The Brockton Public Schools is seeking 20 AmeriCorps members to lead daily, small group early literacy tutoring in five elementary schools for the 2018-2019 school year. AmeriCorps members will be responsible for 20 students each, delivering evidence-based Leveled Literacy Intervention to groups of four students in grades K-3 who are 1-1.5 years behind grade level in reading.
Service Activities
AmeriCorps Early Literacy Tutor Responsibilities:
• Responsible for 20 students each, delivering evidence-based Leveled Literacy Intervention (LLI) to small groups of four students in grades K-3.
• Track student progress through administering pre-and post-Fountas & Pinnell (F & P) Benchmark Assessments.
• Effectively manage student groups to ensure safety of all students.
• Participate in a five-day training in LLI early literacy intervention and assessments before the school year begins, and on-going professional development training and support throughout the school year.
Community Need Addressed
The AmeriCorps - Brockton Public School Early Literacy project will address 5 elementary schools that are among the lowest performing per state education agency accountability standards: Angelo, Arnone, Baker, Brookfield, and George. Arnone and Baker are turnaround schools, among the lowest 10% of schools statewide, at risk of dropping from Level 3 to Level 4 status. Level 4 schools are the lowest performing based on 4-year trends in absolute achievement, student growth and improvement on the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS).
Unmet needs are reflected in persistent academic achievement gaps among K to 3 students in these 5 schools with an average poverty rate of 54.2% compared to 30.2% statewide. Overall, more than 75% (77.25%) of the students scored below proficient on the 2015-16 MCAS test. The 2016-17 Star early literacy assessment revealed dire results with all 5 schools averaging below grade level, with the exception of Baker grade K averaging on grade-level target.
Position Outcomes
AmeriCorps Early Literacy Tutors for Brockton Public Schools will deliver the evidence based literacy intervention, Leveled Literacy Intervention (LLI) to small-groups ( 4 students per group) for literacy tutoring in 40-minute blocks each school day, 5 days per week for at least 36 weeks. As a result, the Brockton Public Schools will close early reading skills gaps among targeted economically disadvantaged students in grades K to 3.
Anticipated short, mid, and long term outcomes that will occur due to this service are:
1. At least 80% of students who begin the intervention will complete it.
2. At least 80% of students will show improved academic performance, measured by students’ advancing at least of four LLI reading levels by the end of the 2018-19 school year per LLI Benchmark pre- versus post-test results.
3. Students will have improved motivation for reading as measured by positive results of a pre- and post- oral attitude survey.
4. Students will have improved attendance and behavior.
5. Students will attain literacy skills and overall academic proficiency so that they are prepared for college and career in an increasingly competitive global economy.
Benefits
Childcare assistance if eligible, Education award upon successful completion of service, Health coverage, Living allowance, Non-competitive eligibility (federal jobs), Relocation allowance (if applicable), Stipend, Student loan forbearance, Training
Training and experience in Leveled Literacy Intervention, a nationally acclaimed model of early literacy intervention, currently used in over 6,000 public and private schools and districts across the U.S.
Skills you will gain
Tutoring, Teaching, Classroom Management,
Competencies You Will Develop
Communication
Demonstrate sensitivity and empathy, Lead group discussion, Listen to and consider others' viewpoints, Maintain open lines of communication with others, Speak clearly, in precise language and in a logical, organized and coherent manner, Turn taking, Write cleary and effectively
Creativity & Problem Solving
Able to identify and define the problem, Capable of generating possible solutions, Communicate the problem to appropriate personnel, Improvise, Provide relevant expertise, Select and implement well-considered solution
Teamwork
Derive consensus, Develop constructive working relationships and maintain them over time, Establish a high degree of trust and credibility with others, Interact professionally and respectfully with supervisors and co-workers, Stay positive and outcome oriented, Use appropriate strategies and solutions for dealing with conflicts and differences to maintain a smooth workflow
Decisions
Accepts responsibility, Anticipate the consequences of decisions, Identify and prioritize the key issues involved to facilitate the decision making process, Involve people appropriately in decisions that may impact them, Quickly respond with a back-up plan if a decision goes amiss
Tools
Carefully consider which tools or technological solutions are appropriate for a given job, Consistently choose the best tool or technological solution for the problem at hand, Operate tools and equipment in accordance with established operating procedures, safety standards, and ethical guidelines, Seek opportunities to improve knowledge of tools and technologies that may assist in streamlining work and improving productivity
Planning
Able to prioritize various competing tasks, Create environment of contribution, Create plan of action, schedule tasks so that work is completed on time, Demonstrate the effective allocation of time and resources efficiently, Drive decision making, Effectively delegate tasks, Facilitate group planning, Set goals
Service
Be pleasant, courteous, professional and respectful when dealing with internal and external customers or clients, Evaluate customer or client satisfaction, Honor the privilege of being able to work with and for those being served, Provide personalized, prompt, and efficient service to meet the requirements, requests and needs of customers, Recognize the importance of maintaining privacy and confidentiality of those being served, Understand and anticipate the needs of others, Understand the importance of one's role in the functioning of the organization, Understand the significance of maintaining a healthful and safe environment