The Classroom Learning and Academic Success Services (CLASS+) Tutoring Program was recently awarded Level II certification by the internationally recognized College Reading and Learning Association (CRLA).

"I am thrilled to celebrate the CLASS+ Tutoring Program's achievement of Level II certification from the College Reading and Learning Association," said Deborah Korth, senior associate vice provost for student success and academic excellence. "This milestone reflects our campus commitment to academic excellence and the continuous improvement of our services to support student learning. Congratulations to the CLASS+ team for their dedication and hard work in achieving this prestigious recognition."

CLASS+ earned the first level of CRLA Certification in 2013 as the Enhanced Learning Center. The program has since certified more than 200 tutors. Certification indicates that the program has met CRLA's high standards for tutor selection, training, direct service, and evaluation.

"CRLA certification ensures we provide consistent training that equips our tutors to provide excellent service to our students," said Anne Raines, Senior Director for CLASS+.

Since the opening of the Cordia Harrington Center for Excellence (CORD) in Spring 2022, CLASS+ Tutoring has served more than 1,400 students each semester. The program's administrative team has diligently worked to develop Level II tutor training that meets CRLA's high standards and has successfully completed the International Tutor Training Program Certification peer review process for a second time. The first Level II Tutors have already been certified, with additional certifications expected each semester.

On average, CLASS+ Tutoring employs 65 student tutors each semester, and earning Level I Certification is required for all new tutors. Level I Certification equips new tutors with the skills and knowledge to excel in the work starting in their first semester with the program. Tutors seeking Level I Certification must complete a series of professional development modules, including tutoring basics and policies, referral skills, assertiveness training, critical thinking skills, two evaluations, and must log 25 contact hours with students.

Tutors may elect to pursue Level II Certification, allowing them to further develop communication skills, learning theory knowledge, and assessment and feedback skills. They must also complete an evaluation and log 25 additional hours with students.

Both levels of CRLA Tutor Certification provide tutors with a framework to achieve excellent sessions. CLASS+ Tutoring Graduate Assistant and Statistics and Analytics Tutor Anissia Sylla explains that "Learning is a curve, and CRLA Level II Certification is the guide that strengthens and straightens the path." Anissia is set to earn her Level II Certification and "Advanced Tutor" designation with our first cohort.

With each certification, tutors receive an increase in their hourly wage rate and have opportunities to engage in greater leadership development through mentoring and lead tutor experience.

"I am immensely proud of our work to certify tutors through CRLA, and we have strengthened our training to meet the changing needs of students since first becoming certified twelve years ago," said Caroline Beringer, Tutoring Program Coordinator. "Our tutoring program has faced many changes and challenges over the years, including name and organizational changes, moves to different on-campus locations, and a global pandemic, but CRLA training has remained our cornerstone, and we can rely on this certification program to ensure our tutors meet excellent standards."

Beringer continues: "CRLA certification not only allows tutors to excel in their work at the CORD but also helps them become career-ready for wherever life takes them after graduation. Tutors practice all eight of the Offices of Career Connections' Career-Ready Skills while seeking certification and during their sessions with students. Having a certification with many transferrable skills helps our tutors set themselves apart when applying for jobs or pursuing further education."

For more than thirty years, CRLA has been a leader in learning assistance, reading, and academic support programs with almost 1,300 members and over 2,000 certified training programs worldwide.

Raines adds, "Caroline and her team have worked hard to earn Level II Certification, and I am very proud of them."