Ready to volunteer? Heart Math Tutoring makes it easy. [Partner]
You’ve got a great job, a promising relationship, brunch friends and you carpool to work. Still feel like something is missing? We’ve got the answer. Heart Math Tutoring helps economically disadvantaged elementary students in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools build solid math foundations through one-on-one tutoring sessions.
Did you know 60 percent of economically disadvantaged children in CMS schools perform below grade level in math? Having strong foundational math skills is critical to long-term success both in school and in the workforce and this is where you come in.
Need more convincing? Watch us dispel these myths C5 style.
Myth #1: I have to be a math pro
This program follows a detailed curriculum and incorporates fun games and hands-on activities with cubes, cards and other manipulatives. Heart Math Tutoring provides the materials, activities and training. All you have to do is commit to one hour a week and prepare to make a new friend and put a smile on a student’s face.
Myth #2: I won’t know what to do
Heart Math Tutoring offers tons of training and support so you’ll be ready. Your first session is an hour-long orientation. You’ll learn the ins and outs of becoming a volunteer rockstar including how the sessions are structured and information about presenting the curriculum. The help keeps coming with email communication, opportunities for additional training and a supportive onsite Heart staff person.
Myth #3: The kids won’t like me
Oh come on, what’s not to love? You will work with the same student throughout the year accomplishing academic goals and building a positive relationship. All this one-on-one time will foster a strong connection. Like your mother always told you, just be yourself.
Myth #4: I will have a conflict with my schedule and miss a tutoring session
Keeping the weekly commitment is important for you and the student, but things do come up. There are several ways to build some flexibility into the tutoring schedule. You can sign up with a friend or colleague and cover for each other or swap days when more flexibility is needed. You can also occasionally switch days and reschedule. Keep your Heart Coordinator in the loop and you will be good to go.
Myth #5: Am I really going to make a difference?
Absolutely! But we will let the 2015/2016 stats do the talking.
- 98% of Heart students tutored to date have met program growth goals in math, set in partnership with elementary math experts at CMS and UNCC
- Heart students began the year with 28 percent of foundational skills needed, based on grade level standards. By the end of the year, they grew to now have 59 percent of the skills they need, cutting the gap in half
- 96% of surveyed teachers believe their students showed increased interest in and/or confidence about math as a result of Heart Math Tutoring
- 99% of surveyed volunteers believe they had a positive influence on their student’s confidence about and understanding of math
- 100% of surveyed volunteers rated their experience as positive, and 99% would recommend Heart to friends and colleagues.
Ready to volunteer or need more information? Start here. Thanks for considering!
This story was originally published August 29, 2016 at 9:00 PM.