Congressman Wu Proposes 'Seniors in Our Schools Act'

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March/April 2001 | NW REPORT

Congressman
Wu Proposes
'Seniors in Our
Schools Act'

Choosing the Laboratory as the site for his press conference, Congressman David Wu announced proposed legislation to encourage and facilitate senior mentors in schools. The Seniors in Our Schools Act, H.R. 719, is modeled after successful adult mentoring programs. The Act would amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to ensure that senior citizens are given an opportunity to serve as mentors, tutors, and volunteers in schools, Wu said.

The Act is unrelated to NWREL's new project, Seniors Tutoring Students in Reading. However, both projects aim to create opportunities and training for senior adults who may have the time and life experiences needed to give young people the additional adult attention and tutoring they need to succeed in school.

"Seniors in Our Schools — SOS — provides training so seniors aren't just tossed in (to classrooms)," said Wu, "They may be willing and eager, but training enables them to be willing, eager, and able to mentor and tutor students."

Wu was joined by Dr. Ethel Simon-McWilliams, Executive Director/CEO of the Laboratory, and others from the Columbia County Retired Senior Volunteer Program, Older Adult Services and Information System/Intergenerational Tutoring Program, Start Making a Reader Today, RSVP, and the new Oregon Mentoring Initiative.

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