How to help? We all want to help someone, but do we really understand what helping another person means, and how to do that.  Teachers need help! NEED help! What kind of help?  How best to help?  They need help with things that they can’t do, with issues that are out of their control and for which they will be held accountable.  Namely, help with the children whom they can’t help.  Not because they don’t want to, but simply because they have too many to attend to, and there are a small few who absolutely need the individual attention of an another human being.   This is where the Reading & Math Buddies make a huge difference.  Another caring, competent adult in the classroom, working one-on-one for 30 minutes each day with each of four children who need that help.  Helping the bottom four become confident about themselves as learners, helps them become integrated into the regular classroom and not a distraction to the others or the teacher.  Helping the bottom four, helps everyone.  High tides raise all boats.  Hold the bottom to the same high expectations, but give them the support and help that they need.   We can’t afford to throw away any kids.  Nor can we blame teachers for the poor academic performance of those at the bottom, if they have another 20 to 25 kids to deal with.   Help teachers, by helping provide individualized daily systematic support for the struggling learners in every classroom. Everyone needs a buddy.