Crow's Nest Knowledgebase

The Need
According to a study by the Manhattan Institute for Policy Research, more than 30% of high school students fail to graduate (April 2002). Among Blacks, Native Americans, and Hispanics, dropout rates approach 50% (Source: Harvard Civil Rights Project). Everyone can agree that the issue is serious. Research has shown that dropouts earn an average of $9,200 less a year than high school graduates, and are far more likely to need government assistance or end up in jail. Academic assistance can be the key to combat this rising epidemic.

Although there is no substitute for in-person tutoring and teaching, students are often bombarded with a myriad of activities after school, and do not start their studies until the evening, when conventional tutoring services are often not available. In addition, private tutoring can be quite costly and be beyond the financial means of many families.

The Program
Everyone needs a hand with their studies at times, but private tutoring is not always affordable or available for everyone. To meet students' needs everywhere, CEA provides free on-line tutoring through the Crow's Nest Knowledgebase tutoring forum.

Crow's Nest Knowledgebase uses a simple, easy-to-use interface where students simply post questions on the discussion forum. The forum structure is based on California Department of Education's content standards and is organized by subjects.

The On-line Tutoring Forum offers the following

• Provides a safe on-line environment for children.
• Promotes community and peer tutoring efforts.
• Tracks and rewards community service credits to volunteer tutors.
• Students can request help anonymously through an alias username.

CEA staff and volunteers consisting of teachers, professors, and university students will be available periodically to answer questions. Since the number of questions will sometimes exceed available staff, students are requested to also assist their peers with solutions to help moderators reach the more difficult problems. We here at CEA firmly believe that teaching a subject is often the best way to learn, and strongly encourage students to participate in peer tutoring through the forum.

Hints for Students

• Instead of asking for the answer to a question, try to identify and ask the tutors about the key concepts that you may be having difficulty with.
• Do a word-search of the forum before posting new questions; your question may already have been asked and answered previously.
• While you are waiting for your question to be answered, browse the forum and help someone else; that person may be the very one with the answer to your question!

Hints for Tutors

• Try to explain key concepts as well as giving the simple solution questions.
• Remember that it is better to give than to receive!