Introduction

"Getting adults and students together via e-mail is an effective, new way to use the Information Superhighway to improve education. I invite professionals and technicians from all walks of life -- business, engineering, technology, health care, mathematics, science, accounting and other fields that use math in their daily work -- to visit schools or get on the Internet and work with students and their teachers to help all students master challenging mathematics, no matter where they live in this great country."

Richard W. Riley
Secretary of Education

In this technological era, mathematics and science achievement are more important than ever before. Mastering mathematics, including the foundations of algebra and geometry, by the end of eighth grade, puts students on the path to more advanced high school mathematics and science courses, college, and success in a wide variety of careers. Mathematics equals opportunity, and students who fail to master basic and more advanced mathematics face limited options for being admitted into college and entering well-paying careers.

Around the country, there are thousands of professionals in the technology, engineering, mathematics, scientific, business and education communities with a strong knowledge of mathematics and science and a desire to join with teachers and parents to help students achieve high standards. However, while many professionals would like to volunteer, finding time to go to a school or other location to work with students to deepen their understanding and interest in mathematics and science can be daunting.

A growing number of professionals are discovering that they can easily serve as resources to students and teachers without leaving their place of work by participating in programs that allow them to use e-mail to answer questions, tutor and telementor students. E-mail programs provide more opportunities for adult volunteers because they reduce the time and geographical constraints facing mentors. They also allow students to work with adults from all parts of the nation who possess a diverse set of skills and backgrounds to learn about subject knowledge and career opportunities in addition to receiving support and encouragement.

Existing E-mail programs fall into three major categories:

• One-on-one sustained mentor relationships, in which an adult adopts a student for a period of time during which regular contact is made via e-mail.

• Question and answer services, in which a student can send a subject-related question via e-mail and have it answered by a adult, who does not necessarily have regular contact with the student.

• Links to subject knowledge and interactive databases that supplement classroom activities.

This guide describes some of the existing e-mail based volunteer programs. Each description includes a source for finding further information if you or your organization are interested in participating in, or initiating, a similar program. Also included are a description of essential elements that characterize telementoring initiatives and a list of useful telementoring resources.

This guide focuses on the fourth goal by highlighting effective on-line learning resources to help students master two of the core academic subjects -- mathematics and science. These resources support teachers, students and families by engaging adult volunteers and providing high-quality resources to students around the nation.

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