George B. Thomas, Sr. Learning Academy > Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the George B. Thomas, Sr. Learning Academy?

  • Tutoring and mentoring in reading/language arts, mathematics, and test-taking skills for students in grades 1-12
  • Saturday mornings / 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. / October through May
  • 12 high school centers
  • High School Assessment Bridge support
  • SAT/ACT prep

What is the mission of the Learning Academy?

The mission of the Saturday School is to accelerate students’ mastery of core academic subjects—specifically reading, language arts, and mathematics—and to close the achievement gap.

What is the goal?

The goal is for all students to demonstrate grade-level proficiency in core academic subjects and to achieve a level of proficient or higher on local, state, and federal assessments, such as the Maryland School Assessment (MSA) and the High School Assessment (HSA).

Where are the GBTLA centers located?

Montgomery Blair HS, Albert Einstein HS, Gaithersburg HS, John F. Kennedy HS, Magruder HS, Northwest HS, Paint Branch HS, Rockville HS, Sherwood HS, Springbrook HS, Watkins Mill HS, Wheaton HS

What if a student lives in a cluster where there is not a GBTLA center?

Students may attend any GBTLA center and register at the one that is the most convenient for them.

How do students register for the Learning Academy?

  • Students can enroll at any time throughout the school year
    • Registration materials can be found on the GBTLA Web site at www.gbtlearningacademy.org and are sent home with students who are in the GBTLA cluster schools
  • Come to the GBTLA Center that is closest to your home any Saturday morning that the Learning Academy is in session
  • Parents must bring:
    • Most recent report card
    • Student ID#
    • $30 check made out to GBTLA

How are tutoring sessions organized?

  • 8:30 – 9:00 a.m. Assembly/motivational session
  • 9:00 – 10:15 a.m. Tutoring in reading/language arts
  • 10:15 – 11:30 a.m. Tutoring in mathematics

What are the responsibilities of cluster principals?

  • Support and promote the program by providing Saturday School information through:
    • New parent packets
    • Open houses
    • Freshman orientation
    • Parent conferences
  • Work with staff and help recruit teachers to serve as paid lead tutors
  • Work with parents and community to help recruit volunteers
  • Work with parents and teachers to encourage student enrollment
  • High school and middle school principals help recruit student volunteer tutors

What are the responsibilities of parents?

  • Register students and transport them to the sessions on time
  • Attend the motivational session on Saturday mornings with your student
  • Volunteer and donate time to assist the center director

What are the responsibilities of students?

  • Attend regularly
  • Arrive on time
  • Stay on task
  • Cooperate with tutors, peers, and staff

Who are the tutors?

  • Certified teachers (lead tutors)
  • Parent volunteers
  • Business, medical, and legal professions
  • High school and middle school students
  • College/university pre-service students

What are the benefits to students?

  • More time to complete tasks
  • More help in small groups and one-on-one tutoring
  • Additional practice
  • Continuous rigor

How is the success of the GBTLA measured?

  • Compare last year's grades and scores with current year
  • Report card grades (grade of "C" and above in reading and math)
  • State and local standardized test scores
  • Client Satisfaction Survey (parents and students)
  • Student Academic Confidence Surveys

 

Updated October 12, 2009 | Content Manager: Jan Chapman