Mount Carmel School to expand its tutoring program

  Mount Carmel School will expand its federal tutoring program beginning this school year to accommodate more students who might need assistance.

MCS vice principal for curriculum and instruction Bobby Baldazo said yesterday that the institution’s federally funded Title I tutoring program will be continued and expanded for the upcoming school year 2012-2013.

Last year, the program provided individualized tutoring in math and English after school to help students bring their performance in these subjects up to grade level. The program also uses formative assessments to monitor a student’s progress.

This coming school year, the program will be shifted to a “pull-out” schedule offered during normal class hours. This new schedule will help the program reach more students who might need tutoring. The school will also provide tutors with more classroom space and is currently renovating those classrooms.

“This program has already closed the achievement gap for many students. We expect to help even more students next year with high quality of instruction and comprehensive reform strategies and methods,” said Baldazo.

He said the program’s expansion is part of a paradigm shift at Mount Carmel School. “We are committed to helping every student succeed.”

Early this month, the school’s board approved an extra-curricular credit policy for students and bared plans to adopt the national standards for Catholic schools.

Beginning this school year, the institution will also earmark its education tax credit donations to scholarship and financial assistance for its students and also launched a new learning service program.

Last school year, the CNMI Public School System transitioned from Title V programs into Title I programs. According to the U.S. Department of Education, Title I, Part A (Title I) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act provides financial assistance to local educational agencies and schools with high numbers or high percentages of children from low-income families to help ensure that all children meet challenging state academic standards.

PSS Title I coordinator Justo Quitugua informed the school that the expanded program will also include training for teachers and parents.

“The Title I Program will coordinate and provide trainings throughout the school year to teachers and parents and or guardians. These trainings will enhance their instructional delivery and also help parents and guardians assist their children with their school work at home,” he said.

By Moneth Deposa
Reporter