Hollister
– School has just begun, but already your son or daughter may be
on the verge of drowning in a sea of homework – or at least that’s
what they’d have you believe.
Hollister – School has just begun, but already your son or daughter may be on the verge of drowning in a sea of homework – or at least that’s what they’d have you believe.
Never fear, however; the San Benito County Free Library recently received a $6,000 grant ensuring that live homework help will be available for local students this year, even from the comfort of their own homes.
“This is really one of greatest programs we’re able to offer,” interim Librarian Betty Mason said.
The California State Library sponsors a program that allows students in grades 4-12 to log on to a special Web site with their homework questions between 1pm and 10pm. Live tutors are waiting to answer their homework questions or help guide their research, and communicate with students through a small chat program.
“It’s a real live person on the other end there, who can provide personalized, one-on-one tutoring,” Mason said. “And as an educator I believe there is nothing like that individual attention.”
The local free library is one of 25 public libraries throughout the state that offer the program, which is funded partially by the state and partially by the local Friends of the Library organization, which raised more than $2,000 to ensure local students continue to have access to the program.
The San Benito County Free Library has offered the program to students for several years, but new this year is the ability for students to access the tutors from their home computers. All they need to do is visit www.sanbenitofl.org and follow the homework links from the “Cool Teens Net” or “Kids Corral” sections of the site to be redirected to the tutors.
“Traditionally this program has been for the at-risk students, but now anyone can access it,” Mason said.
Mason also hopes local school libraries and computer labs will bookmark the page on their own computers so students can use the tutors for questions during school hours.
The Board of Supervisors, which authorized library staff to apply for the $6,000 state grant, expressed support and enthusiasm for the program, Mason said.
“This is one more tool that can help students deal with the challenges of homework,” said Supervisor Reb Monaco, himself an educator for 32 years. “Parents have to be involved, of course, but anything that can assist our students is definitely a positive.”
The library recently also acquired $7,500 to upgrade the public-use computers. Mason estimated that the library will be getting five new PCs within the better part of the month, but they need someone with technical expertise to help install them and get them online.
For questions about the library or the free homework help program call 636-4107.
Danielle Smith covers education for the Free Lance. Reach her at 637-5566, ext. 336 or [email protected].
