What People Are Saying
Making a Difference
Sylvaine Robyn, Experience Corps member
The day I knew I was really making a difference was when the district-wide scores came in.
Let me start at the beginning. When I met third grader Tamica last October, I thought she was the most adorable little girl in the school. She was cute, polite, gentle and a great reader. I soon realized, however, that she was missing a solid foundation in math. She did not know why we add, subtract, or multiply.
We followed the exercises in the textbook and we drew pictures to help Tamica understand the concepts. We continued to work, week after week. We drew pictures, followed the exercises and drew more pictures.
One day the teacher announced that the class had earned one of the highest scores in the district. Tamica immediately looked at me - we exchanged smiles - and then the class began clapping and cheering. I will never forget how proud I felt. I did not try to hide my teary eyes.
There Are No Labels in Here
I was assigned to a boy I had seen rough housing in the hallway. I knew he got in trouble in the classroom and was often sent to the principal. We started working together, focusing on the lesson and reading. Reading was difficult for him. After about two or three weeks, he looked up from the book and asked why I did not get angry with him. I told him it was because he did not do anything wrong.
"But everyone calls me a trouble maker," he said.
"Not me," I answered. "There are no labels in here."
Ever since that day his reading has improved.
Our Future Leaders
Laurine Moore, Experience Corps member
I find it very rewarding to train these little minds to read, recognize letters, know numbers and tie their shoes. They need to know that somebody loves them so they can grow up to be our future leaders.
What Will You Teach Me?
Paul Egede, Experience Corps member
I like to tell the story about a young girl I worked with. The first time I met her, she really didn't like me. She said she did not need any tutoring.
"What will you teach me?" she asked. I said she needed to learn math.
"I don't need it," she said "I'll be a hairdresser."
"Oh yes you will need it," I told her. "How will you know how much to charge? How will you know how much to pay and how to make change?"
The next day she came to the tutoring room carrying her math book.
Improvements in All the Students
Elizabeth Harris, second grade teacher
I want to express my appreciation for the tutors who have been helping me teach this year. I have seen improvements in the work and performance of all the students who worked with tutors.
Reading Scores Rise
Mary Maul, principal, Scranton School
Over the past six years we have seen our reading scores rise from a dismal 13% pass rate to a 51% pass rate. We are slowly climbing that mountain, and without the help of Greater Cleveland Volunteers/Experience Corps tutors, our students would not be as close to the top as they are today.
Our tutors are priceless, and the Greater Cleveland Community will feel the results of their work for years to come - seniors feeling valued, students feeling loved and important in the life of an older person.
A Significant Change in Student Achievement
Katrinka Dean, principal, John W. Raper School
Since we've had Experience Corps in our school, we've seen a significant change in student achievement. Our school has many students who come from shelters, and the interaction with the Experience Corps members benefits them not only academically, but socially as well.
Now Proficient in Reading
Linda Busher, third grade teacher, K.W. Clement School
I can name six more children who came from a deficit in reading skills to proficient status! All of this happened because of the devoted tutors. I know that there are times that are challenging for them, but they are unflagging in their attendance, effort, and energy. The children have become comfortable with these wise ones in their midst and love them.
Family Activity Calendars
Norene Setta, Experience Corps member
We sent home activity calendars that the kids filled out with their parents. Sometimes I'd see the parents in the hall and they would ask me more about their child's work than they did before we sent these home. They became more interested in what their children were doing at school.
Still Working on the American Dream
Linda Busher, Third grade teacher at K.W. Clement School
Dear Mr. Gomperts,
My tutors are the BEST! Mrs. Bridges, Mrs. Cagle, and Mr. Rose are a tremendous asset to my third grade class and Kenneth W. Clement School. I have come to depend on them for so much. The children they work with have progressed immensely in reading and yes, we do at times sneak in a little math.
One particular child failed repeatedly in math. Yesterday, I am so proud to say, he had a perfect A+ paper! Gradually this student has been coming along with the help of my capable tutors. These are the successes that mean so much to me as a teacher and to the success of each student's life.
I can name six more children who came from a deficit in reading skills to proficient status! All of this happened because of my devoted tutors. I know that there are times that are challenging for them, but they are unflagging in their attendance, effort, and energy. My tutors are an asset to me and to the children. The children have become comfortable with these wise ones in their midst and love them.
Thank you for your tremendous program. I appreciate your efforts and the efforts of Mr. Young who is also such a magnificent coordinator. I would be glad to do a commercial for your organization at any time!
Wishing you the best,
Linda Busher
Third grade teacher at K.W. Clement School, Cleveland
It Takes a Village
Debra Bates, Kindergarten Teacher, Adlai Stevenson School
Recently, I received back the scores from diagnostic testing for my class. My students' scores from October to February have greatly improved. I believe that his was possible because of the amount of time that the tutors devoted to helping my students improve in those areas of academic need. I would like to extend my sincere gratitude and appreciation to the Experience Corps program.
To Whom It May Concern:
I would like to extend my sincere gratitude and appreciation to the Experience Corps program. This is my first year at Adlai Stevenson School and currently I teach regular education kindergarten students. I have taught in the Cleveland Municipal School District for 19 years and never had the opportunity to work with such dedicated tutors as I have this year. The tutors are extremely respectful of the needs of all the students in my classroom.
