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March 20, 1997
(Education)

Government Introduces Peer Tutoring Program for Students

Education Minister Roger Grimes says there is a definite need for tutoring services for many students who are unable to pay the cost. In many cases, parents cannot afford paid tutoring services and very few options have been available in the past to address this concern.

In addition to the need for tutoring services, concerns have been expressed with the high cost of post secondary education. The Tutoring for Tuition program is a $500,000 pilot project designed to address both concerns and will be performed on a needs basis. Under this program, students needing tutoring services will be provided with an opportunity to be tutored by high school students. Students providing the tutoring services will earn a tuition voucher to assist them with the cost of a post secondary education. The results of the pilot will be assessed at the end of the 1997-98 school year.

"This program is being implemented because in many cases parents cannot afford to pay for tutoring services,� said Mr. Grimes. �We want to ensure that students most in need are provided with this assistance. Students providing the tutoring services will be selected based on ability and financial need."

Mr. Grimes said: "The Department of Education will partner with the school boards to initiate this program. It is anticipated that schools will be very interested in providing the services and will be involved in developing the details of the pilot."

Contact: Carl Cooper, (709) 729-5040.