Increased Kindergarten Reading Scores Linked to Community-Based Tutoring in Denver
In Denver, a unique tutoring initiative has led to a significant improvement in kindergarten reading scores. This success is attributed to a group of local fathers who share a bilingual background with the students they assist.
Research indicates that tutoring can be instrumental in enhancing students’ reading abilities. However, as demonstrated by a Denver school, tutors who share the same community and cultural background as their students can make an even more substantial impact. This was reported by Jenny Brundin from Colorado Public Radio.
Gabriel Martinez, a tutor, engages his students with enthusiasm and patience. He uses word cards to teach the letter G, encouraging students to practice sounds. “Everybody say, guh,” he prompts, and the children respond in unison.
Martinez’s rapport with the students is evident. As a father to a first-grader at the school, his connection with the community is both personal and professional. “There’s something very natural and paternal that I feel towards all of the kids,” Martinez shares.
Emulating the successful Oakland Liberator Model, the school employs local parents as tutors. This program empowers community members and provides focused reading support to students below grade level.
Samy Alkaihal, the program manager at Rocky Mountain Prep Ruby Hill, emphasizes the advantage of involving parents. “They knew our kids better than we did,” Alkaihal notes. The approach not only engages students but also fosters a sense of belonging.
At the start of the year, Rocky Mountain Prep hired 22 tutors, including the “Ruby Hill Boyz”—a group of four men who are mostly fathers. The addition of a female tutor has led to their new moniker, the “Ruby Boyz and Fedy girl.”
Christian Lopez Torres, another tutor, connects deeply with his students. “I know their backgrounds. I know everything,” he explains, recognizing the importance of having a relatable adult presence for the young learners.
Lopez Torres’ familiarity with the students’ experiences enhances his tutoring. He understands the challenges faced by children of immigrant parents and strives to provide them with support and comfort, even through simple greetings in Spanish.
Initially pursuing a career in nursing, Lopez Torres found his true calling in education. His enthusiasm is evident as he details the tutoring curriculum designed to guide students from learning sounds to reading full sentences.
The effectiveness of small group tutoring is echoed by third-grader Katia Fortonel, who appreciates the focused attention away from a large classroom setting. Her improved reading scores highlight the success of the program.
Gabriel Martinez has observed remarkable progress, noting that a single nine-week session resulted in a year and a half of reading growth for some students, particularly at the kindergarten level. A national study supports these findings.
“Literacy is justice. Everybody deserves to be able to read,” Martinez asserts. His involvement in the program has not only benefited the students but has also inspired him to pursue further education and a career as a special education teacher.
