2011 CRLA Application: Levels 1-2 

• Application Cover Sheet
• List of Documents
• Overview Components of the Tutor Program to be Certified
• Level 1 Summary Chart
• Level 2 Summary Chart
• Verification of Tutor Training Program 

Application Cover Sheet

1. Contact person: Stephanie Braun
   Program name: Academic Skills Center
   Institution name: Joliet Junior College
   Address: J-2013/ 1215 Houbolt Road
   City, State, Zip: Joliet, IL  60431
   Phone: (815) 280-2824
   Fax: (815) 729-4256
   Email: sbraun@jjc.edu
   Type of institution: 2 year
   CRLA member: No
   
2. Certification levels requested: Regular Level 1 and Advanced Level 2
   
3. Application fee: 2 levels: $250.00

List of documents

These are arranged by training and listed below.

Overview components of the tutor program to be certified

Please provide an overview, one to two pages, explaining how your tutor training program fulfills the requirements of the level or levels checked.  The purpose of this overview is to provide the committee members with the appropriate background information necessary to certify your program. 

Program History

The Academic Skills Center (ASC) at Joliet Junior College came into being in 1969.  I learned of its origins through the October 1978, Volume III, Number 2 edition of the "Writing Lab Newsletter," a publication produced by the Department of English at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana.  An article focusing on the ASC explained that in 1978, the program was in its ninth year of operation and offered the following services:

• Developmental courses in reading and writing
• Assistance to ABE (Adult Basic Education), GED (General Education Development), ESL (English as a Second Language), and CETA (Comprehensive Employment and Training Act) students
• Tutoring for accounting, math, and chemistry
• Support with writing, reading, study skills, research, and speech problems
• Faculty workshops, readability reports on textbooks, small group student registration in career departments, informal counseling, residual placement testing, and tutoring for CLEP (College-Level Examination Program), GRE (Graduate Record Examinations), LSAT (Law School Admission Test), TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) tests, etc.

The total yearly budget for 1976-1977 was approximately $67,000 and included salaries for two full-time tenured members of the English Department (one writing instructor and one reading instructor), one full-time secretary, and a few part-time student tutors and clerical help.

Admittedly, much of the history of this department was lost due to retirements and resignations.  In January 2007, the ASC merged with the Student Accommodations and Resources Department (StAR) for a short time and was under the management of Jacque Klika.  In 2008, Joliet Junior College restructured and hired Deans.  Karl Brooks, the Dean of Student Success, began overseeing the ASC/StAR Department in addition to other areas including Career Services, Counseling, and Project Achieve, a TRIO grant program.  27 months after the original merge, the two departments were again separated due to the sheer volume of students as well as other departmental demands. 

This logical and strategic decision resulted in the hiring of a new manager in March 2009. Stephanie Braun was hired as the new ASC Manger and Jacque Klika maintained oversight of the StAR Department.  This separation was well received and allowed both managers to further develop their departments.

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Program objectives

It is the Academic Skills Center's mission to actively participate in JJC's overarching mission to promote lifelong learning by adhering to high standards when facilitating course placement, furnishing an appropriate and consistent testing environment, offering effective tutoring, providing courteous customer service, and continuously evaluating and improving upon existing policies and procedures. 

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Reporting lines

Organizational Chart

Academic Skills Center Tutoring Staff

Academic Skills Center Testing Staff

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Sources of funding

Funding is provided by the budgeting process of Joliet Junior College upon the recommendation of Stephanie Braun regarding the needs of tutoring and testing and the approval of the Dean of Student Success, the Vice President of Student Development, and the President of Joliet Junior College.  In school year 2009-2010, the Academic Skills Center had the following budget dedicated to tutoring services. 

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Services and students served

All Joliet Junior College students including dual-credit students are eligible for free tutoring.  Currently, we offer in-person and/or online tutoring for over 150 different courses.  Additionally, students may receive in-person or online ACT COMPASS preparation in reading, writing, and math.  Academic Workshops including Test-Taking Tips, Organizational Skills, Time Management, and Basic Learning Styles are also offered to JJC students.  Another offering of this department includes the use of ASC Learning Aids including bones, biology slides, heart model, brain model, and Accounting book with answers.  Students make appointments to use these materials for study.  Below are the statistics for total students seen for tutoring, reviews, workshops, and study aids for the current and previous two fiscal years.

