Initial results from the Arizona Department of Education’s Achievement Tutoring Program indicate notable academic improvements among participating students. Launched by state schools chief Tom Horne in late 2023, the program utilizes $40 million in federal funds to address learning loss from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The program, which has registered 17,324 students across three six-week sessions, is designed to provide intensive tutoring in math and reading to help students catch up on missed learning. According to Horne, more than 20% of these students have achieved academic gains equivalent to half a school year within just six weeks of tutoring. “This helps these students to be better prepared for success at the next grade level,” he said. “Other students have seen smaller gains, and some have exceeded a half-year’s progress, but every increase in proficiency is important.”
The Achievement Tutoring Program was initiated in response to the significant educational disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Many students experienced setbacks due to remote learning challenges and inconsistent access to educational resources. The program aims to mitigate these effects by providing targeted support to help students improve their proficiency in core subjects.
Horne encourages parents to take advantage of this opportunity, which is available at participating schools or through private tutoring services at no cost. “A child who is struggling in reading or math deserves this chance to be more successful in the classroom, and children already doing well can do even better,” he emphasized. “By providing this support, we are investing in the future success of our students and ensuring they have the skills necessary to thrive academically.”
The program has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from parents and tutors alike. One parent shared that her first-grade son, who received tutoring at his elementary school, is “now the fastest reader in his class” and described the program as “revolutionary.” She added, “This program is very, very powerful and successful! Keep it up!”
A tutor reported that her student faced “just the right amount of challenge” and noted a significant boost in his confidence. She quoted the child saying, “There is no stopping me,” and mentioned that his mother has also noticed his growing self-assurance. Another parent expressed gratitude for the program, highlighting the dramatic improvement in her oldest child’s math scores. “Our oldest child was at risk of failing this year in math and thanks to the tutoring program is now scoring at 82% (was at 23%)! The impact has been tremendously positive!”
The success of the Achievement Tutoring Program underscores the importance of targeted interventions in addressing learning gaps and supporting student achievement. As the program continues, it aims to reach even more students and provide them with the tools they need to succeed academically.
For more information about the Achievement Tutoring Program and how to enroll, visit azed.gov/achievement-tutoring.
