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MUSKOGEE, Okla. (AP) — Students had to read thoroughly and listen attentively in order to properly adjust clock hands Sunday.
The students, who attended a Sunday afternoon tutoring session at Cherokee Elementary, weren't learning to tell time. They were developing skills to study and take tests.
Cherokee Elementary is offering Sunday tutoring to help students prepare for state tests in April, Principal Lori Jefferson said. The next tutoring sessions are 3 p.m. March 20 and 27, after spring break, she said.
"The purpose of these tutoring sessions is to allow students the extra information and support to help them be successful in their state testing and every day in their classes," Jefferson said.
Tutoring is available for students from elementary through high school, she said.
The Muskogee Phoenix (http://bit.ly/1Yzscqx ) reports that the sessions began in late February and have attracted about 14 students, mostly elementary, she said, adding that there is space for many more students.
Jefferson said a youth sports coach, Robert Puckett, approached her about the tutoring.
"The coach needed someone to work with the young people. I said, 'Great,'" Jefferson said.
Puckett said he had considered tutoring young players at his home.
"I wanted to teach test-taking techniques," he said. "We don't want any kid to fail."
Puckett said he had heard about a large number of third-graders retained at one school because they did not pass state reading tests.
Jefferson said, "State law says if third-graders don't pass the reading test they will be retained."
She said she and Puckett normally work with the students during the sessions.
Puckett used the clock faces to show students the importance of paying attention to directions. Students answered a series of questions, which included: "Oliver begins eating lunch at 12:30 p.m. He eats his lunch in 45 minutes. What time does Oliver finish lunch?"
Students were to move the clock hands to the proper time — 1:15 p.m.
Puckett then asked a question that had students move clock hands backward.
"You have to pay attention to the questions," Puckett told the students.
Jefferson said students learn to follow directions and to check their work.
She said parents are welcome to help with the tutoring sessions.
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Information from: Muskogee Phoenix, http://www.muskogeephoenix.com
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