3 Reasons why classroom mentoring is important

#1 National teacher shortage
Lack of fully credentialed teachers within OUSD leads to large classes and classes taught by other teachers. Teachers have less time for individual students  as they teach to the larger group. Oakland Serves’ mentors give the most challenged students the attention needed to grasp new concepts and understand assignments while allowing the teachers more time to address the class as a whole.

#2  Schoolwork not homework​
Most assignments are now done in the classroom.  Working on assignments in class re-inforces new material and allows students and teachers to identify gaps in understanding more quickly.  But it also means that students have little homework that can be worked on with a tutor outside of class.  Oakland Serves’ mentors are right there working with students when they get assignments, clarifying new material and expectations, keeping them focused on completion.

#3  Post-pandemic engagement issues
Student engagement and behavior is still recovering from the pandemic. Difficulties with attention and retention of subject matter have made academic problem solving a challenge for some teenagers.  With the mentors’ help, students are encouraged to think, solve and create, while developing their own learning and management skills.

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We need your support to continue providing mentors to Oakland's high schools.  Please ​Help Put a Mentor in a Classroom Now!