Joanne Caniglia and Rhonda Hylton in The School of Teaching, Learning and Curriculum Studies have been awarded a Statewide Mathematics and Literacy Tutoring Grant from the Ohio Department of Education.
Because of the significant gap in learning generated by COVID, KSU will partner with Ravenna and Barberton Middle Schools, where approximately 30 - 40 tutors from four teacher education programs (Secondary, Middle Childhood, Early Childhood, and Special Education) will meet three times a week throughout the academic year with students most in need of additional academic support.
“Our robust Mathematics and Literacy Education programs are poised to support and sustain tutoring for dozens of local students,” said Professor Joanne Caniglia, Ph.D., who worked with Assistant Professor Rhonda Hylton, Ph.D., to secure the loan.
As such, the tutoring program will include 120 students between grades 5 through 8 divided equally between Barberton and Ravenna Middle Schools, which have long-standing partnerships with Kent State, and have created special schedules to promote high-dosage tutoring.
The KSU Bureau of Research will conduct data analysis that includes surveys for self-efficacy, satisfaction surveys, formative assessments, and pre/post state testing in language arts and mathematics.
Kent State’s tutoring program will benefit middle school students and Kent State students studying to become teachers. KSU preservice teachers will satisfy field requirements and potentially secure positions as student teachers.
“This project will facilitate the essential communication needed among tutors, teachers, site-based managers, and university project staff,” said Hylton. “Weekly meetings will enable content that aligns with standards and provides opportunities for students and staff to discuss assessment data.”
Dialogue related to assessment data is rare for preservice teachers, thus offering an opportunity for these instructors to use information and be accountable during field experiences. Preservice teachers will be assigned one to three students depending on the need for individualized tutoring. Placement of students within small groups will be determined by school personnel. Special education instructors from the two schools will be an essential partner in the tutor/student selection.
The Ohio Department of Education is the administrative department of the Ohio state government responsible for primary and secondary public education. The Ohio State Board of Education is the governing body of the department and is responsible for overseeing the department.