Education is the Key!
Education is key to empowering students toward successful, happy futures.
While our schools are working hard to support students, the classroom cannot always provide individualized instruction or the personalized access to learning a child may need.
Learning gaps have always existed and for a variety of reasons. Teachers struggle with limited time to provide a variety of instructional strategies to a large number of students. Additionally, teachers are not always able to build content and skills knowledge in relevant or less traditional learning methods – methods which can help a student learn! While COVID created some “gaps” in knowledge, it has mostly exacerbated challenges.
Data from the National Assessment of Education Progress (NAEP) show gaps occurring across the country. In Washington state, 65% of fourth graders scored at or below the national average in Math and 68% scored at or below the national average in reading. Eighth graders scored at or below 62% relative to the national average for Science, 68% in reading, and 72% in math.
A core belief of Sylvan is that Learning Should Be Personal. We individually assess each student’s content and skills to determine what they need to learn and the best way they learn. Our approach to learning helps students overcome their fear, learn to advocate for their personal learning needs, and build a belief in the power of “yet”.
One thing remains constant: the sooner we get to students, the sooner we can build academic confidence, which can open up opportunities and choices after high school.
The Sylvan Learning Center of Oak Harbor, owned by Michelle and Kevin Wilson, is a “for-purpose” business, not “for profit”. Their goal is to serve the community and assist as many families as possible. It is a financial tightrope to walk: offering access to talented, experienced educators who enrich a student with life-long skills, while working to make that access financially viable for families.
We are reaching out to our community, encouraging you to consider becoming a Sylvan Sponsor. Your ongoing support of students in need can provide them with access to 10 or more hours of tutoring per month. We help them build confidence, apply learning, determine their best ways to learn, and give them the tools for school and beyond. The gain in confidence and knowledge opens up choices for a better future, and you can sponsor that change!
Business and community groups, please consider sponsoring a student for $500/month. Partnering with another business or community group is an option if you, too, walk that financial tightrope. Your one-year commitment can help a student make tremendous gains and get back on track to a brighter tomorrow!
We have many bright, able students who need the chance for additional educational support and assistance in their learning. The time to act is now! Feel free to contact Michelle at 360-675-8010 or ohsylvan@gmail.com.