Evaluating the Impact of a Community-Based Volunteer Tutoring Reading Program on Teachers' Ratings of Students' Reading Skills and Socioemotional Competencies

• In Event: 69.056 - Roundtable Session 31
  In Roundtable Session: 69.056-12 - Teacher Development Across Content Areas: Utilizing Knowledge to Improve Teaching and Learning

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the impact of a one-on-one tutoring program focused on reading skills. Researchers examined if students participating in the reading program were rated significantly higher by their teachers than non-participants on reading skills and socio-emotional competencies at the end of a school year after controlling for pre-ratings. Overall, reading program participants were rated significantly higher than non-participants on reading skills; however, while participants’ ratings on socio-emotional competencies were higher it was not significantly higher. The results of this evaluation demonstrate the success of one-on-one tutoring programs by community volunteers in increasing students’ reading skills. This type of program could be utilized at a low-cost to districts and as an alternative to traditional instruction.

Authors

• Danielle Bairrington Brown, Texas A&M University

• Kayla Braziel Rollins, Texas A&M University - College Station

• Yolanda N. Padron, Texas A&M University

• Hersh C. Waxman, Texas A&M University