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Program location and facility

The Academic Skills Center is located at JJC's Main Campus on 1215 Houbolt Road in Joliet, Illinois.  All tutoring, workshops, and review sessions are tracked using the SARS-GRID program.  ASC tutoring is available at multiple locations including the following:

Main Campus in Joliet, IL

Most peer-tutor subject tutoring takes place in the JJC Library in J-Building; this is due to a lack of tutoring space in the ASC (J-2013).  In summer 2011, the ASC will move to the new Campus Center; this building is designed to house all student services.  Tutorial Assistants typically tutor within the small tutoring area in J-2013; all tutorial assistants offer ACT COMPASS Preparation for reading, writing, and/or math.  Specialized tutoring may take place elsewhere at the Main Campus as indicated below:

• Academic Skills Center in J-Building
• ACT COMPASS Preparation for reading, writing, and math
• Biology Tutoring - all classes
• Chemistry Tutoring - all classes
• English Tutoring - all classes
• Math Tutoring - all classes
• CADD Labs in T-Building
• Computer Aided Design and Drafting (CADD) Tutoring
• Interior Design Tutoring
• EEAS Labs in T-Building
• Electrical/Electronic Automated Systems (EEAS) Technology Tutoring
• Electronics Engineering Technology (EET) Tutoring
• Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Tutoring - EEAS Labs in T-Building
• Process Control and Instrumentation Tutoring
• EMS Classrooms near G-Building
• Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Tutoring
• Fire Science Technology Tutoring
• Library in J-Building
• Accounting Tutoring
• Advertising Tutoring
• Anthropology Tutoring
• Astronomy Tutoring
• Biology Tutoring
• Business Tutoring
• Business Law Tutoring
• Chemistry Tutoring
• Child Development Tutoring
• Computer Information Systems Tutoring
• Criminal Justice Tutoring
• Economics Tutoring
• English Tutoring
• General Student Development Tutoring
• Geography Tutoring
• History Tutoring
• Management Tutoring
• Marketing Tutoring
• Math Tutoring
• Office Systems Technologies Tutoring
• Philosophy Tutoring
• Physics Tutoring
• Political Science Tutoring
• Psychology Tutoring
• Sociology Tutoring
• Spanish Tutoring
• Theater Tutoring
• Music Practice Rooms in K-Building
• Music Tutoring

Romeoville Campus in Romeoville, IL

Some peer tutoring and some tutorial assistant tutoring takes place at the JJC Romeoville Campus in Romeoville, Illinois.  Currently, the ASC offers tutoring at this campus within the following subject areas:

• ACT COMPASS Preparation for reading, writing, and math
• Biology Tutoring - all classes
• Chemistry Tutoring - all classes
• English Tutoring - all classes
• Mathematics Tutoring - all classes

Morris Education Center in Morris, IL

Some peer tutoring takes place at the JJC Morris Education Center in Morris, Illinois.  Currently, the ASC offers tutoring at this campus within the following subject areas:

• ACT COMPASS Preparation for reading, writing, and math
• Biology Tutoring
• Child Development Tutoring
• Computer Information Systems Tutoring
• English Tutoring
• General Student Development Tutoring
• History Tutoring
• Math Tutoring
• Philosophy Tutoring
• Psychology Tutoring
• Sociology Tutoring

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Training guidelines

This includes administration, selection, hours, tracking, and evaluation.

Administration

Most training sessions are conducted by Stephanie Braun, Academic Skills Center Manager.

