Since I was in first grade I have been a fan of Dr. Seuss and his friends. This quote, although the intent is environmental, speaks to me about education. So many of today's K-12 students are not doing well academically. If they are not reading by the third or fourth grades, they begin to fall further and further behind. Not knowing their math facts will have a lasting, negative impact as they tackle algebra and geometry in middle and high school, Approximately 85 percent of the "behaviors" in high school are attributed to students unable to read and compute math on grade level. These students find it more appealing to misbehave and be suspended than admit they cannot do the work. This tragedy is happening in schools across the country. In my humble opinion (and professional experience), many factors contribute to the students' struggles. However, I know kindness, empathy, a positive attitude, researched-based teaching methods, and intensive one-on-one help are the antidote. We use all of those tools at VCLA Tutoring.I am pleased that 100 percent of the students who attended tutoring regularly and throughout this past school year made fantastic gains and passed their SOLs. Our incredible teachers work hard to motivate students and help them build upon their strengths. As their confidence soars, their grades improve.
Many students in King George and the surrounding counties need our services. Two factors prevent their coming to us for help: 1. Their families do not know about us; or 2. Their parents do not have the funds to pay for tutoring. These students need your help.
What can you do? Spread the word about the work we do. Invite us to speak with your church group, your co-workers, your neighborhood associations, and your civic and community organizations. Provide a scholarship for one child to attend tutoring. If the tuition is too much for you alone, partner with a coworker, neighbor, or relative. Perhaps your church, civic organization, or community group would provide a scholarship.
How do you find a child who needs help? Talk with the guidance counselors and social workers at the schools; ask them to choose a child who needs help. Talk with church officials. Most likely there is at least one child in your congregation who needs help. Talk with the workers at the Department of Social Services.
Twenty-nine KIng George students dropped out of school during the 2014-2015 school year. Do you know that each one of those dropouts will cost taxpayers $250,000 during the remainder of his or her lifetime (U.S. Dept. of Ed statistics)? A relatively small investment now will pay big dividends in the future.
It often is said it takes a village to raise a child. With all public school teachers are tasked to do, they cannot do this alone. Teachers need the community's help. That's why I pay taxes, you say? Yes, you do. But in today's complex world, it is not enough. The sad reality is if you do not invest in education when the children are young, your tax dollars will pay their medical expenses, their food bills, their housing needs, the cost of their stay in prisons and much more. What is the better investment for your hard-earned dollars?
The community must step up now and support the children who need intensive one-on-one academic help. The children want to learn. They want to graduate from high school. They want to feel successful. So I quote the Lorax, "Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing will get better. It's not."
Contact VCLA Tutoring today to learn how you can help. Call (540) 625-2184, or visit vclatutoring.com.
