What is PALS?
PALS is a scientifically-based
peer-mediated instructional
program. In other words, it is a
very structured class-wide peer
tutoring program which combines
effective instructional principles
and practices with peer
mediation so that research-
based reading and math activities
are effective, feasible, and
enjoyable.
How does PALS work?
1. Rank students based on academic performance.
Split the list in half. Pair the top high-
performing student with the top low
performer.
2. Teacher trains students how pairs will work
together through modeling. (Each time PALS is
used, teacher provides direct instruction on
how to do the activity.)
3. High-performing student plays the role of
“coach” first. (Use color coded folders or
picture cards to conceal academic level
difference.)
4. Students take turns playing the role of “coach”
throughout the program.
**Teacher training prior to executing PALS in
classroom is highly recommended.
Why PALS?
⚫ Increases practice time for
everyone
⚫ Provides increased opportunities
to respond
⚫ Provides positive and productive
peer interactions
⚫ Creates an opportunity for lower-
achieving students to assume an
integral role in a valued activity
⚫ Can target students who
need more support
Who benefits via PALS?
Students who are…
⚫ Low achievers in reading
and/or math
⚫ English Language Learners
⚫ Students with Disabilities
⚫ Everyone (K-12)
 Overview of Published Program
Reading Math
K-PALS Kindergarten
- Focus: phonemic awareness, letter-sound - Focus: number recognition, number
recognition, sight word reading, decoding concepts, development of a mental number
- 20-30 minutes per day line representation, numerical value, early
- 3-4 days per week concepts of addition and subtraction
1st Grade - 20-25 minutes per day
- Focus: realize words are made of letters, - 2 days per week
identify letter-sound correspondences, - Use game boards
blend letter sounds together to make 1st Grade
words, read sight words quickly, decode - Focus: place value within numeration,
words, read sight words and decodable number concepts, addition and subtraction
words in connected texts concepts
- 40 minutes per day - 20-25 minutes per day
- 3 days per week - 3 days per week
- Include reading pages from a book in the - Use game boards
10th week 2nd – 6th Grade
2nd – 6th Grade - Focus: computation of whole numbers,
- Focus: advance decoding and word fractions, decimals, measurement and
identification, fluency, and comprehension geometry, figures/graphs, word problems
of narrative texts, develop critical reading - 30 minutes per day
strategies - 2 days per week
- 35-45 minutes per day - Use worksheet
- 3 days per week

References
King Thorius, K. A. & Graff, C. S. (2018). Extending peer-assisted learning strategies for racially, linguistically, and
ability diverse learners. Intervention in School and Clinic. 53(3). 163-170. DOI: 10.1177/1053451217702113
Lee, Y. (2014). Promise for enhancing children’s reading attitudes through peer reading: A mixed method approach.
The Journal of Educational Research. 107. 482-492. DOI: 10.1080/00220671.2013.836469
Mattatall, C. A. (2017). Using peer assisted learning strategies for boys, aboriginal learners, and at-risk populations.
Reading & Writing Quarterly. 33:2. 155-170. DOI: 10.1080/10573569.2016.1142914
Rafdal, B. H., Mc Master, K. L., Mc Connell, S. R., Fuchs, D., & Fuchs, L. S. (2011). The effectiveness of kindergarten
peer-assisted learning strategies for students with disabilities. Council for Exceptional Children. 77(3). 299-316.
Tsuei, M. (2011). Development of a peer-assisted learning strategy in computer-supported collaborative learning
environments for elementary school students. British Journal of Educational Technology. 42(2). 214-232. DOI:
10.1111/j.1467-8535.2009.01006.x
Fuchs Research Group. (2018). The Fuchs research group at Vanderbilt University [Website].
https://vkc.mc.vanderbilt.edu/fuchs-dev/
K-PALS Training Video 1 [Video clip]. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/4gqRTUAuAQQ
Structure and Implementation of PALS [Video clip]. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/jhey6ZRIo9Q