Research Guidance

Click here to view a sample introduction letter/program permission slip that can be adapted. 

Why does In-Service Training, Oversight and Support Matter?

Training, providing oversight and supporting your tutors are the most effective ways to ensure they are building and maintaining the skills and mindsets required to tutor successfully in your program.

Why is tutor training important?

Training your tutors is the most effective way to ensure they are building and maintaining the skills and mindsets required to successfully tutor in your program. There are two main methods of training: Pre-Service Training, which takes place before tutoring sessions begin, and In-Service Training, which is an integral part of a tutor’s ongoing support.

Why build an intentional recruitment plan?

The more applicants your program can recruit, the more selective you can be when choosing tutors. If your program cannot recruit enough qualified tutors, it must either serve fewer students or provide each student with less support. Poor recruitment can make it harder for your program to serve its mission, starting a downward spiral of lower impact, less funding, and fewer high-quality tutors.

Why create a tutor job description?

If your program plans to recruit tutors from outside the community, you will need a job description to post online or otherwise circulate. If your program plans to rely on teachers at partner schools, students’ families, or peer tutors, you should still create a job description internally for selection purposes. The checklist and the examples below will help you make sure your job description gets read, attracts applicants, and targets the specific kind of candidates you think would make ideal tutors in your program.

Implementation Checklist

• Delineate training content based on Model Dimensions and selection criteria for tutors
• Establish a clear structure for pre-service and in-service training, including frequency, format, facilitator, etc.
• Ensure inservice training is responsive to performance evaluations, stakeholder feedback, and student performance data
• Collect feedback from tutors on trainings and incorporate insights and lessons from feedback to improve training effectivene

Implementation Checklist

• Outline and implement all pre-entry legal requirements based on district, state, and institutional regulations
• Outline a clear support and management structure for tutors, including who will observe and evaluate tutors
• Clearly delineate and communicate all expectations, policies, and procedures to tutors prior to the start of tutoring
• Articulate a performance evaluation process to ensure tutors meet performance expectations