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Partners in Learning

It's amazing what a little TLC and individual attention from a trained volunteer can do for students who find themselves falling behind their classmates. The potential that can be unlocked is enormous.

"It's wonderful to see the difference we can make in a child's life," said Harriett McGurk, who has been a volunteer tutor for over 10 years with the Friends of Literacy Society in Pincher Creek. "It is really satisfying work."

Sometimes students just need that little bit of individual - attention that they can't get in the classroom. According to Kathy Day, Pincher Creek Literacy Coordinator, "The Partnership Approach to Literacy [PALs] program works with students who form the largest potential drop-out pool in schools. These are the kids who can easily fall through the cracks." These students may be from six months to two years behind their classmates in reading skills. They're found in any grade from Kindergarten to Grade 12, with most in the elementary and middle school years. Students find themselves falling behind for any number of reasons — illness, class size, or learning styles.

"Because we work one-on-one, we can individualize our - approach and work to each student's learning strengths," said Kathy. Research done by members of Senior students help out younger counterparts the University of Lethbridge has proven that the program works. It has made a pronounced difference in the lives of all the students who have taken part in it.

Since 1989, more than 500 volunteers in Pincher Creek alone — both adults and more senior students — have been trained and have worked one-on-one with younger students. “The community has recognized the value of this worthwhile project," Kathy explained. "We know that because the School Division is willing to pay for half of the cost of the program."

Networking in support of literacy programs is a time-consuming and exhausting process, but a vital one. The Foundation's support of the Pincher Creek program has enabled literacy coordinators across Southern Alberta to come together to discuss the many issues and challenges they all face. As Kathy added, "It's very encouraging for us to be able to meet and share ideas and strategies."