While there has always been a need to close learning gaps for underperforming students, the 2020 pandemic significantly exacerbated the challenge. A few sobering statistics:
- In 2022, students were an average of 15-24 weeks behind in math and nine weeks behind in reading.1
- Average math scores for fourth and eighth graders decreased by 5 and 8 points, respectively, from 2019-2022.2
- On average, reading scores for fourth and eighth graders fell 3 points from 2019-2022.3
Due to continuing deficits in reading and math scores, many states have intervened by creating legislation and grant opportunities to fund high-impact tutoring, a tool that EdWeek writer Sarah Sparks comments “has shown the most evidence of helping students gain academic ground quickly.” 4
In partnership with leading research firm JoinIn Ventures, FEV Tutor set out to further investigate the transformative power of high-impact tutoring, particularly as a tool to upend educational inequity. Leveraging data gathered from 98,000 students during AY 2022-23, FEV Tutor’s 2023 Annual Report provides a panoramic view of the influence of high-impact tutoring across multiple states and districts.
Scope of the Analysis
The report examines growth scores in both math and ELA across iReady, STAR, and NWEA, all of which integrate directly with FEV Tutor’s platform. Through extensive analysis of more than 98,000 students across 283 school districts, FEV’s Annual Report uncovers critical factors for tutoring success, providing leaders with an empirical basis for making funding decisions, selecting vendors, and implementing effective tutoring programs.
Key Insights
- Attendance and Engagement Drives Growth Results: In the analysis, JoinIn Ventures found that consistent session attendance strongly correlated with higher scores for STAR, iReady, and NWEA, especially when coupled with active engagement. The more sessions a student attended, and the more actively they participated–by raising their hand, asking or answering questions, or taking a quiz– the greater their average growth tended to be. FEV Tutor calls this segment of high achievers “FEV Champions,” defined as students who complete 21 or more sessions and earn an average of 11 or more participation points.
- FEV Students Outperform Their Peers: On standardized tests, FEV-tutored students consistently demonstrated higher growth scores than their non-FEV-tutored counterparts.
- Students Below Grade Level Benefit Most: Improved outcomes were especially pronounced for students facing academic challenges. In particular, students behind in math by two or more grade levels who received tutoring improved significantly more than their peers.
"We took the 50 scores of the kids who had FEV after-school tutoring, then we took my whole campus of math MAP scores, and the statistical difference showed that those that were in the high dosage, high-impact tutoring performed 27% higher than their non-tutored peers." - Amy Russell, former Principal of Travis Elementary and current Principal of Bowie Middle School, Odessa TX
Empowering School Leaders: What This Report Offers You
For school administrators searching for data to make strategic decisions, this Annual Report serves as an invaluable tool. By providing both hard numbers and insights into student behaviors, needs, and potential growth areas, this report supports:
- Informed Decision Making: Comprehensive data offers a broad view of tutoring's impact on math and ELA scores. This data allows schools to compare their own performance against larger trends, giving them a macro-perspective on the effectiveness of their tutoring programs.
- Strategic Resource Allocation: The analysis of student performance based on grade-level mastery helps leaders understand who is likely to benefit the most from tutoring, ensuring effective resource allocation.
- Evidence-Based Interventions: Concrete results prove the value of FEV Tutor's programs, offering a reliable foundation for further investment.
- Holistic Understanding: Beyond metrics, the report offers insights into students' needs and a holistic view of tutoring’s role in the larger education ecosystem.
Download your copy of the Annual Report to better understand the role that high-impact tutoring plays in accelerating growth in math and ELA scores for students. Learn more about how this approach helps close the education equity gap.
References:
- McKinsey, “COVID-19 learning delay and recovery: Where do US states stand?
- National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP)
- https://www.edweek.org/leadership/high-impact-tutoring-some-research-based-essentials/2023/04