PALS

What exactly is PALS? According to Professional Learning Exchange, it’s a version of classwide peer tutoring where teachers evaluate and identify students who need help with specific skills and determine the most appropriate students in the class to assist them with those skills. The students are paired as "coaches" and "readers" but rotate roles as activities change and students are required to work on a variety of skills. PALS is designed to complement, not replace, the existing math or reading curriculum by providing opportunities for students to practice what the teacher has taught. Research supports that the use of pairs in the classroom provides more focus on individual student needs rather than a teacher-directed activity that may address the needs of a few students but not be able to meet the needs of all student. Some benefits attributed to the PALS program include:

• Actively involves all students in tasks they can perform successfully.

• Increases student opportunity to read and practice basic math skills.

• Motivates students to do better in reading and math.

• Expands instructional resources in the classroom.

• Provides for positive and productive peer interaction.

• Creates opportunity for lower functioning students to assume an integral role in a valued activity.

• Helps teachers accommodate academic diversity.

• Accelerates student achievement in reading and math.