The document discusses starting a mentoring program to help students who are struggling academically. It notes that 8% of students failed one class and 5% failed two or more in the first semester. Research shows mentoring programs can improve academic performance, work quality, attendance, and discipline. The proposed program would match weekly student mentors to help with homework, study skills, and be a positive influence. Next steps outlined are obtaining funding, recruiting mentors and students, training, matching, and evaluating the program.

1. Helping All Students Achieve Academic Success!
Daniel Montemayor
Lamar University – EDLD 5326

2. The Facts…
 8% of students failed at least one class for the 1st
semester
 5% of students failed two or more
 Teachers report difficulty establishing open lines of
communication with parents.
 Personal interviews with failing students indicate a
lack of enthusiasm towards school.
 Many students don’t “see the point”.

3. What the Research Says…
A study of the impact of the Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring program
reports that after just 5 months of a mentorship students showed
improvements in the following areas:
 Overall academic performance
 Quality of class work submitted
 Number of assignments turned in
 Attendance rates
Additionally, a decrease in discipline issues for students in the program
was seen, and they reported feeling “more competent academically”.
Herrera, C., Grossman, J. B., Kauh, T. J., Feldman, A. F., & McMaken, J. (2007). Making a difference in school: the big
brothers big sisters school-based mentoring impact study. Retrieved from http://www.bigsister.org/bigsister/file/Making a
Difference in Schools.pdf

4. How Mentors Can Help…
Mentors will meet with student on a weekly basis to
establish rapport, help with academics, and provide an
overall positive example and influence.
 Academic Help:
 Homework time
 Study skills
 Activities:
 Sports
 Games

5. The Next Steps…
 Obtain Funding
 Recruit Volunteers/Mentors
 Identify Student Participants
 Train Mentors
 Match Mentors with Students
 Monitor and Evaluate Program Effectiveness
 Identify Gaps and Make Improvements

6. How You Can Help…
 Get Involved!
 Join the Mentors Make a Difference planning committee
 Volunteer to be a mentor
 Spread the word!
 Know someone who would make a great mentor?
 Have a business willing to make a contribution?