High-dosage tutoring, often referenced as intensive tutoring, has become an effective method for supporting students who are encountering academic difficulties. This strategy is designed not just to boost grades, but also to turn individual challenges into strengths. It involves frequent, personalized sessions with experienced tutors, allowing students to receive targeted assistance tailored to their specific learning needs. As a result, students can gradually build their confidence, which contributes to improved academic performance. Additionally, this approach promotes a growth mindset, motivating students to perceive challenges as opportunities for personal and educational growth.
When incorporated correctly, intensive tutoring has caused students to realize significant learning gains. This is especially true for students who have fallen behind in their grades. Many researchers, school administrators, and teachers agree that such is the case. However, high-impact tutoring is 20 times more effective than standard tutoring models for math and 15 times more effective for reading. Studies demonstrate that the practice increases students’ learning by three to 15 months across grade levels. These results give hope for the long-term improvement of a student’s education so long as educators give them the necessary tools to ensure their academic success. The key to educational progress and knowledge retention is identifying the learning gaps early and meeting students where they are with intensive tutoring.
Many students possess untapped talents that often remain overshadowed by academic struggles. Intensive tutoring can reveal these hidden strengths by identifying individual learning styles and fostering engagement in subjects that resonate with students. This exploration can lead to the discovery of new interests and abilities, promoting a deeper love for learning. Take, for example, Jayden, a seventh-grade student attending the Jamestown Operation Homework program as a real-life example of a student who has experienced unexpected breakthroughs in his academic journey thanks to personalized tutoring sessions. Jayden’s progress further emphasizes the transformative potential of tailored educational support.
At the time of his enrollment at Operation Xcel, Jayden’s was failing in Math. But with the unwavering spirit of a valid learner, he refused to let those challenges dictate his potential. Jayden made it a personal goal to improve his mastery skill level in Math. Although his grades were passing at times, Jayden remained focused, never giving up on his goal of raising his math scores to master the material consistently. When his math grade dropped to an "F”, Jayden agreed to attend intensive tutoring during our Operation Homework afterschool program and sacrificed some enrichment time. By the end of the second quarter, Jayden had significantly improved his math grade from an "F" of 54 to a "B" with a score of 80, thanks to intensive tutoring. In Quarter 3, he continued to excel, achieving an "A" grade of 90. By the end of the academic year, he maintained his success with a "B" grade of 86 in Quarter 4, demonstrating his dedication and progress in mathematics.
The benefits of high-dosage tutoring extend far beyond academic achievement. The U.S. Department of Education believes it is a model best practice and has urged states to use American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds to design and implement programs. "The evidence is clear: high-impact tutoring works, and I've urged our nation's schools to provide every student who is struggling with extended access to an effective tutor," said Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. This approach offers students invaluable life skills such as time management, critical thinking, and effective communication. Students learn to articulate their needs, ask questions, and engage in discussions through one-on-one or small-group tutoring. These skills are essential for success in any field. High-dosage tutoring provides opportunities for developing these skills, preparing students not just for tests but for the challenges of adulthood. Operation Xcel is blessed to have teachers, mentors, and tutors who have the foresight to emphasize and incorporate high-dosage tutoring to assist our students in their academic growth.
