Collaborative tutoring effort lifts SBCSC reading scores; volunteers needed

SOUTH BEND, Ind. — Third grade reading scores are improving across South Bend Community School Corporation, and district leaders credit a volunteer tutoring program for helping more students stay on track and meet state standards.

The Tutor-ND program has seen success since launching in 2021. Now, community and faith leaders are calling on the public to help it grow by stepping in as volunteer tutors, providing students with one-on-one attention to help them get from A to Z.

Students at Muessel Elementary are working to turn the page on the reading crisis that followed the pandemic with the help of a partnership between the school corporation, the Tutor-ND program and the multi faith-based advocacy group, ‘We Make Indiana’.

The collaboration has helped raise the third grade reading pass rate to 71 percent, up from just 53 percent in 2021. Muessel now ranks among the top 10 schools statewide for its growth.

South Bend’s Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction Karla Lee said the district plans to continue building on that success, training staff internally to participate in the initiative after seeing significant improvement from historically low test scores.

“So, we have a great formula, and we know the formula works with great partnerships and strong partnerships. So, unless data says otherwise, this is a path we will continue on,” Lee said.

We Make Indiana is inviting community members to help add 50 new tutors by June.

The commitment is typically three half-hour sessions a week, but organizers say even one hour can make a difference.

Tutor-ND provides training, coaching and placement for volunteers.

Those interested in tutoring can learn more here.