Current CORSE Programs

Customized Peer Mentor Programs

CORSE has designed various peer mentor programs within the SPS school district and to enhance our own after-school and recreation social skills programming.  To date we have had over 350 mentors in our programs. 

There are currently four initiatives that CORSE has undertaken in regards to peer mentoring:

1. We utilize the High School “Best Buddies” program to provide peer mentor and “buddy” opportunities for our High School after-school programs.  CORSE plays an active role in funding for Best Buddies and assuring the appropriate training and follow-through with after-school programs.  We recruit Best Buddies to serve as volunteers in our summer and sports recreation programs. 
2. We have designed a brand new customized “RAP” (Respect All People) Peer Mentor Program for the SPS Middle School, grades 7-8.  The goal of this pilot program beginning in October 2011 is to begin development of a customized “Best Buddies”-type peer mentoring program at the middle school.  Students from SHS Best Buddies will serve as mentors with SPS staff instructors in defining and teaching a comprehensive peer mentor curriculum with training manual.  The mentors then have opportunities to perform as a “peer buddy” during school day and/or after-school clubs and CORSE programs.   This will better groom our future Best Buddy mentors at the High School. 
3. CORSE has also designed customized peer mentor opportunities particularly for our after-school social skills programs.  This is a model that mentors older grade-level students to assist with these programs in working with the students to reinforce and model the social skills taught in that curriculum.  This program fosters a caring and compassionate school community that practices tolerance, peer assistance and acceptance of individual differences.  This peer mentor program provides a standard curriculum to provide the student mentors with sufficient knowledge and skills to enable them to serve as peer supports for students with disabilities who are members of their school community.  The instruction focuses on the following areas:  inclusion, exceptionalities, and social thinking vocabulary and behavior management.  A student manual is also provided as a resource support in learning the above skills and provides case scenarios for further skill generalization.  The following student groups are coordinated:
   • Early Elementary social skills programs (students grades K-3): 5th and 6th grade student mentors
   • PLC/ILC community field trips (students grades K-6): 5th and 6th grade student mentors
   • PreK and older Elementary social skills programs (students grades 3-6): 7th and 8th grade student mentors from RAP
   • Middle School social skills programs (students grades 7-8): RAP mentors
   • High School social skills programs (students grades 9-12): High School Best Buddies
4. Customized peer mentor training (every summer) and the student training manual are also provided for our recreation programs to assure the counselors and volunteers have the necessary training and support to effectively assist the students in the programs. 

                             Peer Mentors participating in Seaside Explorers after-school program.