Study Buddies
Overview by Laura Stier, High School Math Teacher
For many schools, looking at proficiency test results for their students is a frustrating experience. Year after year, I am greatly encouraged that our students' passing rates are consistently high, pointing to how thoroughly prepared they are academically.
However, there are schools where there is great concern over low test scores. Tree of Life students have an opportunity to help students who struggle in this area through an organization called Study Buddies. In this program, our high school students mentor elementary school students in the Short North who desperately need the academic support. We began five years ago by partnering with the Columbus Worship Center and two area Columbus Public elementary schools to provide academic help for their students.
The staff at Arts Impact Middle School (AIMS), an alternative middle school in the Columbus Public School District, was so impressed with the work of one of their students who came through the Study Buddies program that they asked us to help their students. Approximately 35 "Tree" students are stepping up to that challenge.
Each week, our students, along with some from Worthington Christian High School, are paired up with 50 sixth graders from AIMS. They go through a workbook designed to improve their proficiency test scores in reading and math. After each session, they see a marked improvement in that child's work.
Our students have been blessed with a wealth of knowledge that they can use to bless those in need. The students at AIMS look forward to spending time with their study buddies each week, and the staff at AIMS is very thankful for what we bring to their students.