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.

Faye answered a question from tutor felicia mason at john hay community academy in chicago. Classmates ka’mari, right, and a’kyng, left, participated in the high-dosage tutoring session as well.

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.

Match charter public high school on commonwealth avenue.

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.

City year corps members lined up at the condon school in south boston to greet students.

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!

Insider Tips for Locating Your Ideal Home and Agent

Welcome to our exclusive report on the latest trends and insights in the world of home buying. We provide insider tips to help you locate your ideal home and the perfect real estate agent. From determining your budget, getting pre-approved for a mortgage, to choosing the right neighborhood and finding a reliable real estate agent, we guide you through every step. We also share tips on attending open houses, conducting thorough inspections, and negotiating the best price. Embark on your home buying journey with us and create lasting memories in your new home. Explore Cameron Academy's comprehensive online courses and resources designed to empower first-time home buyers. Start your journey with Cameron Academy today!

By |September 24, 2023|Categories: Real Estate Home Buying|Tags: |0 Comments

Strategies for Success in the 2023 Real Estate Market

"With the 2023 real estate market presenting various challenges, such as high interest rates, elevated purchase prices, and low inventory, many investors might feel inclined to wait it out. However, experts recommend against such inaction. Even in these conditions, strategic and conservative investing can yield positive results. This article will delve into why you should continue to invest in the real estate market despite the hurdles. We will draw insights from experienced investors and provide practical tips for navigating the 2023 real estate landscape. By understanding the challenges and adopting the right strategies, you can seize the opportunities presented by the current market and achieve long-term financial success."

By |September 24, 2023|Categories: Real Estate Investing|Tags: |0 Comments

Asset Allocation: A Key Factor in Wealth Building

In the realm of wealth building, asset allocation plays a pivotal role in shaping financial success. Successful investors understand the necessity of diversifying their portfolios and safeguarding their investments against market uncertainties. This article delves into the importance of diversification and reveals the strategies employed by seasoned millionaires to protect and grow their wealth. To gain insights into effective asset allocation, we turn to James Dainard and Kathy Fettke, two individuals with multi-decade millionaire status. They generously share their investment portfolios, providing a detailed breakdown of their holdings, what they prioritize, and how they have structured their wealth to weather market fluctuations. Their expertise extends to recommendations on current investment opportunities, strategies for diversifying portfolios, and insights on "risk-free" investments like bonds that offer favorable returns.

By |September 23, 2023|Categories: Wealth Building|Tags: |0 Comments

Lucrative Opportunities in the Commercial Real Estate Market

The commercial real estate market is currently experiencing a challenging phase, particularly in the office sector. High vacancy rates and a potential decline in property values have created a unique situation for investors. However, amidst the downturn, there are opportunities that can be capitalized on. We explore three assets that could be the next big opportunity in the commercial real estate market: mixed-use retail, self-storage, and multifamily housing. The office sector has been significantly impacted by the current market conditions, with vacancy rates reaching unprecedented levels. However, this presents an opportunity for property owners to adaptively reuse their unoccupied office spaces. By transforming these spaces into mixed-use retail establishments, self-storage facilities, or multifamily housing units, investors can tap into the potential of these assets and generate significant returns.

By |September 23, 2023|Categories: Commercial Real Estate Market|Tags: |0 Comments

Income of Realtors: A Deep Dive into the Financial Aspect of Real Estate

Understanding how realtors earn their income through commissions is crucial for anyone engaging in real estate transactions. By comprehending the commission structure, factors influencing rates, and the payment process, buyers and sellers can make informed decisions and build successful relationships with their real estate agents. To delve deeper into the intricacies of real estate transactions and explore the services offered by Cameron Academy, a leading provider of online career education, visit our website. Elevate your potential in the real estate industry with Cameron Academy's online career education courses.

PropTech’s Transformative Influence on Real Estate

The real estate industry is undergoing a rapid transformation, courtesy of PropTech (Property Technology). This innovation has revamped traditional processes, introducing tools that enhance efficiency and convenience for both landlords and tenants. PropTech offers a wide range of tools and solutions that empower real estate investors to streamline their operations and enhance their profitability. From tenant screening and portals to marketing tools and virtual tours, PropTech provides investors with the tools they need to attract and retain tenants. As the real estate landscape continues to evolve, it is imperative for investors to embrace the PropTech revolution. By adopting these solutions, investors can enhance their operations, attract tenants, and ultimately thrive in the digital age.