Good Works: Free Tutoring | Video

Alan Miller | 1/25/2013

Teachers dedicate their lives to instructing the next generation. It can be difficult at times when there are 20 students in the classroom, and a few of them need some extra help. That`s where tutors come in. But they can be expensive.

Yet in some cases, they`re free, at least to the child and the family.

Among the many programs being provided by the Salvation Army, it`s also partnered with One on One Learning, a tutoring service that contracts with school districts. It`s free at Title One schools for children on free or reduced price lunches, as a way of improving academic performance.

"Our goal is to hit about 20 percent gain for every twenty hours tutored. So, if we can get closer to that, that`s what we`re after," said Mark Sundag with One on One Learning.

It`s also available in the home or in the school, if there`s any room. Tutors focus on math and reading, and in most circumstances, have a receptive audience.

"When I came in the door, they came running and jumping on me and kissing me and hugging me and yelling `Miss Mickey, Miss Mickey`. And you know, how can you beat a reception like that? That`s awesome," said tutor Miss Mickey.

They can certainly create a bond, although each student is limited to 18 hours each school year. And it appears a little motivation goes a long way.

"After we`re done reading and doing math, she gives us like these stickers to buy stuff," said second grader Chante Gould.

"Right now, we`re doing divided by, and I`m not really good at divided, so she helps me with that," said third grader Zephanie Demontiney.

"We don`t care how many pages you get done. I do care what you get on the pages, though. If you`re just reading through really fast, and you don`t care, and you`re just slopping answers down, that`s not acceptable, and they know that. But you set the tone right away and kids will give you what you expect them to give you," Miss Mickey said.

Younger students need more individualized attention, so tutors will generally work with no more than four or five at a time. And they say that really makes a difference.

"If kids know that you care, they`re going to give you one hundred percent. And that makes all the difference in the world," Miss Mickey said.

Now for the downside. It`s already too late to sign up for this school year. But next year is open.

The number for One on One Learning is 701-426-2407. We should also note that the Salvation Army in Bismarck is looking for helpers in numerous programs. The number there is 701-223-1889.

If you would like us to highlight a person or organization that`s doing good for others, call me at 701-255-8184 or send me an email at amiller@kfyrtv.com, or on Facebook.

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