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NEWS RELEASE
Contact: Leah Jackson (jacksonl@nsula.edu
)
News Bureau
Northwestern State University
Natchitoches, LA 71497
(318) 357-6466
3/09/2006
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NATCHITOCHES - Northwestern State University's Academic Center free tutor program has earned international certification renewal through 2009 from the College Learning and Reading Association (CRLA). CRLA is a group of student-oriented professionals active in the fields of reading, learning assistance, developmental education, and tutorial services at the college/adult level.
"Our first year was a probationary time period and we were recently recertified through 2009, receiving certification three months early," said Jeremy Thomas, Academic Center coordinator. "Throughout the 2005-2006 academic year, the program proved to be a benefit to the university by providing learning assistance to students. Its highly qualified tutors are now CRLA certified and have an opportunity to continue certification training."
Northwestern's study labs serve more than 300 students per semester, offering help in all levels of coursework from music and mathematics to English and the sciences. Peer tutors are required to complete a comprehensive training program that was approved last year with such high marks that it may be used as a model for other programs. NSU's requirements for peer tutors go beyond the minimum requirements for certification.
"In order to obtain certification, the Academic Center had to develop a curriculum, through which tutors would undergo training sessions and receive college credit," Thomas said. "This curriculum is designed to enhance their tutoring skills by emphasizing the importance of communication, different approaches to learning, and the use of resources. Certification has three levels: regular, advanced, and master."
The program offers rewards for the students working as peer tutors, as well as the students seeking help.
"I have been tutoring since last summer in science, math, and some English," said Cody Cole, a senior biology major from Sugartown near DeRidder. "Not only has it allowed me to keep up with the material that I have learned in previous classes, but it has increased my social and intellectual skills. Working with a diverse staff with many different points of view has allowed me to grow in my communication abilities."
CRLA offers the International Tutor Program Certification (ITPC). CRLA's ITPC has been endorsed by the National Association for Developmental Education, Commission XVI of the American College Personnel Association, the American Council of Developmental Education Associations, Association for the Tutoring Professional and the National Tutoring Association.
"I have really enjoyed my time as a tutor," Cole said. "Because of my tutoring experiences I have decided to become a college educator. There's nothing like the look on a student's face when he or she finally understands a concept."
Study centers are located in Room 209 Keyser Hall with extension hours offered in residence halls. For more information on NSU's Academic Study Centers, contact Thomas at (318) 357-4460.