The ability to read opens our world to the many possibilities around us. Understanding some children may need some extra help, the non-profit Life Enrichment Center (LEC) began its literacy tutoring program in 2007 in Norfolk, Va., and since then has expanded to include Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS). LEC volunteers currently serve Cora Kelly School for Math, Science and Technology (Cora Kelly) and the program is looking to return to Jefferson-Houston PreK-8 IB School in the 2022-23 academic year, where it had previously provided tutoring in 2019.
LEC Founder and President Kevin Turpin says that if a student cannot read, then how can the student excel to their full potential in other areas of learning, from math to science and history. That is why he feels the extra help a tutor can provide students in grades K-2 is so important. “When you have someone telling you that you can do it and that they believe in you, every week, that is valuable,” Turpin noted. “Tutors find those areas of strength and use it to encourage students.”
Tutoring provided by LEC volunteers takes place during school hours and reinforces what a child learns in the classroom. At Cora Kelly, tutors are currently working with eight students in second grade. Cora Kelly Principal Jasibi Crews recently asked the students how they felt about being tutored and the response was positive. “My tutor is my favorite because I get to read the word cards, plus I get to read a book, and even color!” one student exclaimed. Another added, “I like Thursdays because I get to read to my tutor and get a sticker!” Principal Crews expressed her appreciation for the LEC tutors as well, “We are thankful for the impact they are making on our school community and for the relationships they are building with our Cora Kelly Cougars!”
LEC tutors must be 18 or older; they come from various walks of life, including law enforcement, business executives, college students and people from faith-based communities. Background checks are carried out for each tutor who goes through a training program. Tutors are required to make a full-year commitment from October to May to ensure continuity for the students. Turpin says there is a real bond that forms between the student and tutor, and this rapport also helps boost self-esteem.
The inspiration for the LEC tutoring program is personal, in part, for Turpin who says he struggled with reading early on in elementary school despite the help from his parents and siblings, and was held back in first grade. He says the inability to read makes an impression on you, affecting all of your abilities in terms of academics.
A long-term study carried out by the Annie E. Casey Foundation found that students who were not proficient in reading by the end of third grade were four times more likely to drop out of high school than students who were proficient in reading. We appreciate our LEC volunteers!