Step Up Partners with Arizona State University, Annenberg Learner, and NSSA at Stanford University to Launch National Tutor Training Initiative

Initiative will create open source tutor training resources and a micro-credential aimed to empower a national tutoring corps.

Annenberg Learner, Arizona State University Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College, and Step Up Tutoring have joined forces, in collaboration with the National Student Support Accelerator at Stanford University and other experts, to design high-impact tutor training resources to equip tutors with the knowledge and skills needed to help students succeed.

Addressing Learning Gaps: A Call to Action

This groundbreaking initiative, the first of its kind, is set to significantly enhance the pool of trained tutors and effectively address learning gaps across the country. Research shows consistent tutoring multiple times a week with a trained “high-impact tutor” is one of the most effective academic interventions — but there are not enough tutors available to ensure the most vulnerable students get access. 

A Collaborative Approach

Anchored by Annenberg Learner, Arizona State University's Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College, and Step Up Tutoring, this initiative comes at a critical juncture as federal funding for tutoring programs wanes, leaving many school districts grappling with the challenge of uneven learning recovery among students.

Nati Rodriguez, Program Director for Annenberg Learner, underscores the urgency of the situation, stating, "A major obstacle to overcoming unfinished learning is the scarcity of tutors available to meet students' needs." Recognizing this pressing need, the coalition has developed a curriculum aimed at cultivating a cadre of skilled tutors capable of delivering consistent support to students nationwide.

Korbi Adams, Sam Olivieri and Nati Rodriguez at the ASU GSV Summit 2024

Empowering Tutors with Essential Skills

The High-Impact Tutoring Training program is grounded in research-backed practices and collaborations with leading institutions such as Stanford University's National Student Support Accelerator (NSSA). Comprising 24 nanocourses, each lasting a mere 15 minutes, this innovative program equips tutors with essential skills for effective virtual tutoring and specialized instructional strategies for mathematics.

Accessible and Cost-Free Training for tutors

Notably, this tutor training is offered at no cost to tutors, thanks to the generous support of Annenberg Learner. Accessible through ASU's Community Educator Learning Hub, tutors can earn certificates upon completion of each nanocourse, with the entire training achievable in just six hours or gradually over time.

Korbi Adams, Senior Program Manager of Community Educator Initiatives at ASU, emphasizes the user-friendly nature of the Learning Hub, stating, "By offering this training on a large scale, we can equip and empower more people to become tutors, creating a larger and more effective nationwide network of individuals supporting learners."

Proven Effectiveness and Promising Results

The effectiveness of high-impact tutoring in addressing learning gaps is well-documented, making this virtual curriculum a valuable resource for schools and tutoring programs alike. With data revealing that four in five public schools offer tutoring programs that could benefit from this training, the potential impact is immense.

Step Up Tutoring, a vital partner in the coalition, has already witnessed significant success with the new curriculum. Sam Olivieri, Chief Executive Officer for Step Up Tutoring, affirms, "We've seen excellent results amongst our tutors who have utilized the new curriculum to enhance their strategies in supporting student learning."

Looking Ahead: Learn More

The coalition is piloting a High Impact Tutoring Micro-credential to establish a nationwide standard for tutoring excellence. This credential aims to formalize tutor tutoring programs and elevate student outcomes by recognizing tutors who demonstrate high-impact competencies.

As the coalition prepares for the broad release of the micro-credential in the fall, interested parties are encouraged to learn more about the tutor training program available now. This initiative marks a pivotal moment in education, signaling a collaborative effort to build a stronger, more resilient foundation for learners nationwide.

To explore the tutor training program, learn more.