Recently, I received back the scores from diagnostic testing for my class. My students' scores from October to February have greatly improved. I believe that his was possible because of the amount of time that the tutors devoted to helping my students improve in those areas of academic need. Some of the tutors worked with small groups of students within my classroom as well as one-on-one tutoring during the schools day. Many days some of the tutors stayed past their scheduled day to assist my students. The students look forward to their time with the tutors.
It is said that it takes a village to raise a child, and the Experience Corps program helps make that possible. As we work together as a team we can ensure the success of all the students. I look forward to working with the program again next year.
Push Button Dictionary
Jerome Resnick, Experience Corps member
I work with the children as they write their vocabulary words for the week. When they come across a word they do not know, they are supposed to "knock on my door," by giving me a tap on my knee. We then use my electronic dictionary - which they call the push button dictionary - to look up the word.
One day one of my students, Brandon, began the session by using his pencils as drumsticks against the desk. Rather than asking him to stop, which of course I wanted him to do, I asked him if wanted to be a drummer when he grew up. Yes, he said, he did. He wanted to be in a rock and roll band. He was more excited about this than anything I had seen. We talked about the need for understanding rhythm and notation, and then I guided us back to reading the vocabulary words.
I showed up with three library books about drumming the next day. We started reading them together. Brandon's ability to understand words has improved since that day.
Small Steps
Charlene Connors, Experience Corps member
I walked quietly into the special education classroom, not knowing what to expect. I counted quickly - five boys, one girl. The teacher asked me to work with Alice, the obviously angry child who protested immediately. No she did not want help, no she did not want me to sit next to her, and no she would not read with me.
I learned quickly I couldn't even touch Alice's hand or shoulder, since she would jump away and cringe. We started with my sitting next to her, quietly encouraging her, trying to keep her on task in the classroom. She knew most of her alphabet but hadn't yet made the connection between alphabet sounds and words. We took small steps, and I set little goals.
After several weeks, Alice trusted me enough to sit with me right outside the classroom door. She "helped" me read, as I pointed to the easy words I knew she would know. Soon we were going to the library, picking out books and reading together. Alice started to sound out more words.
One day, Alice wanted to read in the library balcony. I was very pleased but, due to a health problem, going up the steps was difficult for me. I explained we would have to go very slowly. Quickly, Alice grabbed my hand and assured me she could help. And so we climbed slowly, hand in hand, up the library steps.
By the end of the year, Alice didn't need me to pick out books or point out words. She was very excited about reading, eagerly sounding out any words she didn't know, even bringing in books she wanted us to read.
By the end of the year, I no longer needed Alice's help to climb the stairs, but I never told her. We all need a helping hand at some point in our lives.
Reading Scores Have Improved Across the Board
Sylvia Aziz, Principal, John W. Raper School
"The Experience Corps tutors have made a great impact in our classrooms. This year's reading scores have improved across the board on our Benchmark Tests. We know that the one-on-one tutoring provided by the tutors has played a role in this achievement."
The Impact on my Students is Extraordinary.
Conrad E. Hamlet, Principal, Captain Arthur Roth Elementary School
"Several years ago I had the privilege of seeing Experience Corps in operation at Miles School here in Cleveland. I was so impressed with the program. When I became a principal, I inquired how I could get this program at my school because I understood the validity of the program and the impact it could have on my students at Captain Arthur Roth School.
The impact on my students is extraordinary. I have found that the academics of the students involved in this program to be positive to both the school and to the teachers. I have also found that the bonding between the students and the Experience Corps members is absolutely amazing. I cannot say enough to applaud the efforts of this program."
Professionalism, Expertise and Wisdom
Stacy Lambert-Johnson, Principal, Iowa Maple School
"Experience Corps is a vital part of Iowa Maple School. The tutors are committed and dedicated to the students and staff. Since my arrival two years ago, I have not heard one complaint from the students, parents and staff in regards to the Experience Corps tutors. In fact they are so much a part of the staff, that we include them in every event that we organize.
Their professionalism, expertise and wisdom is truly appreciated."
Our Children Read More Books
Christine M. Shaefer, Principal, Clara E. Westropp School
"The Experience Corps Program has enhanced our accelerated Reader Program by allowing our children to increase their reading levels through reading more books."
Help with Test Scores and Skills
Joyce Cummings, Principal, Albert B. Hart School
"Experience Corps members have truly helped our students with reading test scores and skills."
A Fantastic Resource
"Experience Corps is a fantastic resource for our at risk students. The time and remediation given to our students makes an impact in their educational lives."
Mrs. Robinson is Great!
Zenele Lester, Teacher, AB Hart School
"Mrs. Robinson is doing an excellent job with the students. She tutors in my classroom. The students are excelling in reading comprehension, writing and social skills. Mrs. Robinson is great!"
Tremendous Improvement in Reading and Writing
Katurah Johnson, Kindergarten Teacher, Almira K-8 Academy
"My students who are tutored by Mr. Pichon have shown tremendous improvement in reading and writing."
All Ten Words Right!
Margaret Vance, Experience Corps member
One morning the teacher asked if I would work with a new student who had never attended preschool, much less kindergarten, and only knew the alphabet. I was tutoring first graders at the time, but of course I accepted her.
Aurielle was energetic, but also very shy. She looked away when we spoke. When we first met we agreed to work hard together. Now, just four months later, Aurielle reads with confidence and speaks loudly and clearly.
When I come into the classroom she cannot wait to point to her spelling tests. They are on the bulletin board for everyone to see. She gets all ten words right, every week!