Sound Partners is a phonics-based reading program developed by Washington Research, Inc. of Seattle, that gives students in grades K-3 training in critical reading skills, such as blending, letter sound knowledge, phonological awareness (the understanding that sounds in language map onto the letters of the alphabet), and segmenting. Students in Sound Partners also read carefully-selected storybooks that build on the specific skills taught during the sessions.
Students in the 4th and 5th grade who need additional support in reading and/or writing are provided opportunities to hone decoding and comprehension skills, build vocabulary and expand writing skills. Curriculum materials are selected and lessons are tailored to each student’s particular needs.
Making Mathematicians is a math intervention that utilizes a Concrete-Pictorial-Abstract Approach (CPA) in a 1:1 setting. Students work with concrete materials to make sense of and demonstrate understanding of math concepts. From the concrete stage, students move into the pictorial phase of instruction and learning. In this stage concepts are represented and demonstrated visually. The abstract and final stage of instruction is the application of conceptual understanding in mathematical language such as equations and algorithms. The instructional focus of Making Mathematicians is on building a solid foundation in number sense and in developing operational conceptual understanding and fluency. Scaffolded support ensures that students are better able to apply these skills to effectively problem solve.
Teaching
Sound Partners and Making Mathematicians are 1:1 programs designed to be used for 30 minute sessions of tutoring that take place three days per week throughout one school year. Each tutoring session follows a predictable format which includes several short activities. These activities can, and do, change over the course of the intervention, depending on the concepts and skills being covered. All instruction uses a gradual release approach where skills are clearly modeled by the tutor, then praciced with the student and tutor working in tandem, and ultimately independently demonstrated by the student. Regular progress monitoring is part of the fabric of instruction allowing the tutor to adjust instruction as needed. The progress reports provide critical communication about student growth with families as well.
Tutors
Sound Partner and Making Mathematicians tutors can be para-educators or other adults with varied experience. Tutors are trained using the the scripted Sound Partners program. However instruction can, and is, adjusted to each individual student’s needs. For example tutors often choose a reading method (independent reading, partner reading, or echo reading) and additional strategies that match each student’s reading strengths and areas for growth with assistance from the Learning Support Specialist. For Making Mathematicians the tutors are guided in using the Concrete-Pictoral- Abstract approach based on Singapore Math with scripted lessons. The units and lessons are completely tailored to the individual student’s needs with opportunity for the tutor to regular assess and adjust instruction as needed.
Cost
Through a partnership with Seattle Public School, these programs are partially funded by federal Title I funds. Additional funding comes directly from our school fundraising efforts. This way, OLG can offer the Sound Partners Program AT NO COST to our students who qualify.
How do students qualify?
We base referral to Sound Partners and Making Mathematicians on teacher referral and assessments like DIBELS, Teachers’ College, MAPs, and other classroom assessments. If parents agree and formally authorize participation, their child will be paired with a tutor and enrolled in the program for the year. Tutoring takes place at school and during or before school hours.
Becoming a Sound Partners/Making Mathematicians Tutor
If you enjoy working with kids and are enthusiastic about reading, this is a worthwhile program to be involved in. While becoming a tutor for the Sound Partners and Making Mathematicians programs does have some additional start-up steps and requirements, it is a paid position and often with flexible daytime hours. So if you’re a parent or know of other family members, friends or neighbors who would be interested, please have them call us (206) 935-0651 or email Rita Gazewood to learn more!
