The Peer Tutoring Initiative (PTI)

The Peer Tutoring program, which is run and monitored by the DEW School Counselors, was so effective last year that we decided to initiate the program again for the 2009 school year. This program is being offered to the 5^th and 6th grade students who have been recognized by their teachers as having difficulty completing their homework, studying for a test and/ or getting organized. New this year, 'Hotlisted' students were also offered this service to help 'bump' them to Proficient on one or more areas of the PSSA's. Two years ago, the DEW School Counselors initiated the Peer Tutoring program where 7^th and 8^th grade students would tutor 5^th grade students who were struggling academically in a one-on-one or small group setting. The DEW School Counselors not only thought this would be a wonderful way to help the 5^th grade students learn positive study habits and complete school work successfully but also help the 7^th and 8^th grade students take an active role with the younger students in the building.

This year, in order to incorporate a career component into the program, the DEW School Counselors set-up an interview with each 7^th and 8^th grade student volunteering for a tutoring position. These students also attended an Interviewing Seminar to help with skills associated with interviewing for a job. Our goals of implementing the interview process are to ensure each volunteer is a perfect fit for the job and to begin preparing our students for future endeavors. During the interviews, The DEW School Counselors stressed to the 7^th and 8^th grade students that they are not only acting as tutors but also as role models and mentors for the 5^th graders in the program. In order to be considered for a tutoring position, the 7^th and 8^th grade students must have and maintain an "A" or a high "B" average in the subject area they wish to tutor in. The DEW School Counselors believe the Peer Tutoring program is a worth-while venture and enjoy seeing our students working together to achieve academic success.

The Peer Tutoring program will run for the remainder of the 2008-2009 school year and will take place in the DEW cafeteria every Thursdays from 2:00-2:44.