High school algebra tutors
The need
Math teachers at Roosevelt High School (RHS) in Minneapolis need the assistance
of volunteer tutors to assist them in the ninth grade algebra I classes. These
classes are large (more than 30 students each) and include some students with
low skills who need to pass the Minnesota Basic Skills Test. Equally important
is that success in ninth grade can set a positive tone for the rest of the
student’s
high school math career. Intervention at this stage in a student’s
high school path has the greatest potential for positive results.
The teaching assistants will work alongside RHS teachers
in the classroom. The role of the assistant may take a different form
depending on the specific class and students. The possibilities are:
- Work as a tutor one-on-one with a specific student
- Work with a group of students as a resource for them as they work on problems
assigned by the teacher
- Work with one or more students in a computer lab as the students use the
online Cognitive Tutor application
Many of the students who need assistance are English-language learners, meaning
that English is not their first language. In addition, there are cultural differences
that can influence the communication between students and volunteers. These
issues will be addressed in the training provided to the volunteers, and the
teachers will offer ongoing guidance in this area as well.
Skills and personal attributes of volunteers
Volunteers may be college students, retirees, or persons who are currently
employed. Volunteers should have a working knowledge of algebra I, a
desire to help young people succeed, and an open communication style.
The commitment
The RHS teachers would like to have a long-term commitment from volunteers
to give the students stability. Recognizing that volunteers may not
be able or willing to make a yearlong commitment, RHS teachers are suggesting “units” of
commitment. A unit would consist of one hour a week for nine weeks
(one quarter). A volunteer could sign up for more than one unit
at a time, for back-to-back units, or for just one unit. Whatever the
number of units, the preference is to have the volunteer in the same
class (day and time) each week for the quarter. This system will
allow the teachers to plan their lessons around when the volunteers are
coming, and it will allow the volunteers to give exactly as much time
as they feel that they can give.
Logistics and location
Teaching assistants will be assigned to a specific class and teacher. A
volunteer coordinator will handle overall scheduling and be available to ensure
that a communication channel between the teacher and volunteer is established.
Ideally, ongoing communication between the teacher and volunteer can be done
via email, with phone being the next best alternative.
Location
Roosevelt High School
4029 – 28th Avenue South
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Parking is available on the street within 1-3 blocks of the school.
Admission and training
Volunteers will be required to submit a Minneapolis Public Schools district
volunteer application and
to attend a district-provided orientation session. RHS teachers will provide
additional training if needed. Volunteer placement begins in late September.
Application questions
Interested volunteers should respond to these specific questions
in the application as follows:
School preferred: Roosevelt High School
Subjects preferred: Math
Grade level: High school
In which program would you like to volunteer: Algebra I Teaching Assistant
RHS
Orientation
Volunteers will be asked to attend an
orientation session before their placement begins. Visit the Minneapolis Public Schools Web site for the schedule.
Learn more about volunteer opportunities at Roosevelt High School.
| 