Education

• Master of Science, May 2007
  Illinois State University, Normal, IL
  Major: History
  Graduate Certificate: Women's and Gender Studies
  Cumulative GPA: 4.0/4.0
  Masters Thesis Working Title: "The Battered Women's Shelter Movement: Fundraising and Politics from 1970 to the Present"
• Bachelor of Science, May 2005
  Illinois State University, Normal, IL
  Major: History Secondary Education
  Cumulative GPA: 4.0/4.0
• Bachelor of Science, May 2002
  Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL
  Major: Marketing
  Emphasis: Direct Marketing
  Cumulative GPA: 3.38/ 4.0

Papers and presentations

• At the Midwest Region Ninth Annual COMPASS and Assessment Conference held April 15-16, 2010, I presented "Campus-Wide Collaboration for Test Center Success."
• At the Tenth Annual Women's Studies Symposium held April 8, 2005, I was selected to present my paper, "Healing the Battered Woman: Grassroots Illinois Advocates, 1970-1990."
• My article, "The Roots of Multiculturalism," was published in Recounting the Past: A Student Journal of Historical Studies at Illinois State University No. 10 (Spring 2004)

Awards

• Awarded the Jo Stworzyjanek Award for Collaboration at Joliet Junior College, 2010
• Awarded the Helen M. Cavanagh Award for Best Master's Thesis in American and World History, 2007
• Awarded the Helen M. Cavanagh Award for Best Master's Student in the History Department, 2007
• Awarded a paid Graduate Assistantship in the Department of History (Illinois State University), 2005-2007

Tutoring and education experience

• Academic Skills Center - Manager
  Joliet Junior College in Joliet, IL
  March 2009-Present
• Center for Learning Assessment - Assistant Manager
  Waubonsee Community College in Sugar Grove, IL
  July 2007-March 2009
• Testing and Tutoring Center - Master Tutor
  Heartland Community College (CRLA Certified) in Normal, IL
  August 2005-July 2007
• Student Teacher for American Government, Current Events, and Modern History
  Clinton High School in Clinton, IL
  Spring 2005
• Education Department - Intern
  McLean County Museum of History in Bloomington, IL
• Academic Skills Center - Peer Tutor
  Joliet Junior College in Joliet, IL
  January 2003-June 2003
• Honors Program - Peer Advisor
  Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, IL
  August 2001-May 2002

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Selection

Tutors must meet the following criteria to be considered for hire:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Cumulative GPA of 3.0 (Students with a cumulative GPA below 3.0 must come highly recommended by their instructors for the courses they plan to tutor.  These recommendations will be taken into consideration on a case-by-case basis and all tutor hirings are at the discretion of the ASC Manager.)
• A or B in course(s) to be tutored
• Academic Skills Center Manager approval
• Ability to communicate effectively with students/faculty
• Ability to work with minimum supervision
• Ability to maintain confidentiality in accordance with FERPA guidelines
• Patience and problem-solving abilities
• Willingness to accept responsibility

Hours

Level One requirements include the following:

• 10.5 hours of tutor training
• These occur monthly during the fall and spring semesters.
• 25 hours of tutoring
• This information is captured through the SARS-GRID program.

Level Two requirements include the following:

• 11 hours of tutor training
• These occur monthly during the fall and spring semesters.
• 25 hours of tutoring
• This information is captured through the SARS-GRID program.

Tracking

Attendance to all tutor trainings and tutoring sessions are tracked through the SARS-GRID program. 

Evaluation

Tutors are evaluated differently at each session; some may entail role-playing while others may involve a short quiz.  Tutors evaluate the program by completing the Tutor Training Evaluation form.

How do I generally conduct training?

• Group size varies from 10-30
• Meeting frequency - one training session per month
• Each training session may include 2-3 training topics and generally lasts 2-3 hours.
• Types of presentation include the following:
• Discussion
• Guest speakers
• Online activities

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Level One: Topics, Materials, and Documentation (Summary Chart)

Level Two: Topics, Materials, and Documentation (Summary Chart)

Verification of tutor training program

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.

