Third and Fourth Graders Could Receive Tutoring Help Through State Program

The school year is almost underway, and for parents who are already thinking about extra support for their kids, good news is on the way.

Starting October 11, the NJ Learning Acceleration Program will offer a High-Impact Tutoring Grant to New Jersey’s public school districts so that they can provide “high dosage” – i.e. intensive – tutoring that focuses on kids who were affected by the pandemic.

The priority is on districts with elementary schools in third and fourth grades, but could be open to additional students as needed. The reasoning is because this age was affected the most by learning loss caused by the lockdown and remote schooling, studies show.

“As a state that prides itself on delivering the high-quality education our children deserve, addressing the effects of learning loss on our students’ progress remains a top priority,” Governor Phil Murphy said when the program was first announced. “These programs are another component of our ongoing efforts to comprehensively address the mental, emotional, and educational needs of young people throughout our state. We will continue to take a holistic approach to supporting the academic success and
overall well-being of New Jersey’s students.”

The tutoring would come from companies, non-profit organizations, and colleges and universities that have the capacity to provide in-depth tutoring services to schools and that meet the criteria set forth by the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE). Tutoring would be on an individual or small-group basis, at least twice weekly, for a nine or 10-week period.

Varsity Tutors for Schools has already been selected by the New Jersey Department of Education as an approved pre-qualified tutoring provider for the program. They will offer diagnostics and targeted assignments, supportive learning differences and data-drive personalization.

This single-year grant program begins October 11 and will close on August 31, 2024, through the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE). School districts interested in the program can apply through the State Department of Education’s Electronic Web-Enabled Grants (EWEG) system. Grant applications are due by September 20.