STATEHOUSE (July 31, 2020) – When students begin school in the coming weeks, a new opportunity to fulfill graduation requirements will be available to high school juniors and seniors to tutor younger students, according to State Rep. Bob Heaton (R-Terre Haute).
Heaton said students can experience some form of learning loss over summer break, meaning they do not retain some of the lessons they learned the previous school year, but most are typically able to relearn these lessons quickly. However, because students participated in remote- or e-learning due to COVID-19, a recent NWEA report estimates some children could begin the 2020-2021 school year up to nearly a full grade level behind their peers in some subject areas. To help bridge this gap, Heaton said schools can implement the Indiana Department of Education's newly developed Indiana Tutoring Fellowship, which will fulfill the Service-Based Learning Experience under Graduation Pathway Requirement #2.
"This public health emergency has set many students back and may require additional help," Heaton said. "Tutoring is an excellent way for juniors and seniors to re-engage in their learning while also benefitting younger students who need assistance, so they can catch up to their peers."
To be eligible to participate in this program, Heaton said students must be a high school junior or senior, maintain at least a 3.0 GPA and be in good behavioral standing. The IDOE recommends tutoring sessions take place virtually, but if students are permitted to meet face-to-face, social distancing must be followed. Tutors will work with students in kindergarten through eighth grade.
Heaton supported the 2017 law creating Indiana's graduation pathways, which allows students to pursue opportunities that best meet their education and career goals.
Visit doe.in.gov/graduation-pathways for more information.
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State Rep. Bob Heaton (R-Terre Haute) represents House District 46,
which includes portions of Clay, Monroe, Owen and Vigo counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
