Parent coaching is another aspect of tutoring that is emphasized in Norman's class. She provides parent workshops that offer insights into how children learn and how parents can best assist their youngsters at home in subjects such as math, science, and reading. The children are present at these workshops and actually lead their parents through the process while Norman acts as facilitator.

Parents are also welcomed as volunteer tutors in the classroom. At the beginning of the year, Norman invites parents to become involved in the classroom. Upon making a commitment, parents are trained one-on-one by Norman in proper tutoring techniques.

Observed Outcomes

• The multiage, cooperative group format lends itself well to tutoring.
• Tutors, either student or adult, enable children to get more one-on-one instruction.
• Tutors learn as they guide or instruct their tutees.

Keys to Success

• Make sure teachers are clear about the education outcome(s) they want in their students. This can help to guide the tutoring process.
• Make expectations clear to both parents and students. Keep them informed.
• Teach each child as an individual.

Program Location
Parents in the School
Muldoon Elementary School
515 Cherry Street
Anchorage, AK 99504

Contact
Virginia Juettner, Principal
Phone: 907/337-9591
Fax: 907/337-8567

Description

Muldoon Elementary School is situated in one of Anchorage's poorer neighborhoods; 60 percent of the students receive free or reduced lunch or are low income. With challenging discipline problems and a need to improve school climate, administration and staff focused on getting parents involved in the school. They wanted parents to have a stake in their children's educations, to feel like welcome partners in the school, and for children to know their parents cared. They also wanted to give parents who needed work experience a chance to be part of the school team.

Their solution has had far reaching effects, deeper than anyone originally anticipated. Using funds from a Goals 2000 (Alaska 2000) grant, the school hired parents to assist teachers on a daily basis. Parents were trained by the program coordinator and placed in classrooms. Working with students one-on-one and performing other related classroom jobs has had a lasting two-pronged effect. First, it has increased the number of adults in each classroom, freeing teachers to focus on issues that might have gone unattended before. It has given students familiarity and respect for other adults, as well as more individual attention. Second, it has given these adults (many of whom have never had paid work experience) valuable work skills and confidence that they can take with them outside the school. In addition, parents have become intimately acquainted with the school. They are no longer leery of the building they send their kids to each day. In fact, many have become strong advocates for the school and its mission.

On any given day, one can expect to see between 10 and 15 parents in the school. While they are paid for the time they spend, most spend extra hours helping. By choosing to pay parents for their time, the school has created a cadre of parents committed to routinely working with children and assisting in classrooms. The program at Muldoon will be expanded to include before-and after-school tutoring in coming years. Videotapes detailing Muldoon's program are available from the school.

Observed Outcomes

• The climate of the school has improved as a result of the positive interaction between parents and the school.
• Parents feel more welcome in the school and are advocates for the school in the community.
• Students have learned that many adults can be good, helpful people who respect them. They have learned to make distinctions.

Keys to Success

• Designate a coordinator for any parent/volunteer program.
• Provide parents/volunteers with a place they can go—similar to the teachers' lounge—that gives them a break from their duties in the school.
• Have a positive attitude and never underestimate the value of parents in the school.