rev. 2008
International Tutor Program Certification
Re-certification Application Packet
Compliance with federal copyright law is expected of all CRLA ITPC programs. It is our legal and ethical
responsibility to give authorship credit for all materials we use in the classroom and for tutor and mentor
training. Additionally, it is our legal and ethical responsibility to purchase (or have students purchase)
copyrighted materials. Programs found to be in violation of copyright law will lose their certification.
Re-Certification Application Cover Sheet
1. CONTACT PERSON: Becky Shaffer
PROGRAM NAME: TRIO Student Support Services
INSTITUTION: North Idaho College
ADDRESS: 1000 W. Garden Ave.
ADDRESS:
CITY, STATE ZIP: Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814
PHONE: (208) 769-3381
FAX: (209) 665-2785
EMAIL: becky_shaffer@nic.edu
CRLA member: _x_Yes __No
Type of Institution: _x_2 year __4 year
2. RE-CERTIFICATION LEVEL(S) REQUESTED
_ x_ REGULAR LEVEL 1
_ x_ ADVANCED LEVEL 2
_ _ MASTER LEVEL 3
3. APPLICATION FEE: (Effective July 1, 2005)
Any 1 Level = $100; Level 1 & 2 or Level 2 & 3 = $150; All 3 Levels = $200
Make a copy of this page, attach a check payable to--CRLA/Tutor Program Certification-and mail to:
ITPC Certification
c/o Rick Sheets
12422 West Aurora Dr.
Sun City West, AZ 85375-1924
The federal I.D. # is 95-3177158. We cannot accept Purchase Orders
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List of Documents:
Please list the titles of the documentation files you are attaching to your application to verify that you meet
certification requirements: (usual documentation could include syllabus, program description, time logs,
brochures, tutor training guides, web pages, handouts.) Be aware of copyright concerns in the
documentation you provide.
Note: This is usually the last step in the process.
The attached folder includes the following:

Syllabi (to document section A, Amount/Duration of Tutor Training)

TRIO SSS Program Description

Level 1 and Level 2 Training Guides (to document section B, Modes of Tutor Training)
** Please note: I have included the entire tutor training folder for Level 1, Test Anxiety, so
reviewers can see the worksheets and all activities tutors engage in for this training.

Job Descriptions (to document section E, Tutor Selection Criteria)

F, Sp 08-09 Tutor Tracking spreadsheet (to document section D, Required Tutoring Experience)

Master Template: Tutor Evaluation Feedback (to document section F, Tutor Evaluation Criteria)
OVERVIEW OF THE TUTOR PROGRAM TO BE CERTIFIED
Please provide a two-page overview summarizing how your tutor training program fulfills the requirements
of the level or levels of certification you are seeking. The purpose of this overview is to provide the
Reviewers with the background information necessary to understand your program. This overview should
include:
1) Program history
2) Program objectives
3) Reporting lines
4) Sources of funding
5) Services and students served
6) Program location and facility
7) Training guidelines (administration; selection, hours, tracking, evaluation, etc.)
8) How you generally conduct your training. (group size, meeting frequency/length, type of presentation)
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NORTH IDAHO COLLEGE TUTORING PROGRAM: AN OVERVIEW
PROGRAM HISTORY
The TRIO Student Support Services Program at North Idaho College began in August 2001. TRIO SSS is a federally grantfunded educational assistance program designed to help eligible students to stay in school and successfully graduate and
transfer to a four-year institution. To qualify for SSS services, a student must be either low income, first generation,
and/or have a documented disability. Students may be referred by faculty and staff members as needs are observed;
however, the vast majority of participants are recruited via OARS, our new student orientation program.
After a student is accepted into the TRIO SSS program, they may request tutoring for any course they are currently
enrolled in. Tutors are hired and trained prior to the start of the semester, and every effort is made to secure tutors for
a wide variety of the higher-risk classes at NIC, including math, science, and business related courses. Students may
receive up to two hours of tutoring per subject per week.
SSS PROGRAM OBJECTIVES
In addition to assisting students with the course content, tutors help students develop confidence and good study skills
and strategies. Tutors are trained to present and review the curriculum in a manner consistent with both the classroom
instructor and the student’s learning style. The ultimate goal of tutoring is to help students become independent
learners.
REPORTING LINES
Currently NIC’s SSS Program consists of the program director, who reports to the vice president for student services; a
senior administrative assistant; and two academic advisors who co-supervise the tutoring program. We also employ
approximately 20 peer tutors each semester, including one Lead Tutor.
SOURCE OF FUNDING
NIC’s SSS Program receives funding through a Department of Education TRIO grant. Currently we have budgeted
$18,000 for peer tutoring. Tutoring and training hours, pay rates, and tutor levels and tracked via database.
