Communities In Schools of Milledgeville/Baldwin County Site Coordinator Christi Tyson is in her second year at Eagle Ridge Elementary School and has seen an increased improvement in students served through a tutoring program.
When Tyson started at Eagle Ridge during the 2011-12 school year, she set up a tutoring program for students receiving CIS services. Each volunteer works with the same student on the same day at the same time, which helps the student develop a trusting relationship with the tutor.
Currently, 80 students receive tutoring from volunteers in subjects such as math and reading. A majority of students who were in the program last school year have returned. Tyson’s goal is to ensure the students receive the assistance they need while attending Eagle Ridge. “I feel if we can get them at a young age and get them up to grade level they will do so much better in school in the future,” said Tyson.
The tutoring program has shown an improvement in test scores. Eagle Ridge had the highest test scores in math among the other elementary schools in the school district, and the special education scores went up from 40% to 70%.
D’Asia Gibson, a third grade student at Eagle Ridge enjoys her time with Tyson and the positive impact she brings to the school day. “When I walk in Mrs. Tyson’s office I just feel so happy,” Gibson said. “She always helps me with my math, science and reading. “
Tyson understands the importance of the work being done by CIS and her role as a site coordinator. “I love my job, it is very rewarding,” Tyson said. “I feel like we are all making a huge difference with these kids. Eagle Ridge didn’t have this program before I arrived. It is a great program that gives the students a lot of help and support.”
CIS of Milledgeville/Baldwin County provides a number of initiatives to help at-risk students including the ASPIRE Program, mentors and tutoring among others.