Georgetown University

Tutor Resources and Links

D.C. Schools Project is an efficient, well-run program that provides a lot of support to its tutors and does a lot of much needed good in the D.C. neighborhoods.
- DCSP Tutor

We hope that this section will address most of your needs as a tutors.  Of course, if you have issues that are not covered by the resources here, you can contact the DCSP staff. 

• Links to more ideas for tutoring activities on the Web!
• Where do I find the most frequently used forms?
• What should I do with my tutee during the first few weeks?
• How do a build a relationship with my tutee?
• What are some promising literacy strategies I should include in my plan?
• How do I manage my tutee's behavior and increase his/her motivation?
• Can I take my tutee out for an outing?
• What if my tutee, his/her family, or adult student has an issue that I or DCSP cannot address directly?
• Where can I find basic information about ESL programs and students in D.C. Public Schools?
• Where can I learn more about issues related to education and immigration, both locally and nationally?

Where do I find the most frequently used forms?

• Lesson Log
• Tutee Assessment Form

How do a build a relationship with my tutee?

• The Interest Inventory booklet
• Activities for building relationship
• Tips for working with different age groups

How do I assess my tutee's literacy levels... and what do I do afterwards?

• Tutee Assessment Form
• Instructions for assessing your tutee
• Using assessment data to set goals and track progress
• Using assessment data to design activities that will get your tutee to "the next level" of literacy development

What are some promising literacy strategies I should include in my plan?

• Speaking and listening activities
• Reading aloud with reluctant readers
• Comprehension activities
• Literature extension activities after reading a story
• Writing activities
• Key concepts in phonics and phonemic awareness
• Tips for working with ESL students

Can I take my tutee out for an outing?

If you would like to take your tutee for an outing, you must follow the following procedures. You should plan at least one week in advance.

1. Look for interesting activities that expose your tutee to something new.
2. See if there are any fellow tutors who would like to join you. It’s a more efficient use of our time and resources if more people go. It also helps with liability issues.
3. Get written permission from your tutee’s parents by completing a permission slip.
4. Make a copy of the permission slip and give it to the DCSP Director. Parents keep the top portion of the form and the tutor keeps the bottom portion. 
5. Arrange for transportation. You have several choices.
   • Use public transportation. Go to www.wmata.com to find the best route.  (The program can reimburse you for the expense.)
   • Reserve a CSJ van if you are a certified driver.
   • Ask your coordinator to see if he or she can help transport you to and from campus. 

What if my tutee, his/her family, or adult student has an issue that I or DCSP cannot address directly?

• Contact your coordinator and/or the DCSP Director.
• Complete the Resource Referral Form and submit it to the Community Liaison so that s/he can locate professionals in the community to help your tutee, his/her family, or adult student.

Where can I find basic information about ESL programs and students in D.C. Public Schools?

• How ESL programs work in public schools
• National and local statistics about ESL students
• Office of Bilingual Education of the D.C. Public Schools

Where can I learn more about issues related to education and immigration, both locally and nationally?

• Visit the "Documents" section of the DCSP Blackboard site for a collection of articles and reports about education and immigration.
• Keep up with the latest on immigration reform from reports by the New York Times and Washington Post.
• Visit the National Clearinghouse for English Language Acquisition.