Students in Post Foundation tutorial program shows gains

PATRICE JOHNSON | THE CHARLOTTE POST

Eighty-five percent of students in a after school tutorial program supported by the Charlotte Post Foundation posted grade-level improvement on end-of-grade tests. A third reached proficiency.

A majority of elementary and middle school students in The Charlotte Post Foundation remedial reading program in 2022-23 showed measurable improvement.

Of 45 participants in grades 3-8 at Walter G. Byers School where the initiative is based, 38 students, or 85%, showed grade-level improvement on end-of-grade tests. Sixteen, or one-third, achieved proficiency.  

“The kids who participate in the Charlotte Post Foundation after-school program grow greatly,” said Byers Principal Anthony Calloway. “This is an opportunity to get the kids what they need to be successful.”

From January to June, The Post Foundation paid teachers hand-picked by Calloway to stay after school two days a week to hold small group sessions with students who are farthest behind grade level in reading proficiency.

“That’s an extra hour and a half [each day] to work on skills the students need, in a smaller environment and with some of our best teachers,” Calloway said. “That’s huge. These kids get extra repetitions so they can grow. We try to pick fun books and do fun things and give them incentives like ice cream parties.”  

The initiative has operated multiple years at Byers and has repeatedly recorded success, said Gerald Johnson, president of The Charlotte Post Foundation and publisher of The Charlotte Post newspaper.  

“We are anticipating another impressive program for 2023-24,” Johnson said. “I agree with Principal Calloway that the earlier we can start the sessions, the better.”

Byers is a Title I school, which means many students come from disadvantaged backgrounds. Calloway, who is entering his ninth year at Byers, said they face more than a few obstacles to becoming college- or career ready.  

“This is an opportunity to get the kids what they need to be successful,” he said.

Defining success for the Post Foundation tutorial sessions, Calloway said, includes helping students find their niche. Because they feel more comfortable reading, he said, they grow socially and emotionally.  

“A lot of your success has to do with your confidence,” Calloway said. “Once you taste success, all of a sudden, you decide ‘I can do better next year.’” 

Comments