Educators
Developing a Multi-Year Program
In the beginning having just Peer Tutoring I is recommended, but remember
that peer tutoring should not be a stand-alone, one time class. Some students
do take peer tutoring and then decide that, for some reason, they did
not enjoy the class and do not want to take it again. Most of the peer
tutors will want to take the class again. They have developed new friendships,
found a way to help others, found a place to fit in themselves and help
others fit in, and found a sense of direction and may be a career path.
Many students will take the class several times.
Most high schools allow students to take peer tutoring once or twice.
Several high schools offer Peer Tutoring I – IV, with IV being for
those who want to pursuer a career in special education. The number of
classes allowed to be offered and taken depend on the guidelines that
your school has predetermined. When approaching the guidance counselors
and the administration about offering more levels of peer tutoring, prepare
a course syllabus and rationale for each
level to be discussed. If assistance is needed for the rationale, seek
the input from the special education director.
All peer tutors should compete all of the units in peer tutoring I or
II. The information provided in these units is detailed and set on a level
for anyone to understand. When working with a person with a disability,
it is important to understand some basic concepts and ideas. These ideas
and concepts are covered in the 11 units.
As peer tutors take higher levels, the assignments should become more
in-depth and detailed. Many of the assignments offered in the student
section for culminating activities would make great ones for additional
levels of peer tutoring. The number of assignments and the weight of the
assignments will have to be determined by the teacher. This is not available
on the web site.
The idea of peer tutoring IV is mainly for students wanting to pursue
a career in special education or a related field. When peer tutors are
pursuing a special education related field, it is very important that
the teacher get information about careers to the peer tutors. By doing
so, the peer tutors will have a better understanding as to what is available.
Information on different issues also needs to be given to the peer tutors.
Issues such as community options, transportation, rights, etc. For this
class fewer assignments may be given depending on the intensity.
Some recommendations for IV are;
*job shadowing different professions related to special education
(SLP, PT, OT, Job Coach, Sp. Ed. Director, Para-Educator, adult service
providers, supported employment specialist, etc.)
*spending lengths of time in an elementary or preschool MSD setting
*researching important court cases and public laws that have made a difference
for people with
disabilities
Tips for Teachers
Setting Up a Peer Tutor Program