Category: Program Design
The "Choose One" activity is a brief conversation starter for tutoring sessions where students select from a set of images in response to a discussion prompt. This activity helps develop two key social-emotional learning competencies: self-awareness and relationship skills. By having students reflect on and share their choices in a judgment-free space, tutors can break the ice, foster meaningful connections, and create a supportive learning environment before diving into academic content.
In an effort to enhance educational outcomes, schools often develop School Improvement Plans (SIPs) to address specific challenges and set strategic goals. A critical component that has emerged as a powerful catalyst within these plans is high-impact tutoring.
Algebra I is a pivotal course for academic and career success, yet many students face barriers to mastery. High-impact tutoring offers a proven solution, providing personalized, in-school support that improves math proficiency, boosts graduation rates, and creates pathways to future opportunities. Saga Education’s evidence-based model addresses achievement gaps, particularly for underserved students, ensuring equitable access to success. Investing in Algebra I tutoring isn’t optional—it’s essential for empowering students and transforming educational outcomes.
Research shows that focusing solely on remediation can keep students perpetually behind. Instead of exclusively teaching prior-grade content, tutors should weave foundational skills into grade-level materials through effective scaffolding. This approach helps students catch up while maintaining access to current grade-level content. Quality curriculum materials can support tutors in this challenging task, particularly benefiting novice educators and ensuring equitable learning opportunities for all students.
High-impact tutoring is a long-term investment in student success, providing structured, small-group academic support during the school day. Unlike afterschool programs or remedial education, it enhances core classroom learning by offering consistent, personalized attention that helps students excel. This approach boosts math proficiency, graduation rates, and economic mobility, particularly in subjects like Algebra 1. With its focus on continuous growth, high-impact tutoring also strengthens teacher collaboration, parent engagement, and long-term educational outcomes, making it a cornerstone for lasting educational reform.
High-impact tutoring offers a transformative solution for Boston's education challenges, with proven methods that can dramatically improve student learning. Despite being the birthplace of this intervention, Boston Public Schools currently serves only 350 students, missing an opportunity to close pandemic-related learning gaps using a cost-effective, research-backed approach that could benefit all 50,000 students.