistics about where Memphis falls in the standardized testing for the state (25th – 49th,) and given ideas on how we could improve these statistics. We were also given helpful hints on engaging our student, setting expectations, and getting the most out of our sessions. This program focuses on positive reinforcement and commitment.
From the group training, we were then separated into our individual tutor training. I was in the Middle/High School Math training. This was led by a teacher from one of the Memphis charter schools. This two hour session was all about getting the student involved in the learning process. I was given tools and ideas to help make math fun. I was also bombarded by more statistics regarding the standardized tests. These tests were changed at the beginning of last year for the state. Tennessee went from being in the 98th percentile to the 36th percentile after the changes. Our goal is to help the students raise those test scores and actually leave with an understanding of the math they should know at their grade level.
I have not officially been assigned to a student at this time. They had to do a fingerprint and background check and the results should be in sometime this week. Once that is completed, I will be assigned a student at a local charter school and the tutoring process will actually begin. I do know that I will be tutoring from 2:30 – 3:30 on Mondays and I already know which school I am assigned to, but am not able to share that at this time. I will be with the same student from now until the end of the school year and look forward to meeting him or her soon.