|
C. Damon
Project M.O.S.T. Coordinator
Project M.O.S.T (Middle School Opportunities in Science
and Technology) is a science enrichment program for students
in the 6th and 7th grades. It is the brainchild of
Dr. Jeffrey Kidder. Damon Griffin is responsible for the
daily operation of Project MOST, including hiring of the
tutors; student selection; assigning the student tutors
to the schools, and keeping in touch with the parents, the
instructors in the schools, and with the Project underwriter.
Damon graduated from college in 1999. He came to Rutgers
in October of that year. He has been with Project MOST since
its inception in the spring of 2002. The basic idea behind
the program is to involve Rutgers College students as science
tutors to students at three Newark Middle schools: Martin
Luther King, George Washington Carver and Camden Middle
School. The students, in turn, spend time each week on campus
at Rutgers receiving additional instruction.
Results are not yet in but initial evaluations of the project
are extremely positive. Project M.O.S.T. obtains a copy
of each student's report card at the beginning and end of
the semester. At the end of each term the students are given
post “tests,” covering everything they have
studied on campus during the semester. They also do a presentation
on campus similar in style to a science fair. Project leaders
have heard from parents and teachers that there has been
a dramatic improvement in students science performance.
Parents comment that the Middle School students are more
confident and have a much more positive attitude about school.
In addition, last spring 99% of the participants received
100% on their science test scores.
Malaika Singleton
Science Tutor
Malaika is a 20 year old junior at Rutgers with a double
major in Biology and Psychology. She has been a tutor with
the program from its inception in the spring of 2002, and
now tutors two 7th grade students at Martin Luther King
Middle School.
Although she was born in New Brunswick, and Malaika spent
most of her formative years in South Carolina where she
was raised by her grandmother. She moved back to New Jersey
for college. For the last year and a half, she has done
neuroscience research and is now applying for scholarships
to go on to graduate school. She likes the sense of commitment
that results from her involvement with Project M.O.S.T.
At this time she is tutoring her kids at MLK on Planetary
Science. She has seen a great progress so far--she has seen
shy kids turn into kids that "can't keep their hands
down.
Joe Mairo
Science
Joe was recruited by Dr. Kidder and has been with Project
M.O.S.T. since its inception just over a year ago. He is
25 and a junior at Rutgers. He holds degrees in philosophy
and environmental science from Muhlenberg College in Allentown,
but decided to go back to school to get his teaching certificate.
Since he wants to teach Biology, he must obtain a BA in
Biology in order to be certified.
At this time, Joe tutors four seventh graders at Martin
Luther King Middle School, and he describes it as a great
experience. He added that since the Rutgers education curriculum
is geared to urban education, this is a great opportunity
for him to get experience. He says that working in the community
has enlarged his view of the world and has made him want
to get involved. He says the kids are excellent and doing
very well, and that their experience with Project M.O.S.T.
has helped raise their sights. They see they can do college
level work.
Chante McElhaney
Middle School Student
Chante is twelve years old and a 7th grader at a Camden
Middle School in Newark. She has been with the program from
the beginning. She is described as "very bright, active
and always willing to assist the tutors." "She
sits in the front row with her hand up."
Gregory Chambers
Gregory is also twelve years old and is in the 7th grade
at a Camden Middle School. This is his first year with the
program. He is a very talkative, outgoing boy and a quick
learner. He assists his tutor and thoroughly enjoys the
program. His mother describes him as a person who "loves
everyone." "He is outspoken and very intelligent."
|
