|
|
America Counts Program Information
In 1998, the U.S. Department of Education and the
National Science Foundation worked together to devise an action
strategy to strengthen the focus on mathematics education.
The result of this joint effort was the creation of the America
Counts Challenge Initiative.
In response to the America Counts
Challenge Initiative, the
America Reads/America Counts
steering committee at Ouachita determined, with input
from Arkadelphia Public School personnel, that initiating a mathematics
tutoring program would be beneficial to the children in the Arkadelphia
schools. It would also provide practical experience for the
university students involved. The program's structure is central
to its effectiveness in recruiting and training tutors, fostering
a successful relationship between tutor and child, linking smoothly
with schools and increasing levels of mathematics skills.
Ouachita's Elrod Center implemented a pilot mathematics America
Counts tutoring program the fall semester of 1999
which offers one-on one tutoring and mentoring of third grade children
by university work-study students or volunteers.
Jan Bass serves as the Elrod Center's coordinator
of public school initiatives and is responsible for coordinating
all program aspects.
How to Become a Tutor/Mentor
Ouachita Students who
are eligible for federal work-study or wish to volunteer may apply
for these positions during spring semester in order to tutor
the following fall semester. Applications will be available
in the student financial aid office during the spring semester.
Interviews are conducted by the coordinator of public school initiatives
prior to the end of the spring semester. The pay scale
for tutor/mentors will be $1.00 above minimum wage.
Requirements for Selected Tutor/Mentors
-
Complete mandatory training workshops at the
beginning of the fall semester
-
Sign an agreement to commit to guidelines established
for tutoring programs
-
Arrange tutoring schedule with classroom teachers
after assignments are made
|
