Saratoga News

Education

Redwood students propose peer-tutoring program

Middle-schoolers would work with younger kids

By Michele Tjin

Some Redwood Middle School students are learning if they have an idea and follow through with it, they too can have a powerful voice in shaping their education. All it takes is some gumption and persistence.

A group of Redwood eighth-graders wants to implement a peer-tutoring program in the district, in which middle-schoolers tutor elementary students one-on-one. The younger students get a role model to work with, and the older students get to practice their leadership skills.

The unique part of the program is that it was completely student-driven. They came up with the idea and have been able to sustain it. They have already received the thumbs-up from the superintendent and the board of trustees.

"It's an effective way for kids to interact and to enhance their educational experience," said Superintendent Lane Weiss. "If it's beneficial for kids, I'm all for it."

To test the program, six Redwood students would be chosen to work with students from one of the elementary schools in Saratoga. The tutoring sessions will take place on early-dismissal days, when teachers have their professional development time. The plan is to begin in mid-October. Trustees like it because it's free to parents and gives children an activity during those early-dismissal afternoons.

"It's a win-win situation," said student Sedona Speedy, who worked through the summer to hammer out the details.

The idea for the tutoring program was first laid out in a group class project Sedona was involved in as a seventh grader last June. The assignment was to devise a plan to improve education in California and make schools vibrant places of learning. School board member Cathie Thermond saw the students' presentations and offered additional issues for Sedona and her group to think about.

Encouraged, the students continued to meet throughout the summer to refine their idea.

"We really want this," Sedona said.

The students have followed up by attending board meetings to explain their idea to the trustees.

"What a great civics lesson, to be able to know the process the school board chooses to evaluate a program," Thermond said.

The eighth-graders say peer tutoring works because students who need help will respond differently to tutors closer to their age than they will to teachers.

"They'll relate better," said student Meera D'Costa. "When they talk to a teacher, they don't want to say everything they want to."

The students have ambitions beyond Redwood. Their plan is a multi-tiered program, in which the next phase is to have high school students tutor middle-schoolers. The final phase proposes the Santa Clara County Office of Education adopt this program.

The value of the program is that tutors are not necessarily chosen for their academic smarts, students say. Character and personality are important; tutors will be chosen for their responsible nature.

"It allows overlooked students to shine," said Martin Belles, the teacher who originally assigned the project and has continued to shepherd the students.

The students haven't been afraid to voice their opinions to the board of trustees. Trustees said in order for the program to have a successful start, they must start small. They say the program should take place after school, but the eighth-graders disagree. Armed with research, they say peer-tutoring programs bring the most benefits during school hours. Staying after school carries the stigma of a punishment, the eighth-graders say.

However, they say they remain committed to the tutoring program and will make the best of what they're given.

While they had to volunteer part of their summer to make their idea a reality, the students say they have learned lessons of persistence and the importance of believing in a common cause.

"If you have an idea, you have to stick to it," said Claire Fraisl. "You can't have someone do it for you."

The students are upbeat and energized. They have been assessing interest from potential tutors and are still coming up with ideas, such as a website so others know how their idea works. They are confident their program will spread to neighboring schools.

"It'll be a fulfilling feeling if it goes to different areas like Cupertino, Los Gatos and Santa Clara Valley," said student Nina Mohanty.