PROGRAM SERVICES AND STUDENTS SERVED
Program Services
Services are free to eligible students participating in the program and include:
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One-on-one peer and professional tutoring.
Transfer information and assistance.
Intensive advising services.
Financial aid and scholarship assistance.
Cultural events and activities each semester.
Visits to local and regional four-year campuses.
Laptop computers and calculators available for check-out.
Monitoring grades and keeping in contact with instructors.
Students Served
During the 2008-09 academic year, NIC’s TRIO SSS Program served over 160 students:
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66% were low income.
70% were first generation.
20% had a documented physical or learning disability.
LOCATION AND FACILITY
The SSS program and its services are located and provided in NIC’s College Skills Center in Lee-Kildow Hall, which is
centrally located on campus. The skills center offers a range of resources to students, including a computer lab,
academic-assistance software, textbooks and solutions manuals, free printing, a math study center, both group and
quiet study areas, etc.
TRAINING GUIDELINES
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SSS Advisors recruit tutors who are recommended by their instructor. Potential tutors must have earned an A or
B in the course, be dependable, and have good ‘people’ skills. Advisors also present the tutor training course,
supervise tutors, and coordinate the tutoring schedules.
The SSS Administrative Assistant tracks tutor time sheets, pay levels, the tutoring budget, and documents
sessions in a student database.
Tutors are evaluated at the end of each semester in two ways: by their tutees and by their supervisor. Tutee
evaluations are re-formatted and shared with the tutor in a confidential manner. Evaluations are typically done
at the end of the semester, and all original copies are kept in the tutor’s HR folder.
TRAINING FORMAT
Tutor training consists of a 1-credit class offered the week prior to the first week of each semester. CSC 109, Level 1 TRIO
Peer Tutoring is for new, inexperienced tutors. CSC 110, Level 2 TRIO Peer Tutoring, is for experienced tutors who have
completed the Level 1 training course and have at least 25 hours of experience. The course includes 16 hours of training
in a variety of formats: lecture, discussion, video presentation, group activities, guest speakers, and Web Site
exploration.
Tutors attend three mornings of on-campus training for a total of 12 hours, two hours of hybrid based online
presentation, and two hours of tutor team meetings during the semester. Trainings are team-taught by the tutor
supervisors, with the lead tutor assisting and providing input. Each begins with an introduction, followed by (typically) a
lecture presentation, class or small group discussion, and further investigation of the topic by the completion of a
worksheet, acting out scenarios, or a hands-on activity. Trainings end with some type of review to check for
understanding or see if tutors may have questions or a desire for further clarification of the topic.
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LEVEL 1: TOPICS, MATERIALS, AND DOCUMENTATION SUMMARY CHART
(Applicable ONLY for Level 1)
Topic
When
Covered
1 Initial Tutor
Training
(Definition,
Responsibilities)
Pre-Tutoring
Amt
of
time
3 hr
2 Basic Tutoring
Guidelines
Pre-Tutoring
2 hr
Lecture, Reading,
Discussion, Video
3 Referral Skills
Pre-Tutoring
2 hr
Guest Speaker, Role
Play
4 Ethics for
Tutors (FERPA,
Boundaries,
Harassment)
Pre-Tutoring
and on
Tutor’s Own
Time
3 hr
Lecture, Discussion,
Video
5 Study Skills
Pre-Tutoring
and During
Semester
Meetings
2 hr
Guest Speaker,
Discussion
6 Active
Listening
Pre-Tutoring
and During
Semester
Meetings
2 hr
Lecture, Discussion,
Video
7 Test Anxiety
Pre-Tutoring
1 hr
Lecture, Reading,
Video
8 Tutoring Do’s
and Don’ts
Pre-Tutoring
1 hr
Discussion, Role
Play, Video
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Methods
Lecture, Discussion,
Video
Total Amount of
Training Time: 16 hrs
Materials Used/ Documentation
Tutor Handbook
Video: Introduction to Tutoring
(UCLA Office of Instructional
Development, 1986)
Tutor Handbook
Video: The First Session (UCLA
Office of Instructional
Development, 1986) and Helping
the Student Become and
Independent Learner (Purchase at
www.ncsu.edu/
tutorial_center/video.html)
Tutor Handbook
Blind/Deaf/Mobility Impaired
Activity
Tutor Handbook
Group Activity: Mock Sessions
Video: Preventing Harassment
and Discrimination (www.nic.
