About PALS

PALS Overview
PALS combines proven instructional principles and practices and peer mediation so that research-based reading and math activities are effective, feasible, and enjoyable. PALS is a version of classwide peer tutoring. Teachers identify which children require help on specific skills and who the most appropriate children are to help other children learn those skills. Using this information, teachers pair students in the class, so that partners work simultaneously and productively on different activities that address the problems they are experiencing. Pairs are changed regularly, and over a period of time as students work on a variety of skills, all students have the opportunity to be "coaches" and "players."

PALS creates pairs in a classroom, each geared to the individual student's needs, instead of a single, teacher-directed activity that may end up addressing the problems of only a few children. The strategy also creates opportunities for a teacher to circulate in the class, observe students, and provide individual remedial lessons.

PALS is designed to complement, not replace, existing reading and math curriculum. PALS is a 25- to 35- minute activity implemented 2 to 4 times a week.

PALS Effectiveness

PALS Implementation