North Baton Rouge Charter School Explores New Tutoring Solutions

GEO Prep Academy’s Sherwood campus is taking an innovative approach to academic intervention with a new online group tutoring program named BookNook.

The school introduced BookNook in October to help students who are performing below grade level in literacy. Students who meet the criteria are granted 30 minutes during their ancillary courses Monday through Thursday to participate in 2:1 live virtual tutoring.

“[Students] are taking direction from the tutor, catapulting into these lessons, and finishing them on time. I think it’s having a really good impact on their love for reading and filling in those gaps,” said Associate Principal Terry Pickett, describing the immediate impact of BookNook.

In addition to bringing students up to pace, BookNook gives young students practice with online learning tools and skills such as video calls, communicating through a screen, and utilizing the interactive interface. Pickett said students have been “proactive in identifying technical difficulties” and have enjoyed the online experience “more than in-class instruction.”

Online tools like BookNook are also highly effective for educators. By providing real-time data on an individual’s progress, these insights can trickle into the classroom as educators tailor instruction to meet the needs of each student.

A key feature of the BookNook program is its emphasis on research-based lessons. The program seeks to strengthen students’ foundational skills in critical areas like reading and math by focusing on evidence-driven strategies.

To learn more about Geo Preparatory Academies of Greater Baton Rouge, visit www.geoprep.org.