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Special Elementary Math & Literacy Programs

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


>FAQ’s about the Intergenerational Literacy Program (ILP)

>FAQ's about the Intergenerational Math Program (IMP)

 

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.