Service-Learning

Ongoing Programs at Woodward

Outside of courses, "K" students staff after-school math and writing programs and in-class literacy programs.  These have raised Michigan Educational Assessment Program scores, and math enrichment programs improve access for low income and minority students to academically talented programs, which lead to college. 

• PALS After-School  Program
  

About 40 “K” and Woodward students  work one-on-one in this tutoring program to improve math and writing skills.   Designed by Math Facilitator June Marlett and coordinated by a “K” Civic Engagement Scholar, PALS has effectively improved academic performance for over eight years.

• Literacy Tutors 

Assigned to specific classrooms, “K” students work with small groups of children or individuals to improve reading and writing.  “K” tutors work with children on leveled books, Project Optimize, phonics, letter recognition, and so on.         

Program History:

Our KPS partnership began in 1997 with the Woodward School, a K-6 boundary magnet two blocks from “K,” and this is still our most complex partnership:  Every year, Woodward’s 350 - 400 pupils welcome over 125 students in service-learning courses, and about 30 volunteers and 40 federal work study students from “K” - each committing three or more hours a week for at least a 10-week quarter.  

Requirements:

Each quarter, all students must attend a mandatory orientation/training session, complete appropriate paperwork, and attend mandatory reflection sessions throughout the term.

Location: Woodward School, 606 Stuart Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49006

Program Times: PALS meets Tuesday and Thursday from 3-4:30pm; literacy tutors work from 8:00am-3:00pm depending on student and teacher schedules

Position: Tutor (volunteer or federal work study positions available)