The district employs close to 100 people from the community, almost exclusively parents, as instructional assistants. Each first and second grade teacher has an instructional assistant for two hours. Tutors learn manuscript and cursive writing, study phonics and phonics rules, teaching strategies, and how to assess students. Before implementing the program, the district inserviced teachers on the procedure to be followed and the need for a collaborative effort. The PAL instructional assistants follow very strict procedures during the 30 minute activities and use specific strategies learned during training to accelerate children's learning.
Students exit the program by showing reading proficiency.
The difference in the children's ability at the end of the program is significant. It is designed to assist students in completing their class assignments and homework and provide additional support to students encountering difficulty in academic subjects. Accelerated Reader Program - Students read books and answer computer generated questions. Points are tallied, with awards for highest number of points. Math Challenge - Students compete both individually and in teams.