5.1 Developing a Plan to Build Your Own

Given that high-impact tutoring is a relationship-based, individualized instruction model, it is sometimes best served by the people and resources closest to the student. Before you decide to build your own tutoring program, identify pre-existing characteristics of your district that can create a firm foundation for your program. Once you have affirmed your decision to build your own tutoring program, clearly allocating responsibilities and breaking down critical tasks can ease the transition into a high-impact tutoring initiative. Section 5.1 guides you to assess pre-existing district characteristics and guide project plan development.

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

To build your own effective tutoring program, ensure you have completed the following tasks:

PRE-EXISTING DISTRICT CHARACTERISTICS THAT SUPPORT HIGH-IMPACT TUTORING
Key RecommendationsCorresponding Resources
  • Determine pre-existing district characteristics to leverage strengths and address areas that need development.
Reflection Guide: Deciding to Build Your Own Tutoring Program (PDF Available)
  • Inform decision-makers of the core practice of high-impact tutoring to gain commitment to research-based practices.

Reading: Design Principles for Accelerating Student Learning With High-Impact Tutoring 

Reading: The seven elements of high-impact tutoring

PROJECT PLAN DEVELOPMENT
Key RecommendationsCorresponding Resources
  • A central project manager should create a clear timeline that outlines major milestones and phases of program development and implementation.
Template: Program Development Simplified Project Plan (Word Document Available)
  • Break down critical tasks into actionable, manageable steps, such as recruitment, training, curriculum selection, and evaluation.
  • Assign tasks and responsibilities among district staff.
PLANNING FOR LONG TERM
  • Continuously assess new internal expertise, instructional resources, and data systems that might support the tutoring program.
  • After each milestone, break down the work into manageable steps needed to reach the next milestone.