The State of Missouri has set A+ tutoring guidelines. These guidelines state that students must tutor in an academic setting, on public school property, under the supervision of a public school employee.

SERVICE IN ACTION

Service in Action is an opportunity for seniors to serve the community while experiencing potential vocations or careers. This may include tutoring in elementary or middle school classrooms and volunteering for a non-profit agency. The program will require candidates to make application. Off-Campus Work Programs guidelines will be followed when placements are made. Students must have a good attendance and discipline record the semester prior to enrolling. Students will receive ½ elective credit per block for successfully completing the objectives of this program. Students may enroll for a maximum of two blocks per semester. Grades will be based on attendance, required classroom work, time sheets, activity logs, and evaluations from mentors.

Students meet with the A+ Coordinator for two weeks at the beginning of the semester. At this time placement is made and program rules and guidelines are outlined. In addition, students class time is spent discussing learning styles and mentoring responsibilities. Confidentiality is an issue that is addressed in class so that students know that anything they see or hear while at their assigned school can not be repeated. Visits with cooperating teachers are made monthly in person by the A+ Coordinator. Additional communication is maintained through phone and/or e-mail. This close communication insures that this is a positive experience for the high school students, younger students, and the mentoring teachers involved.

There are 90-100 students enrolled in Service in Action every semester. Not all students enrolled in Service in Action are working toward A+ designation. However, this is an easy and fun way for HHS seniors to earn their required 50 hours of student tutoring. From this activity, many students consider the pursuit of a career in education. They find that developing a relationship with younger students and seeing the benefits of their tutoring is a very rewarding experience.

OTHER TUTORING OPPORTUNITES

Other tutoring opportunities available to A+ students are less structured. Some of the available activities are listed below. The A+ Coordinator needs to be made aware of any tutoring being completed by A+ students. These activities need to be documented by using the tutoring form provided by the A+ Coordinator. This form needs to be completed by the student, verified by a school staff member, and returned to the A+ Coordinator.

· After-school tutoring – Most of the elementary and middle school teachers have after-school tutoring available on Tuesday and/or Thursday afternoons after school. Frequently additional helpers are needed. Students wishing to do after-school tutoring should contact the A+ Coordinator to arrange such an activity.
· HHS tutoring - A+ students can tutor their classmates during Seminar, before school, or after school. This needs to be appropriately documented for the A+ Coordinator.
· Summer School tutoring – A+ students can help with summer school. Students should check with the A+ Coordinator in the Spring to receive information about the summer school schedule.