Level One:

• Number of Hours for Level 1: 10.5 hours
• The requirements of Level 1 are: Exceeded
• Documentation:
• Academic Skills Center Training Manual and FERPA
  (Definition of Tutoring and Tutor Responsibilities and Referral Skills)
• ASC Training Manual and FERPA Agenda
• Good Tutor/Poor Tutor
  (Basic Tutoring Guidelines/ Tutoring Do's/ Tutoring Don't's)
• Good Tutor/ Poor Tutor Agenda
• The Tutoring Cycle
  (Techniques for Successfully Beginning and Ending a Tutor Session)
• Tutoring Cycle Agenda
• Basic Learning Styles
  (Adult Learners/ Learning Theory/ Learning Styles)
• Basic Learning Styles Agenda
• Proctoring
  (Other)
• Proctoring Agenda
• Career Services
  (Referral Skills and Identifying and Using Resources)
• Career Services Agenda
• Recognizing and Preventing Violence on Campus
  (Referral Skills and Assertiveness/ Handling Difficult Students)
• Recognizing and Preventing Violence on Campus Agenda
• Time Management
  (Setting Goals/ Planning)
• Time Management Agenda
• Active Reading and Textmarking
  (Study Skills)
• Active Reading and Textmarking Agenda
• Sexual Harassment Training
  (Compliance with Ethics and Philosophy of the Tutor Program/ Sexual Harassment/ Plagiarism)
• JJC Sexual Harassment Agenda

Level Two:

• Number of Hours for Level 2: 11 hours
• The requirements of Level 2 are: Exceeded
• Documentation:
• Interpersonal Skills: Myers-Briggs Type Indicator
  (Other)
• Interpersonal Skills Agenda
• Test-Taking Tips
  (Assessing or Changing Study Behavior)
• Test-Taking Tips Agenda
• ACT COMPASS Math, Reading, and Writing Preparation: Leading a Review Session
  (Tutoring in Specific Skills/ Subject Areas)
• ACT COMPASS Preparation Agenda
• Referral and Level One Review Scavenger Hunt
  (Referral Skills and Review of Level One Topics)
• Referral Scavenger Hunt Agenda
• Disability Services
  (Referral Skills and Cultural Awareness and Inter-Cultural Communications/ Diversity)
• StAR Services Agenda
• Library Services
  (Identifying and Using Resources)
• Library Services Agenda
• Leadership
  (Lead a CRLA Level One Training Session)
• Leadership Agenda

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) documentation you have attached as a file to confirm your compliance.

Level One:

• Level 1: (classroom/workshop plus any two others are the minimum required)
• The requirements of Level 1 are: Exceeded
• Documentation:
• Assessment with Cards
• Tutoring Cycle Cards
• Assessment with Quiz
• ASC Training Manual and FERPA Quiz
• JJC Sexual Harassment Training - Mandatory for all Employees (Website with details about training)
• Assessment with Small Group Exercises and Presentations
• Basic Learning Styles Worksheet
• Assessment with Worksheet(s)
• Active Reading and Textmarking Worksheet
• Recognizing and Preventing Violence on Campus Worksheet
• Tutoring Cycle Worksheet
• Assessment with Worksheets and Individual Exercises
• Time Management Skills: Weekly Time Management Schedule Worksheets
• DVD
• Recognizing and Preventing Violence on Campus Video Preview
• Face-to-Face Discussion
• Active Reading and Textmarking Agenda
• ASC Training Manual and FERPA Agenda
• Basic Learning Styles Agenda
• Career Services Agenda
• Good Tutor/ Poor Tutor Agenda
• JJC Sexual Harassment Training Agenda
• Proctoring Agenda
• Recognizing and Preventing Violence on Campus Agenda
• Time Management Agenda
• Tutoring Cycle Agenda
• Handouts
• Academic Skills Center Incident Report Form
• ASC Training Manual
• ASC Tutor Classroom Visitation Sheet
• Basic Learning Styles Worksheet and Answers
• Day Versus Night People Worksheet
• Marking Your Text Handout
• Proctoring Instructions
• SQ4R Handout
• Role Play with Cards
• ASC Tutor Scenario Cards
• Good Tutor/ Poor Tutor Scenario Cards
• Proctoring Cards
• Self-Assessment
• Basic Learning Styles Inventory
• Special Tutor Project
• Career Services Worksheet
• Website
• Basic Learning Styles Inventory
• "What Can I do with this Major" Website
• Workshop Instruction
• Accessing and Using Online Tutoring
• Active Reading and Textmarking Presentation
• Basic Learning Styles Presentation
• Career Services Agenda
• Good Tutor/ Poor Tutor Presentation
• JJC Sexual Harassment Training - Mandatory for all Employees (Website with details about training)
• Recognizing and Preventing Violence on Campus Agenda
• Time Management Presentation
• Tutoring Cycle Presentation

