Toolkit for Tutoring Programs

Purpose: Tutoring organizations can maximize student outcomes using a transparent, data-driven approach to track progress, refine instruction, and ensure continuous improvement. A well-structured Performance Measurement Plan (PMP) helps tutoring providers define success, measure impact, and make informed decisions. Below are key steps to designing a PMP that strengthens program effectiveness, supports tutor development, and enhances student learning.

Performance Measurement Plan Overview

Purpose: The following chart below summarizes recommended metrics for understanding the implementation and impact of high-impact tutoring, with a focus on supporting equitable outcomes.

1. Minimum Metrics - At a minimum, data around these metrics should be collected.

Purpose: This checklist supports tutors and coaches to reflect on session facilitation. Facilitation is what keeps a student engaged and on-task throughout a tutoring session. Effective facilitation requires thorough planning: not just around what concepts and skills to work on, but also around the routines, directions, and logistics of the tutoring session itself. Time the tutor spends thinking these things through ahead of time maximizes the time the student spends actually learning during the session, rather than getting situated or resolving confusions.

Purpose: This tool supports tutoring providers in building and executing a comprehensive, continuous support system for their tutors through a combination of individualized coaching and group-based training.

Purpose: This activity invites students to define and represent aspects of their identity through creative formats such as presentations, drawings, or poems. It can be used during an early session to help build relationships and affirm students’ sense of self.

Overview

Purpose: Students achieve better results in tutoring when they have strong connections with their tutors. Student learning experiences improve when they experience safety and support from tutors who establish personal connections. Use this guidance and the “Getting to Know You Conversation Bank” to learn more about your students and build a strong foundational relationship. 

Creating a Safe, Positive Learning Environment

Purpose: This reflection guide is designed to help tutoring programs intentionally build and sustain strong, academically focused student-tutor relationships as a core driver of program success. High-impact tutoring is most effective when students feel deeply connected to their tutors—when respect, trust, confidence, motivation, and self-awareness are woven into every interaction.

Purpose: Use this document as a guide to create case studies for use in tutor training. The suggestions can be enhanced to teach tutors how to use data for instructional shifts.

Purpose: This tool guides providers in designing and implementing effective preservice training for tutors. It integrates foundational design principles and universal training topics to ensure that tutors are well-prepared for success. By following this approach, providers can create preservice training that equip tutors with the knowledge, expertise, and mindsets necessary to make a difference in student learning.

Purpose: Tutors can only meet expectations if they understand them clearly. Well-defined expectations support tutors in fulfilling their roles effectively, safeguarding students, and maintaining program consistency. Tutors benefit from seeing examples of success and missteps – with clear explanations for both.

This tool is not legal advice—consult an attorney for legal requirements.

How to Define and Communicate Expectations