Horne points to academic gains from Achievement Tutoring Program

For immediate release: May 22, 2024
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Horne points to academic gains from Achievement Tutoring Program

State effort directs $40 million for tutoring in math and reading

PHOENIX – State schools chief Tom Horne says the initial results of those students tested as part of the department’s Achievement Tutoring Program show gains in academic progress.

Horne initiated the program late in 2023 using federal dollars earmarked to address learning loss due to the COVID pandemic. So far this year, student registrations total 17,324 over three six-week sessions.

Horne said, “So far, more than 20 percent of those students tested have seen academic gains representing half a school year of learning within six weeks of tutoring. This helps these students to be better prepared for success at the next grade level. Other students have seen smaller gains, and some have exceeded a half-year’s progress, but every increase in the proficiency rate is important.”

He added, “I urge parents of public-school children to take advantage of this opportunity. It is available at participating schools or through private tutoring services at no cost to the parents. 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.”

Among the responses the department has received are a parent who reported her first-grade son received tutoring at his elementary school and is “now the fastest reader in his class… This program is revolutionary…very, very powerful and successful! Keep it up!”

A tutor said her student faced “just the right amount of challenge. He is so cute, he said 'There is no stopping me' - and his mom said she can really see his confidence growing!”

A parent commented “I just want to take a moment to thank you all for this amazing program! Our oldest child was at risk of failing this year math and thanks to the tutoring program is now scoring at 82% (was at 23%)! The impact has been tremendously positive!”

For more information about the Achievement Tutoring Program: azed.gov/achievement-tutoring

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