Level Two:

• Level 2: (classroom/workshop plus any two others are the minimum required)
• The requirements of Level 2 are: Exceeded
• Documentation:
• Assessment with Small Group Exercises and Presentations
• Test-Taking Tips Exercise: Create an Effective Study Guide
• Face-to-Face Discussion
• ACT COMPASS Preparation Agenda
• Interpersonal Skills Agenda
• Leadership Agenda
• Library Services Agenda
• Referral and Level One Review Scavenger Hunt Agenda
• StAR Services Agenda
• Test-Taking Tips Agenda
• Handouts
• Improve your Test-Taking Skills Today!
• Myers-Briggs Interpretation Guide
• Myers-Briggs Worksheet: Characteristics Frequently Associated with Each Type
• Myers-Briggs Worksheet
• Myers-Briggs Worksheet: MBTI Occupations
• Question Word Definitions
• StAR General Information Handout
• Role Play with Cards
• ACT COMPASS Preparation Cards
• Scavenger Hunt
• Referral and Level One Review Scavenger Hunt Worksheet
• StAR Services Website Scavenger Hunt
• Self-Assessment
• Steps to Completing the Myers-Briggs
• Special Tutor Project
• Leadership Worksheet
• Library Services Worksheet
• Website
• JJC Library Website
• Referral and Level One Review Scavenger Hunt Worksheet
• StAR Website
• Steps to Completing the Myers-Briggs
• Workshop Instruction
• ACT COMPASS Preparation Options Presentation
• ACT COMPASS Reading and Writing Review Session Presentation
• Interpersonal Skills Presentation
• JJC Library Training Researching in the Library Presentation
• StAR Services Agenda
• Test-Taking Tips Presentation
• Using the My Math Test Program to prepare for the ACT COMPASS Math Placement Test

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.

Level One:

• List which topics you cover in your training for Level 1:
1. Definition of Tutoring and Tutor Responsibilities
• Academic Skills Center Training Manual and FERPA
2. Basic Tutoring Guidelines/ Tutoring Do's/ Tutoring Don't's
• Good Tutor/ Poor Tutor
3. Techniques for Successfully Beginning and Ending a Tutor Session
• The Tutoring Cycle
4. Adult Learners/ Learning Theory/ Learning Styles
• Basic Learning Styles
5. Assertiveness/ Handling Difficult Students
• Recognizing and Preventing Violence on Campus
6. Setting Goals/ Planning
• Time Management
7. Referral Skills
• Academic Skills Center Training Manual and FERPA
• Career Services
• Recognizing and Preventing Violence on Campus
8. Study Skills
• Active Reading and Textmarking
9. Compliance with Ethics and Philosophy of the Tutor Program/ Sexual Harassment/ Plagiarism
• Sexual Harassment Training
10. Other
• Proctoring
• The requirements of Level 1 are Exceeded.

Level Two:

• List which topics you cover in your training for Level 2:
1. Review of Level 1 Topics
• Referral Skills
• Referral and Level One Review Scavenger Hunt
• Disability Services
2. Cultural Awareness and Inter-Cultural Communications/ Diversity
• Disability Services
3. Identifying and Using Resources
• Disability Services
• Library Services
4. Tutoring in Specific Skills/ Subject Areas
• ACT COMPASS Math, Reading, and Writing Preparation: Leading a Review Session
5. Assessing or Changing Study Behaviors
• Test-Taking Tips
6. Other
• Interpersonal Skills: Myers-Briggs Type Indicator
• Leadership: Leading and/or Creating a Level One Training Session
• The requirements of Level 2 are Exceeded.

