I am a volunteer tutor at a local elementary school. I began tutoring a 5th grade boy last year. The family was discouraged, as was the student. The student, family, and I talked at length before we began. The agreement was that we would give it our best shot and see if he could complete Level 4 in one school year.

It took a lot of work, but in the first week of June, we completed level 4.

I wanted him to complete Level 5 before he entered sixth grade, so I volunteered to tutor him during the summer, 3 times a week, at my home. We finished that level in early August.

Did it help? It sure did. I just spoke with his mom. She said her son just completed the language arts testing in sixth grade. For the first time in his life, he tested “at grade level.”

His teacher said he will probably be above grade level by the end of the year.

I look forward to getting his high school graduation announcement in 6 years. You can be sure I will attend.