Transforming Boston’s Schools: A Simple Yet Powerful Idea
On a bright spring morning at John Hay Community Academy in Chicago, a scene unfolds that could hold the key to transforming Boston’s public schools. Three first-graders, Faye, Ka’mari, and A’Kyng, are eagerly participating in a high-dosage tutoring session. This method, which involves intensive, individualized instruction, has shown remarkable promise in improving academic performance.
Just across the hall, Felicia Mason, a dedicated member of the school district’s Tutor Corps, is guiding her young charges through a series of words. With each correct pronunciation, the children’s excitement grows—a testament to the effectiveness of this educational intervention.
High-dosage tutoring is not just another educational fad; it is backed by extensive research. Studies have demonstrated that this approach can significantly enhance learning outcomes, often outperforming other popular strategies like extended school days or summer programs. In fact, a pair of randomized control trials conducted in Chicago a decade ago found that high-dosage tutoring doubled or tripled the learning of low-income Black and Latino high school students.
The COVID-19 pandemic provided a unique opportunity to test the scalability of this intervention. With federal funding pouring into academic recovery, districts across the country, including Boston, were encouraged to adopt evidence-based strategies like high-dosage tutoring. While some states and districts have embraced this approach, Boston has yet to make it a priority.
The Boston Connection
Interestingly, Boston is the birthplace of the high-dosage tutoring movement. Match Charter Public High School, which opened at the turn of the century, pioneered this approach. By employing a “Match Corps” of live-in tutors, the school transformed its student body into one of the highest achieving in the state.
Despite its origins, Boston has not fully embraced high-dosage tutoring in its public schools. The city has experimented with the intervention in a small number of schools, but it has not been prioritized. With a wealth of underutilized school buildings and a rich philanthropic infrastructure, Boston is well-positioned to implement a robust high-dosage tutoring program.
The Boston Globe editorial board argues that Boston should seriously consider investing in high-quality, high-dosage tutoring. The potential benefits are immense—not only in terms of academic achievement but also in addressing long-standing achievement gaps between white students and students of color.
Scaling Up
Scaling up high-dosage tutoring presents challenges, particularly in terms of cost and labor. However, innovative solutions, such as remote and hybrid tutoring models, offer promising pathways to expand these programs. By leveraging technology, districts can tap into a wider pool of qualified tutors, thereby reducing costs and increasing reach.
In Chicago, for example, the district has partnered with Saga Education to implement a hybrid tutoring model. This approach combines self-guided computer lessons with live, remote tutoring sessions, allowing more students to benefit from high-dosage tutoring.
As Boston considers its educational future, it would do well to learn from these examples. By investing in high-dosage tutoring, the city can provide its students with the best learning conditions possible. The potential for transformative change is within reach—Boston just needs to take the leap.
More Articles
Getting licensed or staying ahead in your career can be a journey—but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Grab your favorite coffee or tea, take a moment to relax, and browse through our articles. Whether you’re just starting out or renewing your expertise, we’ve got tips, insights, and advice to keep you moving forward. Here’s to your success—one sip and one step at a time!
Florida now leads the nation in property insurance costs, with many homeowners paying more than $10,000 a year for shrinking coverage and higher deductibles. Despite nearly half of hurricane‑related claims ending with no payout and appeals failing over 90% of the time, state leaders say reforms “need more time to work.” With key relief bills stalled and real estate professionals feeling the shockwaves, experts warn that legislative inaction is deepening a crisis that threatens homeownership and the state’s economic stability.
Banks are finally calling in billions tied to troubled commercial real estate loans, pushing delinquency rates to historic highs and ending years of “extend and pretend.” With more than 12% of office loans now delinquent and $875 billion in commercial debt maturing in 2026, regional banks and property owners are facing mounting pressure. As valuations drop and refinancing becomes harder, experts warn that tighter lending standards and broader economic ripple effects are on the horizon—making strategic preparation essential for today’s real estate and finance professionals.
Florida policyholders are getting rare good news: the Florida Insurance Guaranty Association is ending its 1% emergency insurance assessment on October 1—two years ahead of schedule. The decision follows a calmer hurricane season, fewer insurer insolvencies, and growing market stability. The early termination is expected to save Floridians up to $650 million, with the average homeowner seeing about $31 in annual savings. This marks another milestone in the state’s insurance market recovery after major legislative reforms in 2022 and 2023.
The real estate industry has officially moved past its AI honeymoon phase. What began as a fun, optional tool has quietly become the backbone of how agents create content, communicate with clients, and market properties. But with that shift comes rising concern about authenticity, legal risks, and whether consumers will start questioning what they’re really paying agents for. As AI blends into everything from listing descriptions to client advice, professionals now face a new challenge: proving the human value behind the technology.
After years of volatility, industry analysts say commercial real estate may finally be on the verge of a major comeback. Investment activity is rising, leasing demand is strengthening, and key cities like Manhattan are leading a broader national recovery. With vacancy rates expected to drop and high‑quality buildings outperforming the rest, 2026 is shaping up to be the turning point investors and professionals have been waiting for.
AM Best warns that the property and casualty insurance market is heading into a more challenging 2026 as premium growth slows, inflation drives up claims costs, and combined ratios rise. Despite a strong 2025, moderating rates, higher repair and construction expenses, and ongoing reserve deficiencies are pressuring profitability. While commercial lines and personal lines both feel the strain, the E&S market continues to expand as traditional carriers pull back. This shifting landscape highlights the need for insurance professionals to stay sharp, informed, and adaptable.
