A white paper published by the Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA) in July of 2023 examines the, "impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on student achievement and progress toward academic recovery." Using U.S. public school data from nearly 7 million 3rd-8th grade students, the study looked at pre- and post-pandemic academic gains and tracked the achievement gap between the COVID year students and their pre- pandemic peers. (Read the synopsis on EdWeek)
Key findings from the study show that significant achievement gaps persist and that the average student "will need the equivalent of 4.1 additional months of schooling to catch up in reading and 4.5 months in math.
Any teacher could have told you the same. This year, students are "better" prepared in many ways but skills are still severely lacking. Of the students I teach, 32% were below grade level at the beginning of the year in Math and 36% were below grade level in Reading. In one class alone 42% were below grade level in math!
In recent years, educational experts and policymakers have been increasingly turning their attention to the issue of academic achievement gaps among students. These disparities can significantly hinder a student's ability to succeed in school and beyond. However, amidst this concern, a promising solution has emerged: high-intensity tutoring. With its ability to provide targeted support and personalized instruction, high-intensity tutoring is proving to be a game-changer in the quest to bridge academic skills gaps among students.
A recent article by the National Education Association (NEA) sheds light on the significance of high-intensity tutoring in addressing academic disparities. According to the NEA, high-intensity tutoring involves small-group or one-on-one sessions where students receive intensive academic support tailored to their individual needs. Unlike traditional classroom instruction, which often struggles to accommodate diverse learning styles and pace, high-intensity tutoring offers a more personalized approach, allowing students to receive the attention and guidance they require to thrive academically.
One of the most notable examples of the impact of high-intensity tutoring can be seen in the state of Virginia. Recognizing the urgent need to address academic achievement gaps, Virginia recently implemented a statewide initiative to provide high-intensity tutoring to students across the state. This bold move underscores the state's commitment to ensuring that all students have access to the support they need to succeed academically, regardless of their background or circumstances.
The decision to prioritize high-intensity tutoring in Virginia comes at a critical time, as the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated existing educational inequities. With many students experiencing disruptions to their learning due to school closures and remote instruction, the need for targeted intervention has never been greater. High-intensity tutoring offers a promising solution to this challenge, providing students with the opportunity to catch up on missed content, strengthen their academic skills, and build confidence in their abilities.
What sets high-intensity tutoring apart from other forms of academic support is its focus on intensive, individualized instruction. Rather than simply providing remedial help, high-intensity tutoring seeks to address the root causes of academic struggles, whether it be gaps in foundational knowledge, difficulties with comprehension, or a lack of confidence in one's abilities. By targeting these areas directly, tutors can help students make significant gains in their academic performance and unlock their full potential.
Furthermore, research has shown that high-intensity tutoring can yield impressive results. A study published in the Journal of Education Psychology found that students who participated in high-intensity tutoring made greater gains in reading and math compared to their peers who received traditional classroom instruction. These findings underscore the effectiveness of high-intensity tutoring in closing academic gaps and leveling the playing field for all students.
In addition to its academic benefits, high-intensity tutoring also has broader implications for students' long-term success. By providing students with the support they need to excel academically, high-intensity tutoring can increase the confidence and self-esteem, empowering them to pursue their goals and aspirations.
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