The Power of High-Dosage Tutoring

Research shows that tutoring programs are most impactful when they are frequent, structured, and personalized. The PLI emphasizes matching students with tutors who can adapt instruction to meet individual learning needs. By integrating consistent, relationship-based tutoring sessions into the school day, students benefit from focused support that reinforces core academic skills.

Key Takeaways from the PLI Report: Insights that Matter

MDRC’s report highlights how schools can ensure students receive the intended tutoring dosage during the school day. Surveys and interviews with tutors and staff from the 2022-23 school year revealed regular cancellations—nearly two-thirds of tutors reported at least a few sessions being canceled each week. Reasons included school assemblies, testing, or students being pulled for other activities.

Key strategies to improve attendance:

• Schedule strategically: Schools found that scheduling tutoring during the same subject area led to higher attendance. 
• Support transitions: Staff can help students get to tutoring by walking them to sessions or giving teachers a list of students who need to attend.
• Gain stakeholder buy-in: When school leaders prioritize tutoring, they protect staff roles, reducing cancellations. Teachers are more likely to send students when they know tutoring aligns with classroom instruction. Regular communication between tutors and teachers helps this coordination.

Action steps for improving attendance:

• Make tutoring appealing with incentives and recognition.
• Involve tutors in school staff meetings to reduce absenteeism and make them feel connected to their schools.
• Track and share attendance data with school leaders, teachers, and parents to build support.

Aligning schedules, engaging key stakeholders, and making tutoring attractive to students can ensure consistent tutoring. These steps create the right conditions for students to benefit from high-impact tutoring.

Scaling Tutoring with Saga Consult

We are deeply committed to expanding access to these transformative programs. Through our Saga Consult service, we help schools and districts design, implement, and scale high-impact tutoring programs tailored to their unique needs. Whether you’re looking to launch a new initiative or enhance an existing one, Saga Consult offers the tools, resources, and expertise to ensure sustainable success.

Learn more about how personalized learning solutions by Saga Education can drive lasting change for your students.