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It’s a long-proven truth that some students need tutoring outside the classroom, which was especially shown during the pandemic. For many students, this means the difference between success and failure. But how does one go about helping students get the tutoring they need?

In the edLeader Panel “Building Sustainable Tutoring Programs for Long-Term Impact: From Crisis to Continuity,” experts discussed developing tutoring models, tutoring infrastructure, and maximizing tutoring funding to benefit students.

There are a few different models of tutoring. For instance, in a more traditional model, a teacher signs off on a student receiving tutoring. The tutoring can happen any time during the day, before, during, or after school, depending on the needs of the student. Another model is high-impact tutoring, also called high-dosage tutoring.

High-impact tutoring is defined by a duration of 10 consistent weeks, with 60-90 minutes a week, consistency with the same tutor, student, and time, alignment to what’s happening in classrooms, and the use of data to drive outcomes. It can happen virtually or in person, and with or without technology. The important part is the relationship between the tutor and student, so grouping the right tutors and students is key.

High-impact tutoring needs infrastructure, such as funding, training, and tutors. Furthermore, administrators need to support student and district needs, which means focusing on specific areas to train tutors and teachers to help students.

Funding is a vital part of high-impact tutoring and can be difficult to get. There’s money from the one-time stimulus funds that needs to be earmarked, though districts already know how they’re spending that money, so they must think about leveraging current and future funds.

More money than ever has been invested in the state over the last two years, which, in addition to local funds, makes up the majority of a district’s funds. In addition, writing grants and making partnerships with professional tutoring companies can make a big difference with funding for things like high-impact tutoring.

Building a tutor pool is another major part of infrastructure. Some are professional tutors, while others are students who plan to become educators or parents who want to get more involved. Keep in mind that professional tutors are often the ones who know how to use the tools, read learning dynamics, and build relationships with students.

Students are more likely to open up about what they don’t understand to tutors than they are to teachers. Expert tutors know how to nurture and build that trust. This is also why it’s important to match students with the right tutors, because doing so builds the sense of trust students need to succeed. While some districts have hired students from colleges or their own schools, most choose to hire professional tutors to maintain consistent high-quality tutoring. That level of trust in quality tutors means that students and parents are more willing to reach out when they need help.

It’s important that tutoring be accessible so it can reach those who need it most. This is why Varsity Tutors has worked to lower costs by improving operational efficiency, and offers virtual tutoring. Virtual tutoring can reach students in more rural areas who might not otherwise have access to tutors, and it’s easier to maintain consistency.

At the end of the day, the goal is to help students succeed. Teachers are at the heart of that goal and need to be celebrated and recognized. Tutoring is an additional resource teachers can employ to elevate what is going on in the classroom to ensure students learn and grow.

Learn more about this edWeb broadcast, Building Sustainable Tutoring Programs for Long-Term Impact: From Crisis to Continuity, sponsored by Varsity Tutors for Schools.

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Tutoring for Schools is a free professional learning community that supports tutors, teachers, and district administrators using personalized learning tools in the classroom.

Varsity Tutors, the industry leading online tutoring platform trusted by millions of families, launched Varsity Tutors for Schools, aimed at assisting district leaders in delivering 1:1 tutoring and comprehensive learning support. Varsity Tutors has a proven track record of successful collaboration with over 500 K-12 schools and districts, offering three implementation models: District Assigned, Parent Assigned, and Teacher Assigned. Each implementation model includes facilitating high-dosage, recurring, face-to-face tutoring in 1:1 or small group settings for any grade or subject, 24/7 on-demand tutoring, essay reviewing, and dedicated support for college admissions and test preparation. Learn more about how Varsity Tutors provides tailored educational solutions and partners with K-12 districts at https://www.varsitytutors.com/school-solutions

Article by Jon Scanlon, based on this edLeader Panel