Components of
S.T.A.R. Academy are designed to to continue in
the learning development and process of our students, tutor/mentors,
and parents. We believe that learning is a constantly
evolving process that progresses through life.
Throughout the links, you will find components of S.T.A.R.
Academy that are integral to these beliefs and important
to the continued success of S.T.A.R. Academy.
One
on One Tutoring
Hands
On Learning
Communication
Skills
Tutor
Monitoring and Communication Network
Computer
Workshops for Parents
One on One Tutoring
Every S.T.A.R. Saturday includes one on one time between tutor and tutee. During this time, tutors assist tutees in completing their homework,
studying for tests, planning and executing projects, and
working ahead in their textbooks. This time focuses on academic work, not searching the web for their
favorite music group or drawing on the chalkboard. (Tutors should consult parents, staff, or other tutors if they need ideas for tutoring time.) The one one one session usually lasts about an hour and 20 minutes.
Guidelines for One on One Tutoring:
Each tutee is expected to bring books and writing utensils.
The tutor is the adult.
Bathroom trips should be taken during lunch, not tutoring time.
Food and drinks are not allowed during tutoring time.
Computers should be used only during the last 30 minutes
of the
session, and only for class projects.
If the tutee has no homework, the pair must review or work
ahead.
Resource material is available if needed.
Please do not write on the chalkboards.
Please respect the tutor and the other adults.
Throughout the Saturdays, we ask that tutors check on all
subjects.
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Hands On Learning
The
hands on learning session is facilitated by Lehigh faculty
in the areas of computer engineering, physics, chemistry,
environmental sciences, business and economics, and theater. These
programs expose students to various academic departments
and encourage learning and careers in these areas.
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Communication Skills
The communication skills component is designed for both middle and high school students. The session aims
to increase their critical thinking, reading/writing,
and general communication skills. Generally, one volunteer
teacher and one teacher's assistant conduct
the classes each S.T.A.R. Saturday for each grade.
The session takes place before lunch from 10:00 a.m.-12:00
p.m. Curriculum consists of reading pre-selected magazine
or newspaper current events articles, discussing critical
thinking questions, writing a reflective response based
on reading material, and developing and improving presentation skills. The communication skills session is flexible; our volunteer teachers adapt
their curriculum to the needs of their students.
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Tutor Monitoring and Communication Network
The S.T.A.R. Academy has established a communication network to enable the advisory board
to easily communicate with tutors regarding tutor and tutee relationships,
and provide a forum for constructive feedback for tutors.
Goals:
1. Engender relationships between S.T.A.R. staff and students. Create a system where tutors can become
more familiar with other tutors, advisory board members
and vice versa.
2. Elicit feedback from tutors concerning the program.
3. Provide support for tutors via close relationship with the advisory board. (For instance, if any disciplinary action or other intervention is needed,
tutors will have the needed support.)
Process:
1. Each tutor liaison contacts his/her group of tutors once
per month to inquire about the tutor/tutee
relationship and constructive feedback regarding S.T.A.R.
During the first S.T.A.R. Saturday of each month all tutors meet with their assigned groups at lunch. The groups discusses concerns regarding S.T.A.R., and brainstorm innovative ideas and solutions to current or future
problems of S.T.A.R. Academy.
2. The tutor liaison gathers and reports his/her group's comments to the
designated Advisory Board Liaison.
3. Advisory Board Liaisons report to the entire board during regular meetings.
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Computer Workshops for Parents
Plans
are currently underway to offer various workshops
for parents. Computer training for beginners,
MS Word, email, and Internet are all possible workshop topics. Further details for
workshops will be forthcoming.
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