PATHS to Tutor Act of 2024 Partnering Aspiring Teachers with High-need Schools to Tutor Act of 2024
Impact
The proposed legislation authorizes the allocation of $500 million in federal funds to be appropriated in support of the grant program. The funds can be utilized for a variety of purposes, including training and compensating tutors, providing necessary instructional materials and resources, and ensuring transportation and meals for tutoring participants. The intent is to support a diverse range of tutors, including postsecondary students in educator preparation programs and graduates from historically Black colleges and universities, thereby promoting inclusivity and diversity in educational support.
Summary
House Bill 7016, also known as the 'PATHS to Tutor Act of 2024,' is designed to establish a grant program aimed at enhancing access to high-quality tutoring services within hard-to-staff and high-need schools. The bill seeks to foster innovative collaborations between teacher preparation programs, local educational agencies, and community-based organizations. By allocating funding to these partnerships, the bill aims to address the educational challenges faced by students in under-resourced districts, ultimately enhancing their academic performance and learning experiences.
Contention
Debate around HB 7016 may center on the effectiveness of tutoring programs in improving student outcomes and the appropriateness of funding allocation in educational contexts. Critics might argue about whether such a program can be adequately monitored and held accountable for its effectiveness in truly elevating academic achievement in high-need schools. Moreover, there may be discussions on the balance between federal oversight and local control in implementing these tutoring initiatives, affecting how individualized local needs are met.
Expanding Access to High-Impact Tutoring Act of 2025This bill directs the Department of Education (ED) to award grants to state educational agencies and, through them, subgrants to local educational agencies (LEAs) for implementing, administering, and evaluating tutoring programs in elementary and secondary schools.Additionally, the bill directs ED to establish an advisory board. Among its duties, the advisory board must (1) evaluate and approve plans to ensure that LEAs will meet tutoring program requirements, (2) provide technical assistance and guidance to grant recipients, and (3) develop a nationwide tutoring workforce.
Relating to providing high-quality tutoring services to public school students, including the creation of the Texas Tutor Corps program, and the use of the compensatory education allotment for certain tutoring services programs.