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Special Elementary Math & Literacy Programs
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CSV runs two one-to-one tutoring programs
for young students in grades K-3 who are at risk in math and literacy.
The Intergenerational Literacy Program, created
in 1993, has won accolades for its approach matching adults
over age 55 with beginning readers (K-2) for
intensive tutoring. The success of ILP led CSV to launch the
Intergenerational Math Program in 1999, at
the request of the Cambridge Public School math department,
to provide very early intervention to help students in
math. Unlike its sister program, IMP matches adults
of all ages as tutors. A good foundation in
math is critical for success in the 21st century.
"So you're the famous volunteer. . . you're the main
topic of conversation in our house. My son talks about you
all the time. He loves coming." Parent comment on
ILP tutor |
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What
does an ILP volunteer do?
* Meets with the same child twice a week for 45 minutes to engage
in reading activities.
* Selects materials and plans one-on-one tutoring sessions.
* Confers with the child's classroom teachers.
* Participates in initial and on-going training sessions.
* Records the child's progress.
Who volunteers?
The volunteers are men and women (ages 55+)
who care about children and are eager to support and encourage them
in learning to read. Volunteers do not need to
have prior teaching experience or computer skills.
Where does the tutoring
happen?
All tutoring sessions are held at the child's school, in the library
or another quiet room.
When does the tutoring
happen?
Tutoring sessions take place during the school day, from October
through May. Tutors need to make a commitment for the entire school
year, but short vacations can be easily accommodated.
How is it coordinated?
The ILP Site Director at each school coordinates the program by
introducing the volunteers to the schools, scheduling tutoring sessions,
and supplying tutoring materials.
What schools have ILP tutors?
Currently, ILP tutors work at four schools:
* Graham and Parks School
* Haggerty School
* Baldwin School * M.L. King, Jr. School
What is the training?
Before being matched with a child, each new volunteer is required
to attend two two-hour training sessions that cover literacy activities
and reading strategies. Monthly meetings offer on-going support
and training.
Who are the children?
The children who receive tutoring are identified by the teachers
as falling below their potential in emergent literacy skills. They
are not special needs students and do not qualify for any special
school services. Rather, they are children in grades K-2 who need
individual support and focus to keep them from "falling through
the cracks." They may be children for whom English is not their
native language, children who are young for their class, or children
who are anxious about their first academic challenges. Children
served reflect the diversity of the Cambridge Public Schools.
How do I get started?
Contact Marina Seevak at 617-349-6794.
What
does an IMP volunteer do?
* Meets with the same child twice a week for 45 minutes to engage
in math activities.
* Supports the skills that are being taught in class, using hands-on
material, worksheets, games, and books.
* Selects from special program materials and plans the one-on-one
tutoring sessions.
* Confers with the child's teacher.
* Participates in initial and on-going training sessions.
Who volunteers?
Adults of all ages: mothers, fathers,
grandparents, working people, and college students who:
* Believe that math is important for success in school and understand
the value it has in everyday life.
*Care about children and enjoy helping them.
* Want to learn how to teach math to young children.
Volunteers do not need to have prior teaching
experience or computer skills.
Where does the tutoring
happen?
All tutoring sessions are held at the child's school, in the library
or another quiet room.
When does the tutoring
happen?
Tutoring sessions take place during the school day (between 8:00
a.m. and 2:00 p.m.), from October through May. Tutors need to make
a commitment for the entire school year, but short vacations can
be easily accommodated.
How is it coordinated?
Rose Madsen, the Director of IMP, coordinates the program by introducing
the volunteers to the schools, training the tutors, scheduling tutoring
sessions, and supplying tutoring materials. Ms. Madsen is an experienced
elementary school teacher with a love of math and teaching.
What schools have IMP tutors?
Currently, IMP tutors work at six public schools:
* Amigos School
* Fletcher-Maynard Academy
* Graham and Parks School
* Kennedy/Longfellow School
* Tobin School
* Haggerty School
What is the training?
Before being matched with a child, each new volunteer is required
to attend two two-hour training sessions that cover math activities
and strategies. Monthly meetings offer on-going support and training.
Who are the children?
The children who receive tutoring are identified by the teachers
as falling below their potential in emergent math skills. They are
not special needs students and do not qualify for any special school
services. Rather, they are children in grade 2 who need individual
support and focus to keep them from "falling through the cracks."
How do I get started?
Contact Rose Madsen at 617-349-6794 or rmadsen@cpsd.us.
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Volunteers