The proposed legislation is intended to generate insights on the effectiveness of existing tutoring methods and explore ways to improve student participation in these programs. A notable aspect of the study is its focus on not only maintaining but also potentially increasing the quality of tutoring services without diminishing funds allocated to current DoDEA programs or the compensation for teachers and staff. The ultimate goal is to establish a better-supported learning environment for children in military families, who may move frequently due to their parents' service.
Summary
House Bill 9548, titled the 'High-Impact Tutoring for Military Families Act,' aims to enhance educational outcomes for students enrolled in schools operated by the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA). The bill directs the Secretary of Defense to conduct a comprehensive study on the current tutoring programs employed within these schools. Specifically, it seeks to assess how many of these programs utilize high-impact tutoring techniques, which involve structured and regular tutoring sessions in subjects like math and reading, with specific requirements for tutor qualifications and student-to-tutor ratios.
Contention
Some points of contention around the bill may arise from how the study's recommendations will be implemented. Stakeholders may be concerned about the allocation of resources and whether the findings will lead to changes that could affect other existing educational programs within the DoDEA. Additionally, there may be debates regarding the definition of 'high-impact tutoring' and the criteria used to evaluate its success. The necessity of having a structured approach to tutoring while also promoting flexibility and addressing the diverse needs of students underscores the complexity of the issue.
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.