Partners in Learning (PINL) offers afterschool and summer tutoring programs through partner schools and community organization sites for low income students to strengthen literacy and math skills. There are currently 44 sites in Prince George’s and Montgomery Counties. Most of the students currently enrolled in the program are elementary school age children, although some programs do serve middle school and high school students. Students are instructed by certified teachers, para educators, and individuals in teacher training programs. Instruction takes place 3-4 days a week in groups of 3-5 students meeting with an individual instructor. There is no cost to students, their parents, or the host site for this service.
A typical program takes place from Monday through Thursday and begins and ends at times designated by the site. Children in programs at local schools are taught by professional staff employed by that site. Community centers combine the after school literacy program with their recreation and enrichment activities. Progress is measured through the administration of pre- and post-tests. An important feature of the literacy program is the gift of all the books the children have read in their small groups. By the end of the school year, students will have added numerous fiction and nonfiction books to their home library.
Partners in Learning is consistent with the federal “No Child Left Behind” legislation that is aimed at eliminating the academic achievement gap between children from low income areas and children that grow up in more affluent areas. It also supports the national research that emphasizes the critical nature of all students reading at or above grade level. The goal is to provide children with the additional instruction to attain the achievement level commensurate with their peers.
Interested parties who are interested in enrolling their child may contact partner schools or community sites to request your child’s enrollment at that host site.
For more information please contact the Commonweal Foundation (located in Silver Spring, Maryland) at 240-450-0000 or email program staff at pinl@cweal.org