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“It's important for me that my children know more and do better in school so that they can have a better future. If I cannot help them, I'd like staff here to help them do better in school." -Parent- |
The
Home Tutor Program (HTP) utilizes bi-lingual Hmong college students who provide tutoring services to youth in their homes and literacy activities for their families twice a week for 30 to 45 minutes each day. There is no charge to the youth and families for this service. Most families are at or below federal poverty income levels as evidenced by the children receiving free or reduced-price school lunches. The goals of this program are to:
- Help each youth complete his/her homework.
- Read with a youth for 10 minutes each night.
- Teach and encourage good study habits.
- Teach and help each youth plan his/her short-term goals.
- Become a friend and a positive role model.
HTP has served 1,640 Hmong youth since the program began in the 1994-95 school year.
During the 2004-05 school year, a total of 121 students received tutoring. Currently, 23 Hmong college students volunteer as tutors and 77 children and their families are being served. Hmong YES is also providing tutoring after school two hours a day/two days a week at two St. Paul Public Schools with the highest numbers of new Hmong refugee students enrolled— Phalen Lake with 201 new students and Como with 198 new students. A total of 56 students are being tutored at these two schools during Spring Semester 2006 and eight are tutored at Hmong YES. In addition, Hmong YES has a contract with the St. Paul Public Schools to tutor 13 Hmong children needing extra assistance with their Annual Progress under the federal No Child Left Behind law.
Program Achievements :
Hmong YES has a track record of success in improving the academic performance of the Hmong children and youth it serves, as well as the literacy levels in their families. The following results were reported based on school records for 68 (56%) of the 121 students tutored during the 2004-2005 school year: 71% of the students increased their reading skills, 49% increased their reading level, 69% increased their writing skills, and 77% increased their math skills.
Comments & Reactions from Parents
"I never went to school so I don't understand my children's homework. I don't even know how to read so I need HMONGYES to help them. I also don't speak any English."
"It's important for me that my children know more and do better in school so that they can have a better future. If I cannot help them, I'd like staff's at HMONGYES to help them do better in school."
"They don't only help my kids do their homework... they also teach my kids good behaviors."