By Request.... | October 1996

Each year, the students in the peer tutoring program at Willamette High School are nominated by staff and students. Nominees fill out applications that are evaluated by tutor coordinators. Staff look for students who are reliable and successful academically (generally "B" students or better). Student tutors are trained for the first six weeks of the semester in tutoring techniques and strategies. They are then placed in a classroom where a teacher has requested the assistance of a tutor for the remainder of the semester. Classes commonly requesting tutors include math, science, and the resource room, but tutors may request or be assigned to other subject areas as well. Tutors work with students on an as-needed basis during class time, depending upon the requests of students and teachers. Students may repeat peer tutoring for credit whenever they have room in their schedules. Peer tutoring is a graded, credited, elective class.

Students from grade nine through 12 may participate as tutors if they have the necessary qualities and skills. Tutors keep a log of their activities and attend monthly tutor meetings with the tutor trainer in order to discuss any problems and concerns they may have as they are tutoring.

Observed Outcomes

Tutees respond well to tutors their age and often feel the tutors are more approachable for help than teachers.

Tutors gain insights about the difficulties their teachers experience every day. As a result, the tutors often act as "bridges" between staff and students.

Tutors become aware and more respectful of diversity in their peers.

Tutors often establish long-lasting relationships with the students they help.

Keys to Success

Supervise tutors effectively.
Make tutoring a credited class. This is an added incentive for student participation.
Ensure the tutor trainer (or coordinator) is a motivated, enthusiastic individual who believes in the tutoring process. The coordinator must be able to communicate the value and importance of the program to students.
Secure administrative support for the program.

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