In
developing the PALS Program, my goal was to assist with the at-risk children at
the elementary school. I have been
amazed at the things I have witnessed the last several months.
In
the beginning, I saw a need to assist with behavior problems and academic needs at
the elementary level, and I felt it could be achieved possibly through a PALS
program with my high school honors class. My goal was to give the students assignments with the younger peers, watch them carry out their assignments, mentor them as they tutored and mentored their elementary students. As they tutored them, my hopes were that they
would build positive relationships with the younger students. The goal was for the high school students to become role models for the the younger students. Each student was successful in this and did accomplish this goal. Each elementary student had a PAL by the end of the semester. The end result was to share their accomplishments with the class.
In developing this PAL program I was honored to see as many positive changes in the high school students as in the
elementary students. The teenagers were amazed
with the needs and problems of the younger students. Many of the high school students raised from the
same families as the elementary students and took on the responsibility of assisting with the needs of the younger students because they understood them as they had lived the same life, they knew what they were going through at home each evening and didn't have help in their neighborhoods, many were in the same families and same economic backgrounds.
The high school students were changed and touched by these younger children as I knew they would be; however, the high school students were somewhat taken back by the things they learned from the elementary students. They were also forever touched by the experiences they had during this semester. This program has not only changed the lives of the elementary students, but it has also made a dramatic difference in the lives of the older students as well. I have had two students tell me since this program started that they have decided they want to be teachers now just because of the PALS Program and being able to reach out and make a difference in a kid’s life.
The high school students were changed and touched by these younger children as I knew they would be; however, the high school students were somewhat taken back by the things they learned from the elementary students. They were also forever touched by the experiences they had during this semester. This program has not only changed the lives of the elementary students, but it has also made a dramatic difference in the lives of the older students as well. I have had two students tell me since this program started that they have decided they want to be teachers now just because of the PALS Program and being able to reach out and make a difference in a kid’s life.
The
PALS Program has helped improve the academics and behavior for the elementary
students throughout the semester, decreasing the discipline referrals by 23% starting in January until at the end of the semester in May. The reward for the students is
to behave for the week, they get to attend PALS on
Friday with their PALS HS Buddy and get a prize.
Academically, students grades K-6th grade have increased by 14% since PALS started January until now in May.
It is also important to note that all HS honor students grades have remained as A's and behavior has only gotten better as they have worked in the PALS program.
The PALS program started out with twenty three students, and after twelve weeks the program is now taking thirty two students. I have twenty one students in my honors class that takes care of all thirty two students, and handles that load well, so they are doubling up on students when they tutor students
Academically, students grades K-6th grade have increased by 14% since PALS started January until now in May.
It is also important to note that all HS honor students grades have remained as A's and behavior has only gotten better as they have worked in the PALS program.
The PALS program started out with twenty three students, and after twelve weeks the program is now taking thirty two students. I have twenty one students in my honors class that takes care of all thirty two students, and handles that load well, so they are doubling up on students when they tutor students
Assessments
have taken place at the end of each six weeks period by checking grades to see
if progress is being made academically.
Also, I have checked discipline referrals for each child in the
program. I also sent out surveys at the
end of each six weeks to each teacher that checked for progress academically
and for progress on behavior in the classroom.
The
high school students write reflections each week of what they have experienced during
the week with their student(s). It has been an overwhelming experience for
everyone. The PALS program has been a great success for the HS, the elementary and school as a district.
As a teacher, I hope that this program will continue as a full time program next year and the years to follow. It is a little time consuming for a teacher, but very rewarding and worthwhile for every student involved. It would be detrimental to see a program like this end due to lack of motivation of a teacher.
Kuddos to the motivation and love of the students,
Karena Prew
As a teacher, I hope that this program will continue as a full time program next year and the years to follow. It is a little time consuming for a teacher, but very rewarding and worthwhile for every student involved. It would be detrimental to see a program like this end due to lack of motivation of a teacher.
Kuddos to the motivation and love of the students,
Karena Prew
