The pandemic was hard on students, and many are still catching up academically. That’s why, in November 2022, ECCA partnered with Washougal High School to develop the Community-School Partnership (CSP), a first-of-its-kind program to match volunteers from the community with students who were struggling academically. (Read more about the program in the Post-Record.) Teachers and counselors identified students in need of help, and students who agreed began meeting in the school library with a volunteer once a week. In all, 12 volunteers met with a total of 125 students over the course of a year, some one-on-one, some in small groups. In June, we surveyed participating students and teachers about what the program accomplished.
Program results after 8 months
Impact on grades
At the end of year, 72% of students who began with F’s improved their grades to passing, and many improved by several grade levels.
What the students told us
Eighty-eight percent of participating student who completed our end-of-year survey said the program had helped them understand their classwork better. Seventy-nine percent said it helped them improve their grades.
What the teachers told us
I LOVED this program! I had two different tutors and both were fabulous to work with! Data alone shows the drastic improvement this program had on my students. It was as if a light was switched.
~ Nicole Simek, personal finances teacher
Half of my students participating showed noticeable improvement, from 0 to 1 to a score of 2 to 3 [on a 0-4 scale]. This is big. These students are doing so much better! They complete more problems, and do better on them. When questioned verbally, they show a deeper understanding.
~ Ninette Lilienthal, algebra teacher
I feel like the small-group interaction [offered by CSP] allowed for minds-on learning and discussion. As a result, little bits of comprehension improved confidence. Improved confidence opened minds to being able to do more. … The biggest change I saw were sudden 3’s and even 4’s after a while, when previously turning in blank or minimally completed assessments.
~ Tracy Horn, biology teacher
For many students, working with the mentor was the only time they accomplished any LO [learning opportunities]. They came back to class with a feeling of accomplishment and a greater understanding of the course material.
~ Adam Sitler, physics teacher
CSP is working for students, and that’s why we’re expanding it this year.
Based on the data and feedback from students and teachers, we know that the CSP Program helps students build confidence, set and meet academic goals, and improve their grades.
To continue growing, this coming year we’d like to add about 10 volunteers.
We offer:
- Training
- Supervision
- Camaraderie
- The knowledge that you’re helping young people grow and succeed
- The chance to support public education in our community in a meaningful way
You don’t have to have teaching experience or be an expert in math, science, literature or any academic discipline. We provide classroom materials and assignments in advance, and you use them to prep for your sessions. Most sessions take place in the library, and the CSP Program coordinator is always on-site and available. You’re never on your own, in other words.
This year, we’re growing in all directions, but particularly need volunteers who speak Spanish or can offer support in algebra.
Do you want to talk more about this program and how you could fit in? Email Barb Seaman at eastcountycitizens@gmail.com.
If you’re ready to apply now, please complete this form and we’ll contact you.
Top photo: John Latta works with an algebra student. All photos courtesy of Barb Seaman.
East County Citizens' Alliance 