Two additional programs will allow K-12 districts to contract with
GVSU to provide guaranteed support for students through paid tutors.
They are:
- "Homework Help Plus," which matches GVSU tutors with
students to provide support specific to the needs of each school.
Tutoring can take place day or night.
- "Targeted Reading Tutoring" provides K-8 students with
skill-based reading instruction in one-on-one learning environments.
Tutoring can take place day or night.
The programs, which are open to all district schools, charter
schools, private schools and community-based organizations, are set to
start operating October 4, though services can start at any time
during the year. Tutoring will be offered virtually and in person when feasible.
A key part of growing this resource for K-12 students is adjusting
programs based on feedback. Vosburgh said one example is that
officials learned during last year's pilot program that despite the
flexibility it offered, drop-in tutoring for high school students was
not successful. That has led to training this year that emphasizes the
need to build relationships with students to foster the right learning
environment, she said.
"We’re really looking for community input and feedback as we
continue to evolve and grow a program that supports students who need
it most,” Vosburgh said.
Leaders foresee working with the entire community, offering training
to parents, older siblings and child care workers to support kids'
reading growth, said Steven Hodas, executive director of the GV NextEd
Co-Lab, which houses K-12 Connect.
"The goal is to improve people's lives. How do we develop
programs that best fill needs?" Hodas said.
Both Vosburgh and Hodas said they hope the growth of this initiative
will include research as well as guides for how those in higher
education can assist K-12 students.
"The next part of our notion of impact is creating models or
templates for how universities can show up in community, and that
other institutions can copy," Hodas said.
Vosburgh also said how the initiative has provided crucial training
for Grand Valley students, particularly those seeking reading
endorsements. The experience is also beneficial for any of the
students who tutor, Vosburgh said, noting some GVSU instructors are
incorporating the K-12 connect tutoring into their curriculum as
requirements or as ways to work toward earning credit.
For more information, including on how to participate, visit the K-12 Connect website.
