Numerous school districts have utilized their COVID-relief funds to implement tutoring initiatives, whether in-person, online, or hybrid, to address the exacerbated achievement gaps caused by the pandemic. However, some districts have not witnessed the desired outcomes. This was the case in Columbus, Ohio, and Santa Ana, Calif., where online tutoring contracts had to be terminated due to insufficient student uptake. Extensive research has demonstrated the effectiveness of high-impact tutoring. The key question is: What attributes contribute to an effective tutoring program, and how can it be expanded to enhance the academic outcomes of millions of students? During a SXSW EDU panel on March 8, experts identified five critical aspects of an effective tutoring program.
1. Integration within the regular school day:
AJ Gutierrez, the co-founder and vice chair of Saga Education, emphasized that tutoring should be seamlessly integrated into the school day as a complementary support to the core curriculum instruction provided by classroom teachers. This approach has proven to yield significant academic improvements for students. One possible method is to replace the existing intervention time within the school schedule with dedicated tutoring sessions, suggested Shalinee Sharma, the CEO and co-founder of Zearn, a math learning platform.
2. Frequency of sessions:
Research underscores that tutoring is most effective when offered frequently, ideally three or more times per week, with each session lasting a minimum of 30 minutes. Maintaining a consistent schedule ensures that students have sufficient time to grasp the content comprehensively. Moreover, it fosters the development of a strong tutor-student relationship, which is crucial, according to the panelists.
3. Use of high-quality curriculum:
Lisa Coons, the chief academic officer for the Tennessee Department of Education, stressed the importance of utilizing high-quality instructional materials in tutoring programs. Without such materials, it becomes challenging for classroom teachers to gauge students’ progress and provide appropriate support. It also hinders tutors in determining how best to assist students. Coons emphasized that high-quality curriculum acts as a valuable bridge between classroom teachers and tutors, facilitating effective collaboration.
4. Consistency in tutor-student relationships:
Building relationships is a fundamental aspect of tutoring, as highlighted by the panelists. Tutors must possess a deep understanding of each student’s academic journey in order to guide their progress effectively. Additionally, tutoring offers an opportunity for mentorship, allowing students to connect with a caring adult who can help them stay on track.
5. Professional development for tutors:
Tutoring programs, such as those implemented in certain school districts using Zearn, provide professional learning opportunities for tutors. This is crucial because tutors may range from highly experienced individuals to novices. Sharma emphasized that tutoring can serve as a pathway for attracting new teachers to the profession. Offering differentiated learning opportunities for tutors is not only crucial for delivering high-impact tutoring but also for their professional growth.
By implementing tutoring programs that adhere to these five attributes, school districts have the potential to make a significant positive impact on the academic outcomes of students.