Grand Erie Students Tap into Tutoring for Learning Lift

TUESDAY, MAR. 28, 2023

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For learners looking to strengthen reading, math, and other foundational skills following the disruptions of the pandemic, tutoring has been an empowering way to inspire and re-inspire a love of learning. 

“This tutoring model is having an incredible impact on individual learners across Grand Erie as they demonstrate more confidence in themselves and what they’re capable of, while also showing impressive improvements academically,” said Sandy Bonbled, the principal overseeing the learning recovery programming. “We’re seeing some students read for the first time, while others are writing and communicating ideas more clearly in sentences and developing paragraphs as they work on the process of writing. In math, students are more confident and thinking more critically as they work through multi-step problems, resulting in improved student performance.”  

The tutoring model began last year, intended to create a “learning lift” for students in safe and caring environments to reignite confidence and build strong foundations. Learners work on a variety of skills including literacy, math, homework help to reinforce classroom work, and for secondary students, additional assistance with assignments, culminating tasks, tests, and exam preparations. Instruction is led by 110 tutors including Grand Erie educators, educational assistants, designated early childhood educators, and communicative disorder assistants who work with students during one-to-two sessions per week, depending on individual needs. It is serving approximately 540 learners. 

“Returning from a couple of very challenging years, I have students with different learning needs, knowledge, and skills,” said Tracy McLellan, a Grand Erie educational assistant who is sharing her expertise with the tutoring program, working with secondary students. “To see a student understand the work, to complete their assignments, and work toward earning credit for the course they are enrolled in… it’s one of the most rewarding experiences as an educational assistant in this program.”

Ratios are kept low with both one-on-one or small-group instruction, and the fun factor is kept high with interactive games, special activities, and unique materials to enhance lessons – like using shaving cream to work on word games. The result is learners who feel more focused and equipped with transferable competencies, positive work habits and a love of learning. The result for parents and caregivers is pride, encouragement, and optimism. 

“My daughter Celeste is one of those children who has benefitted massively from the additional help,” said parent Melissa, whose daughter attends Walsh Public School, one of the tutoring program’s sites. “She has become a much stronger reader, is more inquisitive with numbers and problem-solving, and I full-heartedly believe that with her continued enrollment in tutoring, she will blossom in her educational path.”

The tutoring supports go a long way in reinforcing Grand Erie’s learning goals, nurturing curiosity, and increasing opportunity for each learner’s unique educational journey.