Summary
Louisiana’s Accelerate: High-Dosage Tutoring Initiative is a powerful new effort designed to close learning gaps and boost student achievement across the state. Backed by $30 million in funding and rigorous educational standards, this program focuses on providing targeted, in-school tutoring for K-5 students in English Language Arts and Math. Tutored by Teachers (TbT) is already approved to support schools under this initiative, offering research-based instruction aligned with Louisiana’s standards. Curious how this could benefit your school? Read to learn more about this transformative program and how TbT is making an impact.
Background to the Initiative
In a significant effort to enhance educational support for Louisiana’s students, the state, in conjunction with the Steve Carter Tutoring Program, has introduced the Accelerate: High-Dosage Tutoring Initiative. The initiative, led by the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE), is designed to tackle learning gaps worsened by recent challenges.
The Accelerate: High-Dosage Tutoring Initiative and the Steve Carter Tutoring Program were established through legislative efforts, reflecting a commitment to educational equity and recovery.
Funding Amount & Availability
Louisiana allocated $30 million during the 2024 legislative session to support these tutoring initiatives, demonstrating a substantial investment in student success. Funds are anticipated to be available to school districts starting in early July 2024, providing timely support for schools preparing for the upcoming academic year.
Use of Funds
Schools can utilize the funding exclusively for high-dosage tutoring for students in grades K-5 in English Language Arts and Math. Tutoring sessions must occur during the school day, and integrate seamlessly with the existing curriculum. Programs should run for a minimum of ten weeks, for at least 30 minutes per session and include ongoing assessments to track student progress.
Requirements for Tutoring Providers
Tutoring providers participating in Louisiana’s Accelerate: High-Dosage Tutoring Initiative must adhere to rigorous criteria:
- Standard Alignment – Tutoring providers must demonstrate alignment with the Louisiana Student Standards. They must also be able to align with school-provided curriculums.
- High-Quality Tutors– All tutors working with Louisiana students must be adequately trained, receive continuous oversight, and follow all research-based instructional strategies. The student-to-tutor ratio must not exceed 4:1.
- Research-based Best Practices– All instructional materials must be rooted in research-based best practices and, when applicable, the Science of Reading. Tutoring providers must demonstrate the use of high-quality instructional materials and a thorough understanding of accelerated instructional strategies.
To be considered as a tutoring provider for this program, all vendors must submit a competitive application. Each application will undergo a thorough review before providers are approved to connect with Louisiana students.
How Tutored by Teachers Works with Schools in Louisiana
Tutored by Teachers (TbT) is currently approved in Louisiana to serve K-5 literacy through the Steve Carter Tutoring Program (Bill 244). To gain approval for this program, TbT demonstrated explicit alignment with the Louisiana Student Standards and the Science of Reading.
Beyond our alignment with state standards and research-based best practices, TbT can also align directly with school school curricula and classroom scope and sequences. Through engaging and responsive instruction, TbT aims to address individual student needs. Additionally, we carefully measure student growth through customized assessments that are meticulously aligned to state standards and district goals.
Here are some examples of case studies showcasing our current implementations with school districts in Gwinnett County, GA, and Nashville, TN.
Conclusion
Louisiana’s Accelerate High-Dosage Tutoring Initiative and the Steve Carter Tutoring Program signify a proactive approach to closing educational gaps and fostering student achievement.
By leveraging substantial legislative support and strategic partnerships, Louisiana is paving the way for educational resilience and equity.
To see how Tutored by Teachers can help your school or district receive high-dosage tutoring, set up a time to chat with one of our team members.
Sources
https://wwwcfprd.doa.louisiana.gov/osp/lapac/agency/pdf/8468300.pdf
Steve Carter Tutoring Program and Accelerate High-Dosage Tutoring Initiative