edu/websites/index.asp?dpt-34)
Study Sense: What Memory
Research Tells Us About Studying
in College (Purchase at
www.bookstore.nic.edu, ISBN# 09700194-0-8)
Tutor Handbook
Video: Listening Skills (Purchase
at www.ncsu.edu/
tutorial_center/video.html)
Tutor Handbook
Video: Conquering Test Anxiety
(Educational Video Network, Inc)
Tutor Manual
Video: The Student’s Ideas
(Purchase at www.ncsu.edu/
tutorial_center/video.html)
LEVEL 2: TOPICS, MATERIALS, AND DOCUMENTATION SUMMARY CHART
(Applicable ONLY for Level 2)
Topic
When
Amount
Methods
Materials Used/ Documentation
Covered
of time
1 Initial Review Pre-Tutoring
3
Discussion, Reading, Tutor Handbook
Video
Video: The Tutor’s Role (Purchase
at www.ncsu.edu/
tutorial_center/video.html)
2 Adult
Pre-Tutoring
2
Lecture, Web Sites Tutor Handbook
Learners/
Barsch Learning Style Inventory:
Learning styles
http://ww2.nscc.edu/gerth_d/AAA
0000000/barsch_inventory.htm
3 Test
Pre-Tutoring
2
Lecture, Reading,
Tutor Handbook
Strategies
Discussion
Study Sense: What Memory
Research Tells Us About Studying
in College (Purchase at
www.bookstore.nic.edu, ISBN# 09700194-0-8)
4 Leadership
Pre-Tutoring
2
Lecture, Video, Web Tutor Handbook
Skills
and During
Site
Video: Tutor as Counselor (UCLA
Semester
Office of Instructional
Team
Development, 1986)
Meetings
Leadership Style Test:
http://www.testcafe.com/lead/lead.
html
5 Tutor Project
On Tutor’s
3
Online Research
Presentation Upon Completion
Own Time
6 Cultural
Differences
Pre-Tutoring
2
7 Use of
Probing
Questions
Pre-Tutoring
and During
Semester
Team
Meetings
2
Guest Speaker,
Reading, Video
Tutor Handbook
Video: Cultural Differences
(UCLA Office of Instructional
Development, 1986)
Lecture, Video, Web Tutor Handbook
Site,
Video: Questioning Skills
(Purchase at www.ncsu.edu/
tutorial_center/video.html)
Bloom’s Taxonomy:
http://www.officeport.com/edu/blo
oms.htm
Total Amount of
Training Time: 16 hrs
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VERIFICATION OF TUTOR TRAINING PROGRAM
Please complete a "Verification of Tutor Program(s)" for each program you want to be certified. For example, if
you wish to have a “Mathematics Center Program” certified at Levels 1 & 2, please complete the verification for
Levels 1 & 2. If you also have a “Writing Center Program” with a different training program that you wish to
have certified at Level 1, you must submit a totally separate application, with its own separate fee, and
complete its own separate verification form.
Please refer "CRLA'S REQUIREMENTS FOR CERTIFICATION OF TUTOR PROGRAMS" for a
complete list of all LEVEL 1, 2, and 3 requirements for a program to be certified.
The "necessary documentation" required for each criteria consists of patterns of evidence of the what,
how, and when of the training program. It should include enough samples and documentation to
enable CRLA Reviewers to verify the excellence of your program(s). Examples of documentation
include:
1) course syllabi, workshop overview, or program description
2) titles and ISBN numbers of copyrighted books, videos, DVDs, surveys, and other training
materials used
3) URLs of web pages or websites
4) flyers/posters/memo samples
5) worksheet samples
6) handout samples
The better the documentation you provide, the easier it will be for the reviewers to certify your
program(s); however, brevity is appreciated so condensed but complete documentation is requested.
Any complete files you feel should be attached, should be listed in the section above called List of
Documents.
