High-impact tutoring (HIT), also known as high-dosage tutoring, has emerged as a promising academic intervention method in the fight against pandemic learning loss. But what exactly makes this tutoring “high-impact”, and how is it different from standard tutoring?
Imagine a student who is slowly falling behind in class as they struggle to understand their day-to-day math curriculum. Standard tutoring often steps in at this point, arriving as an intervention method only after a student has shown signs of lowered performance. Under this model, tutors meet with students sporadically, offering homework help or to review lessons from class. Although well-intentioned, this model often fails to address the root causes of a student’s lowered performance, whether those be gaps in foundational knowledge, learning disabilities, or socio-emotional challenges.
In contrast, high-impact tutoring is a proactive, strategic intervention method designed to generate substantial and sustained improvements in learning outcomes for students. It is not just about keeping up with schoolwork but also accelerating learning, closing achievement gaps, and fostering a deep, enduring understanding of the subject matter. This approach is grounded in research and tailored to the unique needs of each student, with a focus on personalized instruction and consistent, long-term engagement.
Standard tutoring lacks the systematic approach and personalized attention embedded in HIT, often resulting in variable outcomes and limited long-term impact. By adhering to rigorous standards and employing evidence-based practices, HIT sets a new benchmark for educational support, prioritizing sustained academic growth and equitable learning opportunities for students.
An important tenet of high-impact tutoring is its emphasis on frequent and sustained interactions between tutors and students. Trained tutors build strong and consistent relationships with students in groups of no more than four, meeting at least three times per week for 30-minute sessions. These sessions are typically held during the school day, and integrated with the classroom curriculum to ensure that tutoring is not just an add-on but also a core component of the students’ educational experience. This consistency is key, as it allows tutors to get to know their students on a deeper level, making it easier for them to identify and address learning gaps, closely monitor progress, and adapt instruction to meet a student’s evolving needs.
In 2022, ExpandED Schools partnered with New York City Public Schools to launch the first citywide high-impact tutoring program. Since the initiative launched, we have delivered HIT to over 7,000 students across the city and are now present in 80 schools across 10 districts, serving a student body that is 99% composed of students of color. Our average attendance rate currently sits at 84%, reflecting the strong engagement and commitment that students have to our program.
Even though HIT largely emerged as a solution to tackle pandemic learning loss, it does not mean that this intervention method is temporary. Lawmakers across New York City recognize the positive impact of HIT with Mayor Eric Adams and City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams committing a $4 million investment to continue building and scaling this program into next school year. This funding will enable us to expand our reach, and allow us to bring HIT to even more schools and students across New York City.
While both standard and high-impact tutoring serve valuable roles in supporting student learning, it is high-impact tutoring that stands out as an essential and transformative approach for our diverse communities.
