One of the most pressing issues facing schools today is finding viable ways to support teachers who are still reeling from the stress added to their jobs by the Covid-19 pandemic.
This problem has several causes. First, even with funds from the CARES act and ESSER I and II, many school districts are still working to spend those funds in such a way that will provide real, lasting support for teachers and students. Additionally, teacher turnover is high, which means there are often not enough experienced teachers to provide student interventions outside of the classroom, interventions that are themselves important to reduce teacher stress. The lack of support can also negatively impact students’ academic achievement and social-emotional development.
Most importantly, today there are more students than ever in public schools who need individualized support for their learning. This places an added burden on teachers who strive to present lessons in a manner that is accessible to all students. Still, there will be students who need extra support.
This is where a tutoring program can help. In most schools currently, the most common type of tutoring program considered is one in which teachers provide extra help to students who are struggling in their classes. These programs can be either after-school or during the school day. The main concern with this scenario is that teachers are already carrying a full load of responsibilities just to stay on top of requirements in the classroom.
There are other options. In some cases, a tutor may come to the school to work with the student; in others, a student may go to a tutor’s home or office. Volunteers staff some tutoring programs; others hire professional tutors; others use peer tutoring.
Tutoring programs can be very effective in helping students improve their grades and catch up with their classmates. EdWeek notes that research on the benefits of “high-dosage tutoring—generally defined as one-on-one tutoring or tutoring in very small groups at least three times a week, or for about 50 hours over a semester—is robust, and it is convincing.”
If a school decides to implement a tutoring program, it is important to consider how the program will be funded. Districts should include long-term funding plans in the budget. Beginning a tutoring program but not planning for its continuation could be detrimental. Also, tutoring should be accessible to all students in a district, not only those who are struggling.
There are some obstacles to implementing a district-wide tutoring program. Besides concerns about cost, districts may also face shortages in qualified tutors and may have difficulty making tutoring available at times that will fit student schedules without taking time away from classroom instruction.
A viable option is an online tutoring program.
Some may be concerned that an online tutoring program may not be as effective. However, here are some reasons an online tutoring program like Skooli is effective:
- Skooli offers flexible, equitable on-demand tutoring at an affordable per-student rate.
- Skooli’s safe, user-friendly digital classroom accelerates student learning through the use of cutting-edge learning tools
- Skooli grants students unlimited 24/7 access for an entire year (365 days).
- Skooli tutors are experienced educators who possess teaching licenses or advanced degrees in the subject they are tutoring in.
- Skooli offers 1:1 individualized tutoring across 122+ subjects.
Let’s take a closer look at 1:1 individualized tutoring.
- One-on-one tutoring can be an extremely effective way for students to improve their academic performance. Studies have shown that students who receive one-on-one tutoring make greater gains in achievement than those who do not receive tutoring and that the effects of one-on-one tutoring can last long after the tutoring sessions have ended. In addition to providing customized support and attention, one-on-one tutors can also offer guidance and motivation that can help students stay on track with their studies.
- One-on-one tutoring can also help students to better understand the material that they are learning. When working with a tutor, students can have all of their questions answered immediately. This can make it easier for them to grasp complex concepts and retain information.
- One-on-one tutoring can also help students to build confidence in their abilities. By working with a tutor on a regular basis, students can see firsthand that they are capable of succeeding academically. This can boost their self-esteem and motivate them to work hard in school.
As found in a systematic review of research on tutoring, the most effective tutoring sessions are those conducted by well-trained teachers or professional tutors rather than sessions run by volunteers, peers, or parents. With Skooli, students work with the highest quality educators who are subject-matter experts.
Besides the benefits to students, tutoring also provides benefits to schools and districts. One is that partnering with a tutoring program can free up teachers’ time. Teachers often have to spend time reteaching material to students who have not mastered it the first time around. With Skooli, those students can get the extra help they need without taking up the teacher’s valuable time.
Another benefit is that tutoring can help raise test scores. When students receive extra help in areas where they are struggling, they are more likely to do better on standardized tests. This can lead to higher test scores for the entire school.
Finally, tutoring programs can benefit schools by building a stronger sense of community. When students and parents know the school district is committed to helping students succeed, they develop a stronger sense of partnership with the school and ownership over their education. This can lead to increased motivation and engagement in school overall.
Visit our website to learn more about how Skooli can help support your district, your teachers, your students, and your community.