Engaging struggling students.  Students disengage for many reasons – some are English Language Learners, some have special needs, some are new to a district or move frequently, and still others need extra time on task to meet developmental needs. Schools struggle to reach these students without further stigmatizing them with remedial instruction or repeat placement. At the elementary level, struggling students disengage at both ends of the spectrum:  some become disruptive, others withdraw.  Either way, academics suffer. By middle school, these students often become candidates for dropping out, displaying warning indicators in attendance, behavior and achievement.

Learning Together peer teaching has been proven effective in reaching these students, engaging them in a rigorous, structured academic curriculum as it builds leadership, self-management and study skills. Academic, social and emotional growth occur across subgroups as students are motivated to feel a personal responsibility for learning.

Recognizing potential. For many struggling students, being selected as a tutor transforms their entire conception of learning.  It may be the first time they have been recognized for their potential to succeed, rather than the difficulties they have faced. Each program begins with Leadership Academy, a tutor training program sets behavioral norms, establishes high academic expectation, and promotes respect and appreciation for diversity. Student tutors master the material they must teach, but also learn the self-management, decision-making and relationship skills that foster success in school and life.

Uniquely effective strategies.  Our peer teaching methodology is built on highly successful learning paradigms identified by brain research and developmental psychology, and uses proven and evidence-based teaching techniques. It incorporates the most constructive components of peer learning and peer mentoring to engage students in learning pairs.  Alone, each student is a struggling learner; together, both tutor and tutee become full participants in the learning community. 

Comprehensive materials. Peer teaching establishes a safety net that allows students to interact at an ability level that matches their skills.  Turn-key programs use engaging materials of the highest quality – award-winning literature, exciting supplemental activities and scripted guides that guarantee success.  Content is rigorously aligned with state requirements, national Common Core State Standards, and builds a foundation that promotes active learning across academic subjects.

Immediate benefits; long-term success.  Learning Together programs not only have demonstrated results in advancing foundational reading and math skills, they actively engage the wider learning community.  Parents see behavioral changes at home.  Behavior in school and the classroom improve. Teachers report that they find themselves consistently raising expectations for participating students – and seeing results. The programs are low-cost, easy to implement and results are evident in the first year of implementation.  More than 300 school districts nationwide are achieving significant results with Learning Together, both as in-school interventions and after-school supplements.  Most importantly, struggling students who may have given up hope are finding new ways to re-engage in the learning community and new pathways to academic success.