PUB TYPE Guides Non-Classroom (055) Speeches/Meeting Papers

Peer tutors can facilitate the inclusion of students with disabilities into regular education classrooms, especially in schools where money is not available for aides. The first steps in such a program are determining the best placements for students with disabilities and training the peer tutors. Training should cover expectations of peer tutors, typical characteristics of children with disabilities, specific knowledge and skills in working with their charges, handling bullies, and being diplomatic with difficult teachers. Holding peer tutors to a standard of knowledge and skills builds esprit de corps. Rewards for the tutors should be built into the program. These may include school credit, small weekly rewards, and larger rewards such as a day-long field trip at the end of each semester. Peer tutors can be recruited through personal contacts and referrals from school staff and counselors. When selecting peer tutors, remember that the qualities needed--perseverance, higher-order thinking, leadership, and willingness t