Tutor Format
Small Group Tutoring
The ARC program consists of small group learning with a ratio of 4 students to one tutor (2 to 1 for 9th - 12th grade students). Students are placed in skill level groups according to their performance on diagnostic tests administered upon entering the ARC program. Students are reevaluated regularly and regrouped when needed.
This small group instructional design is adaptable and varies according to grade level and subject matter. The format allows tutors to focus on individual students' learning styles and to utilize a spiraling approach to reinforce learning, building new learning based on students' success.
ARC Connections assigns site coordinators and curriculum specialists to all school projects. Site coordinators are experienced school or after school program administrators. They understand the day-to-day working of the school and are, therefore, able to deal with behavioral matters, address concerns of teachers and other school staff, communicate with parents and handle safety issues, as well as resolve difficulties amicably. Curriculum specialists are equipped to monitor student progress and adjust students' programs as necessary.
Student Learning Plan
ARC Connections' staff, in consultation with parents/guardians and school district representatives, develop an individual student-learning plan (SLP) for each child after assessing and working with the students over a short period of time. These SLP's include goals to be achieved by the end of the program.
Services for Special Needs Students
ARC Connections' program offers services designed for special needs students as identified in a student's Individual Education Programs (IEP) and 504 plans. ARC site coordinators meet with teachers and parents to integrate IEP or 504 plans into students' programs.
Services for English Language Learners
ARC Connections' program provides services for English language learners to develop their English proficiency. These children are generally assigned to groups with bilingual tutors who are trained in second language instruction. This gives the students the opportunity of having lessons previewed in their primary language if necessary. All tutors are trained in second language learning strategies.
An ESL program is available to students on parent request.
Tutor Selection
Our tutors are usually college students. At a minimum, we require tutors to have an AA degree or be in the process of getting one. We hire from the great number of colleges and universities in the Bay Area and actively recruit bilingual tutors. All tutors are tested on their reading, math and bilingual skills (if applicable) before being hired.
Tutor Training
The ARC Connections program trains tutors in specific strategies to engage students in learning, raise self-esteem and overcome academic learning difficulties.
Tutors study the instructional material and go through simulated group teaching. They learn to follow the children's pace and give individual help as they see students catching on and moving forward. Instruction in vocabulary and concept development for second language learners is an important part of the training. Tutors receive on-going training during tutoring sessions from the site coordinators and curriculum specialists.
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