BOSTON PARTNERS IN EDUCATION'S AIM HIGH PROGRAM

"During my first year in the US I took the 10th grade MCAS exam. My tutor helped me understand the meanings of English words in the problems and I earned a perfect score. My dream of going to medical school may become a reality."
--Sarah, a recent immigrant from Algeria and Aim High program participant at Boston Community Leadership Academy


Boston Partners in Education's Aim High Program has been running in Boston since 2001. Aim High supports 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students as they strive to improve their skills in math and/or English Language Arts. Over the school year, academic mentors and students work through individualized study plans, helping students improve basic skills, increase self confidence, boost their grades in school, and succeed on standardized tests like the MCAS.

What is the impact of the program on students?
Boston Partners in Education creates an individualized academic needs assessment for each participating student, which identifies the specific concepts and skill sets lacking in that student's understanding of math or English Language Arts (ELA). Students with similar skills gaps are paired together and matched with a volunteer. Each group receives a study plan and a Boston Partners-designed curriculum adapted to the distinct needs of the students, ensuring that they focus on the skills and concepts they currently lack.

The 2005-2006 school year program results were impressive:
     ~ 78% passed the ELA MCAS exam
     ~ 94% passed the Math MCAS exam

Where do the volunteers come from and what is their role?
Volunteers for Aim High are recruited from the community. Boston Partners in Education's academic mentors come from all walks of life and levels of education and experience.

Aim High volunteers mentor students as they strive to improve their skills and confidence in math and ELA. Participating volunteers and students make a firm commitment to the program by attending sessions once or twice each week for the academic year. Tutoring sessions take place in central school locations and generally last between 60 and 80 minutes.

All volunteers are screened according to the guidelines created by Boston Partners in Education for the Boston Public Schools. Volunteers are interviewed and are provided with comprehensive training that includes principles of tutoring and mentoring, subject specific content and strategies, and an overview of the MCAS exam. A background criminal check (CORI) must also be conducted annually for all volunteers.

* To begin the placement process, prospective volunteers are first asked to complete our Volunteer Registration Form.

To learn more about Boston Partners in Education's Aim High Program, please contact:
Hillary Chazen, Recruitment & School Volunteer Program Manager
617.451.6145
hchazen@bostonpartners.org