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The Oklahoma Math Tutoring Corps (OMTC) is one of the Ready Together Oklahoma initiatives created in 2021 by the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE). To reach the state’s students in grades 7, 8, and 9, the OMTC uses a high impact tutoring model for algebra through real-time, virtual tutoring three times a week for 21 weeks during the school year. Seventy-five percent of families reported that OMTC encouraged math discussions at home, 81% of students indicated they were more confident in mathematics after participating, and 90% of students stated that tutoring increased their understanding of mathematics. During the 2022-23 school year, 78% of participating students showed either improved or the same performance level of academic performance as they did in the prior year. Over the past three years, we have tracked implementation and process data to refine our approach and bring our virtual model to a greater scale.
Findings from an initial needs-assessment showed that our tutor pool would not meet demand. To enlarge the pool of eligible tutors, both certified and retired educators as well as college students were recruited as tutors. Tutoring sessions are designed to improve grade level mathematics skills in small groups of up to four students. The OMTC uses a virtual platform and an outline of lessons that give all students access to the same information. These lessons were developed to help students lead mathematical discussions with the guidance of a tutor. Taking high impact tutoring to a virtual platform allows more students to have access to a tutor, which can be difficult in rural Oklahoma. In our analysis of barriers to scaling during the first year of operation, access to technology arose as a barrier for students who wished to participate. In response, the OMTC now provides computers or internet access for students in need. The OMTC also delivers devices to students through school districts.
As we have refined our virtual model, we have found evidence that tutor cohorts support improved tutor effectiveness and retention. Cohorts meet regularly to foster ongoing professional learning. Since tutor cohorts consist of certified educators and college students, this time allows for sharing experiences as well as seeking guidance on how to reach students during tutoring sessions. In the first two years of the program, families and students who have participated shared their feedback through surveys. During the first three years of the program, all tutoring occurred seven days a week and outside of regular school hours, which is a departure from many other high impact tutoring models offered within the school day. As we expand, however, the OMTC is currently working with school districts to provide tutoring during the school day by using retired educators as tutors. OMTC’s experience responding to scaling barriers as a virtual provider can help to inform other virtual models of high impact tutoring.