By Request.... | October 1996

HOSTS, available nationally, is a structured mentoring/tutoring program in language arts. It is designed to reinforce classroom instruction and reduce teacher workload, while improving student outcomes and containing costs. HOSTS, which was adopted by the Helena School District seven years ago, has proven to be a vital component not only to children's reading development, but to school-community relations as well. HOSTS does not require additional personnel, but works with existing compensatory staff, improving their efficiency and productivity. The program relies solely upon mentor/tutor volunteers from the community who make commitments to the school and to their tutees. About 479 mentor/tutors were involved in the program during the 1995-96 school year. HOSTS volunteers spent 6,827 hours reading with children.

HOSTS instruction is one-on-one. Student folders containing student learning assignments and activities are prepared by the compensatory teacher in cooperation with the classroom instructor. The folders act as road maps that guide the mentor/tutor and reinforce the classroom teacher's instruction.

HOSTS is a continuous progress model and operates successfully with any assessments, curriculum, objectives, and philosophies.

For further information about the HOSTS program contact HOSTS at 360/260-1995 or 1/800/833-HOST

Observed Outcomes

The HOSTS program has become a model for all schools in the district.

The community has become involved in the schools.

Keys to Success

Make the community welcome in your schools by following these three steps:

Organize the program carefully and proactively.
Recognize efforts on the part of both tutors and tutees.
Appreciate the commitment and accomplishments of tutors and tutees.

Alaska \| Idaho \| Montana \| Oregon \| Washington

This document's URL is:

Date of Last Update: 09/19/2001
Email Webmaster
Tel. 503.275.9500