Teaching and Learning Activities

During the school year, students from second through twelfth grades participating in the PAC program take part in 20 weeks of Saturday classes centered on three areas:

• Mathematics development to strengthen basic skills and introduce mathematics required for understanding computer science
• Computer science development to establish literacy through hands-on experience
• Tutoring and counseling to address remedial areas with the aim of improving the work ethic, self image and identifying with minority role models

Volunteers from professions like engineering, teaching and business, plan and conduct sessions for the participating students each year. Through additional special presentations, students are able to learn about gaining admission to college, managing anger and peer pressures. African-American heritage and career opportunities, and other topics. In addition, students who have “graduated” from the program will be invited to address the students about the importance of staying in school. One graduate visited this year and he was enthusiastically received. The program also includes an annual field trip for the students. Last year, the destination was the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia.

Curricular innovations were implemented during 1998-1999 school year. For example, a Monmouth University student tutored two PAC students in advanced mathematics. For students at the second grade level who were accepted into the program (third grade is the normal entry level), two volunteers provided exercises in creative writing in an effort to simultaneously improve reading skills. Some of these writings were presented during the group’s awards breakfast in May.

Plans are underway to improve the curriculum further this year. The volunteers are examining New Jersey’s core curriculum standards and will emphasize math skills during 1999-2000. Plans for the coming school year include the securing of at least 10 peer tutors (high and university) to provide more one-on-one tutoring and mentoring versus the normal group tutoring because the math achievement levels within group and grade levels is too broad. These student tutors with a minimum of 3.0-grade level in math will be paid the minimum wage. In addition, more purchases will be made of instructional and training materials to include, software, books, and pamphlets. Purchase of either a projector to allow laptop presentations to be made or projections from a transparency projector. Finally, more funding will be budgeted to allow one additional trip during the fall session to accommodate students who will not be attending the spring session.