With the growing emphasis on high-impact tutoring, more providers are aligning their offerings with research-based best practices. The optimal tutoring provider for your school will not only meet the rigorous standards of high-impact tutoring but also offer the resources and strengths you need, all while seamlessly integrating into your school’s culture. Section 4.3 equips you with recommendations for provider comparison and selection.
 | BEFORE YOU BEGIN |
To confirm you are ready to compare and select a provider, ensure you have completed the following tasks: |
| PROVIDER COMPARISON |
| Key Recommendations | Corresponding Resources |
- Review evaluations conducted on the provider, i.e., Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT), impact report, or certifications if available.
- Ask the provider if any impact reports or studies are available.
- Confirm the provider’s program meets the Tutoring Quality Standards. If the provider does not have the NSSA Tutoring Program Design Badge, request that the provider take the NSSA Tutoring Quality Improvement System Self-Assessment and share the results.
| Reading: Tutoring Quality Standards Website: NSSA Tutoring Program Design Badge Website: Tutoring Organization Self-Assessment |
- Research different providers’ models via their websites and promotional materials.
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- Meet with the provider and/or review provided artifacts (e.g., instructional materials, tutor training materials, and summary of tutor recruitment approach).
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- Ask the provider for references to districts they have served with a similar district demographic.
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- Conduct a site visit by visiting another district, virtually joining a session, or requesting a video of tutoring in action.
| Template: High-Impact Tutoring Site Visit Checklist (Excel Sheet Available) |
- Request a detailed financial quote.
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| PROVIDER SELECTION |
| Key Recommendations | Corresponding Resources |
- Conduct a rapid provider selection screen to narrow the potential pool.
| Reflection Guide: Rapid Provider Selection Screen |
- Create a comparison table to serve as a rubric to weigh the strengths and weaknesses of each provider.
| Template: Tutoring Provider Comparison Table (Excel Sheet Available) |
- Reflect on comparisons using the rubric outlined in the RFP.
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- Discuss potential customizations for your district with the chosen provider(s). Record the discussion for later use in the contract.
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- Select one provider for partnership.
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 | PLANNING FOR LONG TERM |
- Set up recurring review meetings that ensure the district's key impact metrics are reflected in provider impact metrics to support contract renewal.
- Establish processes for ongoing provider evaluation and tutoring quality standards fidelity checks.
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Aligned Standards
All Tutoring Quality Standards should be considered when issuing an RFP. The Tutoring Provider Self-Assessment can provide standards and characteristics you should look for in a provider.