In-class tutoring opens ‘Gateway to success’

Writer: Breehan Yohe-Mellor
August 30, 2007
Filed under Uncategorized

Students struggling to get good grades may want to look for the “G” when signing up for classes next semester.

The G denotes classes listed in the schedule that are part of the Gateway to Success Program, a free in-class tutoring program known simply as Gateway to those familiar with it.

” The main goal was to form a support program for students who are struggling or want to do something extra outside of class,” said Dr. Jack R.Ullom, dean of Educational Programs and Student Success who helped design the program.

These special classes provide a trained instructional aide who is present in the classroom and able to tutor groups of students outside the classroom, as well. The aide is either a student who did well in the class or is in a graduate program.

Over 70 percent of college freshman entering City College assess below college academic levels. Classes that provide Gateway assistance target at-risk students and are mostly the classes required to take in order to complete general education, majors, associate’s degrees, or transfer fulfillments.

The special courses are in specific film studies, political science, Chicano history, Microsoft Office, financial accounting, global studies, U.S. history, economics, psychology, math, English and English Skills classes.

Bronwen Moore, a Math 100 instructor, arranges for tutor Cindy Enrique to meet with students an hour before class every day and although it is not a requirement.

Enrique said she gets to know her students as individuals, to better understand how they learn.

” I have experienced less stress in my studies. I’m positive I wouldn’t pass this class without [Gateway],” said Brooke Welch, one of Moore’s students.

The instructional aides in these classes are often close in age to the students they work with.

“It’s much easier for them to relate to issues students have,” Ullom said.

Students who excel in the specific courses that the program targets can inquire about being in a Gateway class as an aide. People in these positions are paid $11.02 an hour.

The tutoring program has had a huge success rate. In fall of 2001, 84 percent of the students enrolled in Gateway had a C grade or better and certain Economics 101 and 102 classes had success rates of 100 percent.

Ullom also said that the program is unique because there is a direct link between students, aides and teachers. “What is important is that the aide and teacher exchange notes,” Ullom said.

Although Gateway is a highly successful program, Ullom stressed the fact that students still need to work hard to succeed with Gateway.

“It’s those who don’t take advantage of it that don’t succeed,” Ullom said.

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