JACKSONVILLE, Ark. — Most, if not all, schools are currently enjoying Christmas break. We all know retention can be difficult when students leave the classroom.
This potential dip is why Jacksonville North Pulaski School District will soon begin using technology to bring the classroom to the students.
Counselor Katie Burleson is winding down the semester, but as the calendar flips to January, a new way of learning is coming to Jacksonville schools.
Jan. 9, the school district will begin offering 24/7 online tutoring to high school students between the grades of 9th and 12th.
“I think it’ll be a resource for our students and teachers in the classroom. Sometimes that teacher is not available, they have a sub or they’re out sick," Burleson said. "[It's] maybe even a student doing some credit recovery and they need that 1-on-1 support.”
The “Tutor Me" program will give high school students access to aid any hour, where they'll get help answering homework questions.
Assistant Superintendent Dr. Janice Walker said this is a gamechanger for the kids.
“Once they click on that Clever app, they will be linked to a live tutor within 40 seconds. They either chat with the live tutor or exchange text messages with them. They can also upload assignments that they may have,” she said.
According to Walker, the inspiration for the program came during the virtual learning days of the pandemic.
“Putting this program into place will provide them with that extra support because we do want them to be successful. This also helps to individualize their learning and provide them that 1-on-1," Walker said.
This is support not only for the students, but also parents as well.
“This is something extra for parents who don’t know how to help their kids in chemistry or a subject like that. To provide them with another resource to help there," Walker said.