The text highlights the importance of scaling up effective tutoring models in the U.S. education system through various means, such as national service programs, fellowships, volunteers, and high-quality virtual tutoring. It emphasizes that states should provide high-quality tutoring experiences to students who are performing below grade level, utilizing both existing state and local funds as well as federal funding sources.

The passage begins by acknowledging the extensive research supporting the effectiveness of tutoring, tracing back more than a dozen years. It mentions the incorporation of tutoring into the No Child Left Behind Act through the Supplemental Educational Services (SES) program. However, it notes that SES faced implementation challenges, including low participation rates, lack of quality control, and financial strains on Title I funds.

Despite the problems with SES, the research base for tutoring has continued to grow. The text cites the SAGA Innovations program as an example of a successful tutoring initiative that achieved remarkable results in high-needs schools in Chicago and Lawrence, Massachusetts. It also mentions studies showing positive academic effects of tutoring provided by teachers, community volunteers, and peer tutors.

The passage explains that high-quality tutoring can effectively address individual student needs and provide tailored instruction that is difficult to achieve in a traditional classroom setting. It emphasizes that tutoring can help level the playing field and close achievement gaps, particularly for students who may not have access to similar academic support at home. The social-emotional benefits of developing a close relationship with a tutor are also highlighted.

To ensure successful tutoring initiatives while avoiding the pitfalls of past programs like SES, the education policy suggests a ground-up approach with pilot programs and gradual scaling. It proposes recruiting tutors from various sources, including community volunteers, aspiring teachers, recent college graduates, and potentially expanding AmeriCorps. The appropriate use of computer-based tutoring is also mentioned, particularly in STEM subjects, as a cost-effective option that can complement traditional one-on-one tutoring.

Lastly, the importance of tutoring in improving students' grades to prevent dropout rates and increase their chances of further education, employment, and financial stability in adulthood.

Overall, it substantiates the idea that expanding effective tutoring programs can have a positive impact on student achievement and address social and academic disparities. It draws on research and practical examples to support the proposal while acknowledging the limitations and challenges faced by previous programs. The text also offers suggestions for implementation and cost containment.¹

^{Simhoni, S. (2022, July 27). 7 Great Education Policy Ideas for Progressives in 2018. Center for American Progress. https://www.americanprogress.org/article/7-great-education-policy-ideas-progressives-2018/}