With state assessment testing underway, a group of Poplar Bluff Middle School students took academic performance into their own hands.
Sixth-grader Diamond Weaver saw her fellow students struggling and decided to form a peer-tutoring group. She and the volunteer tutors even gave up recess to help classmates brush up on math, reading and science skills.
"Diamond showed the very skills our society needs," said teacher Kathy Pattillo. "She identified a problem and instead of doing nothing about it and waiting for someone else to solve it, she stepped up and showed initiative to help others. That speaks volumes."
Diamond presented Pattillo a list of students that were academically sound and willing to give up their free time to help others. An email was sent to teachers letting them know the tutors were available, and they were placed where they were needed most based on their academic strengths.
"If they needed kids to work on math, then the tutors who were really strong in math go and work with those kids in that particular subject," Pattillo said.
Diamond, the daughter of Sheila Wallace and Dwight Weaver, was inspired to form the group because she struggled in second grade and a tutor, her brother, helped her. She also tutored in third and fourth grade and said she enjoyed it.
"I went around and asked people if they wanted to tutor, if they wanted to devote their resources and they said yes. We like to help people and it's just fun. We help with worksheets and help the teachers out with other kids. Sometimes we pull out kids to help them with certain things," Diamond said.
"They say that they like that we get to help them, and that we are a big help," she said.
Student tutor Jarryn Anderson said no one in the group minds giving up recess several times a week in order to help their fellow students. She said the tutors are rewarded in knowing they have done something that could make a difference in the life of one of their peers.
"I think seeing them progress and seeing that they can succeed in life with us helping them is a good reward for us," Anderson said.
According to the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, only 28.8 percent of fifth-graders and 40.1 percent of sixth graders scored at a proficient or advanced level in math on the 2016 assessment test.
Fourth grade scores reflect 61.5 percent of that grade level scored at a proficient or advanced level in math. English scores were higher across the aforementioned grades, but still below state average.
The group of tutors hopes to change those percentages. According to one teacher who has been utilizing the group, they may be on track to do just that.
"The students that the tutors work with are building more confidence in their daily work. Having someone to guide them and encourage them has made a big difference," said fifth-grade teacher Shelly Ridens.