Trending
STEUBENVILLE - Jefferson County Educational Service Center Virtual Learning Academy is partnering with Franciscan University of Steubenville to once again offer online tutoring for students who need some extra attention.
The service began Oct. 20, with a Franciscan University student available 4-5 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Tutoring will cover English courses for students in grades K-12 who are using the VLA curriculum.
VLA Assistant Director Martariesa Logue expects they will continue to build participation as students and districts learn about the service.
"Our goal is to make districts and families aware of this additional resource and help connect students with support when they need it."
Logue added one strength of an ESC is their ability to build partnerships with community organizations and higher education institutions like Franciscan University.
"Through this partnership, we’re able to provide free tutoring to VLA students while also giving Franciscan students the opportunity to complete their diversity hours. It’s a great example of how collaboration can benefit both our students and our community."
She said VLA has offered virtual tutoring support previously through a grant. They no longer have the grant, but are using their community resources to continue providing these valuable opportunities.
Logue said the need for the service has continued.
"With the many demands placed on educators, finding additional ways to support students is important. This partnership allows us to leverage community resources to provide students with extra academic support at no cost to their families. We anticipate students may need help understanding specific concepts, working through challenging assignments, preparing for assessments, or catching up when they begin to fall behind."
Because online learning requires independence, having an educator available makes a difference whether in explaining a concept in a different way, or answering questions and offering encouragement. The results can be seen in a more confident, successful student.
Tutoring will take place virtually through Google Meet. A typical session will begin with the tutor checking in with the student to find out what they are working on and where they need help. From there, the tutor can work through a specific assignment, explain a challenging concept, review material, or help the student prepare for an upcoming assessment.
"The goal is to make the time as useful as possible for each student. We want students to leave the session with a better understanding of the material and the confidence to continue working on their own."
The tutor will also be adaptable.
"Because we are serving students in kindergarten through grade 12 across a variety of subjects, flexibility is important. The tutor will need to consider the student’s grade level, the subject they are working on, and what they hope to accomplish during the session."
For a younger student, that might mean breaking a concept into smaller steps and using examples. For an older student, it might involve working through a more complex problem, reviewing course content, or helping them understand an assignment.
"The important thing is to meet the student where they are and adjust the approach based on what works best for them."
VLA has earned a reputation for user service and accessibility. Logue said VLA anticipates some initial technical challenges, such as differences between school and personal Google accounts when accessing the Google Meet link, but these will be quickly addressed.
"We’ll work through those as needed to help make the tutoring experience as accessible and seamless as possible."
Since the service is only available to students using VLA, Logue said they can add the VLA course the students are currently in to the tutor's account easily to continue accessibility and assistance.
One of the biggest advantages of virtual tutoring is accessibility.
"Students can receive additional academic support without having to travel to another location, which can be especially helpful for families managing busy schedules. It also makes it easier to connect students with tutors through our partnership with Franciscan University."
At the same time, virtual tutoring requires intentional communication and engagement. Logue said tutors may need to check for understanding more frequently, share their screens, or walk through examples together to make sure students are following along.
"Building rapport is important, too, because we want students to feel comfortable asking questions, even when they are struggling," she said.
"Ultimately, virtual tutoring gives us another way to connect students with people who can support their learning and help them succeed."
The link is https://meet.google.com/mzr-qjwz-aur.
Located in the R. Larry George Training Annex at 1913 Estelle Ave., Steubenville, the VLA serves all students including those who are credit deficient, home bound, or home schooled. JCESC VLA can serve as a stand-alone program or implemented within a district's already existing curriculum. To learn more about the JCESC Virtual Learning Academy, visit the website at https://www.jcesc.k12.oh.us/vla.aspx or contact VLA staff at vla@jcesc.org or 740.283.3347 ext. 100.