A. AMOUNT/DURATION OF TUTOR TRAINING
1) List the number of hours involved in your tutor training, 2) whether you have met or
exceeded the minimum, and 3) the Documentation you have attached as a file to confirm
your compliance (an example might be: Tutor Training Syllabus, pages 2-4). List only for the
levels for which you are applying:
Number of Hours for Level 1: _16__ (10 hours total are the minimum required)
The requirements of Level 1 are: Met __ or Exceeded _x__
Documentation: See attached CSC 109 Syllabus
Number of Hours for Level 2: _16__ (10 hours total are the minimum required)
The requirements of Level 1 are: Met __ or Exceeded __x_
Documentation: See attached CSC 110 Syllabus
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B. MODES OF TUTOR TRAINING
1) List the training modes involved in your tutor training, 2) whether you have met or exceeded
the minimum, and 3) the Documentation you have attached as a file to confirm your
compliance (an example might be your Tutor Training Syllabus, pages 4-6). List only for the
levels for which you are applying:
Level 1: Classroom Discussion, Videotapes, Guest Speaker, Worksheets, Role Play, Online
Assignments
(classroom/workshop plus any two others are the minimum required)
The requirements of Level 1 are: Met __ or Exceeded _x__
Documentation: See attached Level 1 Training Guides
Level 2: Classroom Discussion, Videotapes, Guest Speaker, Worksheets, Role Play, Online
Assignments
(classroom/workshop plus any two others are the minimum required)
The requirements of Level 2 are: Met __ or Exceeded __x_
Documentation: See attached Level 2 Training Guides
C. AREAS/TOPICS TO BE COVERED IN TUTOR TRAINING
List which topics you cover in your tutor training, whether you have met or exceeded the
minimum, and the Documentation you have attached as a file to confirm your compliance (an
example might be your Tutor Training Syllabus, pages 7-8) List only for the levels for which
you are applying:
List which topics you cover in your training for Level 1:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Initial Tutor Training (Definition, Responsibilities)
Basic Tutoring Guidelines
Referral Skills
Ethics for Tutors
Study Skills
Active Listening
Test Anxiety
Tutoring Do’s and Don’ts
The requirements of Level 1 are: Met __ or Exceeded _x__
(at least 8 specific topics of the list of 15 are required)
Documentation: See attached Level 1 Training Guides
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List which topics you cover in your training for Level 2:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Initial Review
Adult Learners
Test Strategies
Leadership Skills
Tutor Project
Cultural Differences
Use of Probing Questions
The requirements of Level 2 are: Met ___ or Exceeded __x_
(a review of Level 1 and 4 additional topics )
Documentation: See attached Level 2 Training Guides
D. REQUIRED TUTORING EXPERIENCE
1) Describe how you keep track of your tutors’ actual tutoring experience, 2) whether you have
met or exceeded the minimum, and 3) the Documentation you have attached as a file to
confirm your compliance (an example might be your Tutor Time logs) List only for the levels for
which you are applying:
Level 1: Administrative Assistant maintains a spreadsheet with all current tutor pay and level
(0, 1, 2, or lead), hours worked each month, carryover from the prior year and/or semester,
and training(s) they’ve attended.
(25 hours of tutoring experience is the minimum) Level 1: Met _x_ or Exceeded ___
Documentation: See attached Tutor Tracking spreadsheet (contact info tab)
Level 2: Same as Level 1 above.
(a total of 50 hours of tutoring experience is the minimum) Level 2: Met _x__ or Exceeded ___
Documentation: See attached Tutor Tracking spreadsheet (tracking tab)
E. TUTOR SELECTION CRITERIA
Describe how your tutors are selected (must meet at least two of the criteria). List only for the
levels for which you are applying:
Level 1: To be hired as a Level 1 TRIO SSS tutor, students must have:
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Earned an A or B in the course
Recommendation from an instructor (verbal or written)
Interview with tutor coordinator
Completed Level 1 tutor training course (CSC 109)
Minimum of 25 hours of tutoring experience
Level 1: Met _x_ or Exceeded ___
Documentation: See attached Level 1 Job Description
Level 2:
___ Met at Level 1 or __x_ Listed Below
In addition to meeting Level 1 criteria, Level 2 TRIO tutors must have completed a minimum of
25 additional hours of tutoring experience after completion of all Level 1 requirements and
have completed the Level 2 training course (CSC 110).
Level 2: Met _x_ or Exceeded ___
Documentation (not needed if met in Level 1) : See attached Level 2 Job Description
F. TUTOR EVALUTION CRITERIA
How are your tutors evaluated? Check all that apply. List only for the levels for which you are
applying:
Level 1:
__x_an evaluation is in place
_ x_it occurs on a regular basis
__x_results are made known to tutors
___ Other ________________________________________
Level 1: Met _x_ or Exceeded ___
Documentation: See attached Tutor Evaluation form
Level 2: __x_ Met at Level 1 or
_x__an evaluation is in place
_x__it occurs on a regular basis
_x__results are made known to tutors
___ Other ________________________________________
Level 2: Met _x_ or Exceeded ___
Documentation (not needed if met in Level 1): Same as Level 1
By submitting this application, you as program contact/liaison with CRLA’s International Tutor Certification
Program agree to continue to follow the guidelines you have submitted in this application.
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Once your program is re-certified, CRLA will provide you with a certificate certifying your program for up to five
years and will provide you with a CRLA ITPC certificate template you may use and adapt to include your
institution’s information/logos/signatures/colors.
Six months before the end of your renewal period, you will be expected to apply for re-certification. Each
re-certification granted for this program will be for up to five years. Re-certification is patterned after the initial
certification application requirements and documentation, so be sure to archive your initial documents to use
as a reference to update with current program information for your re-certifications.
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