Inside Denton Schools, Winter 1992 Page: 3
15 p. : ill. ; 28 cm.View a full description of this periodical.
Extracted Text
The following text was automatically extracted from the image on this page using optical character recognition software:
Winter 1992
Tutoring Program Provides
Needed Boost
by Krystal Falkner
Teachers and A
parents at Ginnings
Elementary are go-
ing more than the
extra mile for Chap-
ter 1 students -
they're going to
school an extra hour.
Chapter 1 is a
federally-funded
program designed to
help students with
reading difficulties. A
This year, Ginnings
Chapter 1 teacher
Carol Gonzalez or-
ganized an after-school volunteer tutoring pro-
gram to reinforce the Chapter 1 curriculum. By
the end of the semester, up to 35 students were
working with 20+ volunteers in intensive 40-
minute sessions geared toward their individual
reading and vocabulary needs. Some volunteers
are Ginnings teachers, some are parents, some
are university students (pictured above), and
some are senior citizens (see cover photo).
Deanie Martino has two-children currently
in the Chapter 1 program, and volunteering to
tutor in the after-school program allows her to
become more involved, rather than leaving the
responsibility solely with teachers. "So often,
3:30p.m. means a battle between parents against
kids in getting homework done. This makes it a
positive experience," she says.
Another impressive facet of the program ispeer tutoring. A second grader who finishes her
homework for the day may be asked to help a
fellow student in first grade. As Gonzalez ex-
plains, "When another student helps you, you're
not as likely to be intimidated. You know the
other students have been through it, and some-
times they can just say things in a better way."
Deanie Martino agrees. "I remember one
third grader who needed to fill out a form.
Trying to figure it out on his own didn't work.
It helped to have some assistance."
Gonzalez is delighted with the success of
the program so far. Her only wish is that there
were more volunteers. "Ideally, tutors could
become consistent, daily adult mentors - a 'Big
Brother - Big Sister' kindrelationship. With one
tutor assigned to one student, we could foster
that relationship.
"In one case right now, a volunteer tutor has
taken one student completely under his wing.
"Now, before each session, the student comes
in, puts another chair next to his, and he's ready.
He looks forward to learning. And that's what
it's all about."Photos courtesy of Barbara Gouge
Upcoming Pages
Here’s what’s next.
Search Inside
This issue can be searched. Note: Results may vary based on the legibility of text within the document.
Tools / Downloads
Get a copy of this page or view the extracted text.
Citing and Sharing
Basic information for referencing this web page. We also provide extended guidance on usage rights, references, copying or embedding.
Reference the current page of this Periodical.
McGuire, Susan E. Inside Denton Schools, Winter 1992, periodical, Winter 1992; Denton, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth257184/m1/3/: accessed May 4, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Denton Independent School District.