STATEHOUSE (Aug. 27, 2020) – This new school year, State Rep. Matt Lehman (R-Berne) said there are opportunities for high school juniors and seniors to tutor young students in order to fulfill graduation requirements.
Lehman 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, Lehman 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.
"Every student learns differently and at their own pace," Lehman said. "Whether to get back into the mindset of school, tackle a complicated subject or even get ahead in your studies, a tutor can help. And, tutors can now earn academic credits. So it's a win-win for everyone who takes advantage of the opportunity."
To be eligible to participate in this program, Lehman 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.
Lehman supported the 2017 law creating Indiana's graduation pathways, which allows students to pursue opportunities that best meet their education and career goals.
To implement a tutoring program, schools can apply for a federal grant through the CARES Act. Applications are due by 4 p.m., Sept. 4, and can be found online at doe.in.gov/grants/title-iv.
Visit doe.in.gov/graduation-pathways for more information.
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State Rep. Matt Lehman (R-Berne) represents House District 79,
which includes all of Adams County and portions of Allen and Wells counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