D. Required Tutoring Experience

1) Explain 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):

Level One:

Hours of tutoring experience are defined as actual hours spent tutoring. For example, if a tutor works 5 hours but only spent 3 hours tutoring, then that tutor has only accrued 3 hours of tutoring experience.

25 hours of tutoring experience is the minimum: Level 1: Met

Documentation

• All scheduling and attendance information about tutoring appointments is entered into the SARS-GRID and tracked electronically.

• From SARS, I am able to pull reports to track the number of students seen by each tutor as well as the number of hours of tutoring experience for each tutor.  Click here to view Dr. Sam Kongpricha's tutoring report from February 2010.
• For those tutors who do not tutor in close proximity to the Academic Skills Center front office, they may submit their tutoring information electronically using the Online Tutor Traffic Form to then be entered into SARS by an ASC staff member.

Level Two:

Hours of tutoring experience are defined as actual hours spent tutoring. For example, if a tutor works 5 hours but only spent 3 hours tutoring, then that tutor has only accrued 3 hours of tutoring experience.

50 hours of tutoring experience is the minimum: Level 2: Met

Documentation

• All scheduling and attendance information about tutoring appointments is entered into the SARS-GRID and tracked electronically.

• From SARS, I am able to pull reports to track the number of students seen by each tutor as well as the number of hours of tutoring experience for each tutor.  Click here to view Dr. Sam Kongpricha's tutoring report from February 2010.
• For those tutors who do not tutor in close proximity to the Academic Skills Center front office, they may submit their tutoring information electronically using the Online Tutor Traffic Form to then be entered into SARS by an ASC staff member.

E. Tutor Selection Criteria

Level One:

• Explain how your tutors are selected.
• Interview plus endorsement of tutor trainer/supervisor
• Grade of "A" or "B" in subject content being tutored
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (Students with a cumulative GPA below 3.0 must come highly recommended by their instructors for the courses they plan to tutor.  These recommendations will be taken into consideration on a case-by-case basis and all tutor hirings are at the discretion of the ASC Manager.)
• Level One: Exceeded
• Documentation:
• Level One History Peer Tutoring Job Description

Level Two:

• Explain how your tutors are selected.
• Interview plus endorsement of tutor trainer/supervisor
• Grade of "A" or "B" in subject content being tutored
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (Students with a cumulative GPA below 3.0 must come highly recommended by their instructors for the courses they plan to tutor.  These recommendations will be taken into consideration on a case-by-case basis and all tutor hirings are at the discretion of the ASC Manager.)
• Completed Level One Requirements
• Level Two: Exceeded
• Documentation:
• Level Two History Peer Tutoring Job Description

F. Tutor Evaluation Criteria

Level One:

• How are your tutors evaluated? Check all that apply.
• An evaluation is in place.
• It occurs on a regular basis
• Results are made known to tutors
• Level One: Exceeded
• Documentation:
• ASC Tutor Evaluation Form
• Used at the end of each semester (fall, spring, and summer)
• TESAT: Tutor Evaluation and Self-Assessment Tool
• Used as students progress from Level One to Level Two
• TESAT Authorized Users (1995-2010) List
• JJC Student Employee Evaluation Form
• Used when students are ending their employment due to transfer, resignation, or other reason.
• Also available upon tutor request

Level Two:

• How are your tutors evaluated? Check all that apply.
• An evaluation is in place.
• It occurs on a regular basis
• Results are made known to tutors
• Level Two: Exceeded
• Documentation:
• ASC Tutor Evaluation Form
• Used at the end of each semester (fall, spring, and summer)
• TESAT: Tutor Evaluation and Self-Assessment Tool
• Used as students progress from Level One to Level Two
• TESAT Authorized Users (1995-2010) List
• JJC Student Employee Evaluation Form
• Used when students are ending their employment due to transfer, resignation, or other reason.
• Also available upon tutor request