FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The Florida Tutoring Advantage is a statewide program administered by the University of Florida Lastinger Center for Learning. It provides high-quality, evidence-based tutoring services to improve student outcomes in reading and mathematics through one-on-one learning, small group instruction, and advanced learning technologies.
Questions & Answers
About the Program
How does the program align with the state’s strategic education goals?
The Florida Tutoring Advantage program aligns with Florida’s educational goals by focusing on closing achievement gaps, increasing student proficiency, and supporting the statewide emphasis on high impact tutoring to improve student outcomes.
How does the program complement other initiatives in the school district?
Florida Tutoring Advantage is designed to complement existing school and district initiatives such as after-school programs, teacher professional learning, reading interventions, and math strategies to ensure consistent support for students across platforms.
How does the program ensure tutoring complements, rather than competes with, classroom instruction?
Tutors work closely with classroom teachers to align tutoring with curriculum, reinforcing classroom concepts and providing individualized attention without adding to teachers’ workloads.
What is the long-term vision for the Florida Tutoring Advantage program?
The vision is to establish a sustainable, statewide system of high-impact tutoring to close achievement gaps, improve academic outcomes, and ensure consistent access to tutoring services.
How does the program keep students motivated and engaged throughout tutoring sessions?
Tutors use strategies like interactive activities, games, real-world applications, and relationship-building to keep sessions engaging and students motivated.
Eligibility
Who is eligible to participate in the Florida Tutoring Advantage program?
Reading & Mathematics (K-5)
High-impact tutoring may be provided to, at a minimum, kindergarten through grade 5 students enrolled in a public school who have a substantial deficiency in reading or mathematics in accordance with F.S. 1008.25. Currently, Florida Tutoring Advantage will work in collaboration with district/school leaders to prioritize students who receive Level 1 on FAST PM 2 and/or PM 3 before serving students who receive Level 2 on FAST PM 2 and/or PM 3.
AI (6-12)
6-12 students who would benefit from additional learning support (as defined in 1002.321 F.S.), as determined by the district.
Are English Language Learners (ELL) eligible?
Yes. Tutors are trained to use strategies supporting language acquisition while addressing academic content.
How does the program accommodate students with special needs or disabilities?
The Florida Tutoring Advantage program works with tutoring providers to ensure that services are accessible so that all eligible students, including those with disabilities, receive appropriate support.
How are tutoring providers selected?
Florida Tutoring Advantage completed a systematic Interest to Negotiate (ITN) process in the Fall of 2024. Tutoring providers applied and were selected by meeting the requirements set forth in the application. The list of selected providers is available on the Florida Tutoring Advantage website.
Requirements & Participation
Will there be a fee for tutors, educators, or district leaders to engage in professional learning?
No. All professional learning opportunities through Florida Tutoring Advantage are provided at no cost.
When and where will tutoring take place?
High-impact tutoring will occur during the school day, in-person or virtually, based on school and district schedules.
Are there universal guidelines to participate?
Yes. Districts must meet eligibility criteria, agree to data-sharing protocols, and follow safety standards for tutoring.
How do districts apply for the program?
The Florida Tutoring Advantage program seeks interest from district and charter school leadership at the end of each school year to assess needs for tutoring services in the coming school year.
Are there any costs for districts to participate?
No. Participation and tutoring services are provided at no cost to districts.
When will services start?
Tutoring services occur throughout the Fall and Spring semesters.
How long do no-cost tutoring services last? Will districts need to reapply?
Services last the academic year. Districts must reapply annually, depending on funding and program requirements.
Tutoring Services
What is high-impact tutoring (HIT) and how is it different from traditional tutoring?
HIT is a structured, data-driven approach featuring frequent sessions, consistent tutors, alignment with school curricula, and a strong focus on measurable academic improvement.
How are students matched with tutoring services?
Students are prioritized based on district guidelines, eligibility criteria, academic needs, grade levels, and subject areas.
How are tutoring sessions structured?
Sessions are typically one-on-one or small groups, aligned with Florida B.E.S.T. standards, the Science of Reading, and math best practices.
How often do students receive tutoring?
High-impact tutoring recommends students receive tutoring at least 75 minutes per week, in at least three sessions, for a minimum of 10 weeks. Variation in scheduling depends on such factors as students’ age or schedules.
What types of tutors are involved?
Tutors include certified teachers, qualified paraprofessionals, trained volunteers, and in some cases, automated software platforms.
What school safety and security measures are in place?
Strict data privacy policies, secure online platforms, Level II background checks for tutors, and adherence to safety guidelines for all tutoring modes are in place for participation in Florida Tutoring Advantage.
What is the difference between virtual and automated learning support?
Virtual tutoring involves real-time instruction with a live tutor via digital platforms.
Automated learning support delivers independent practice, assessments, and feedback through adaptive technologies.
Are virtual tutoring options available?
Yes. Virtual options are available in schools where internet technology and support for the program is available.
How does the program ensure that virtual sessions are as effective as in-person tutoring?
Through high-quality interactive platforms, tutor training, regular monitoring, and close tracking of student outcomes, Florida Tutoring Advantage strives to ensure effective implementation of high-impact tutoring.
AI Tutoring & Technology
What is meant by an innovative AI solution?
AI enhanced learning support uses adaptive technology to create personalized learning paths, provide real-time feedback, and reduce teacher workload.
How does AI enhanced learning support work? Who does it serve?
It serves students in grades 6–12, aligns with Florida B.E.S.T. standards, and operates securely in a closed environment. District, school, and parent reporting will be available.
What hardware and software are needed for tutoring?
Students need a computer or tablet with reliable internet, webcam, microphone, and access to secure virtual tutoring platforms.
What role does technology play in tutoring sessions?
Technology enhances tutoring through adaptive tools, digital assessments, and real-time personalization.
Compliance & Data Security
How does the Florida Tutoring Advantage program ensure compliance with educational laws?
Florida Tutoring Advantage complies with state and federal laws including 1008.366 F.S., 1002.321 F.S., FERPA, and professional conduct standards.
What are the program’s responsibilities under FERPA and student privacy laws?
Florida Tutoring Advantage protects student information, ensuring access is restricted to authorized personnel and data is securely transferred and stored.
Outcomes & Monitoring
How is student progress monitored?
Progress is tracked through assessments, tutor observations, feedback from teachers, and regular data collection and analysis.
What are the expected outcomes of the program?
Improved reading and math proficiency, reduced achievement gaps, increased student engagement, increased attendance, and positive academic attitudes are all outcomes expected with high-impact tutoring.
How is the program evaluated?
The program is evaluated through analysis of student performance data, surveys, attendance, and engagement metrics.
How is feedback from stakeholders collected and used?
Feedback from students, teachers, parents, and administrators is gathered through surveys and management systems and is used to continuously improve the program.
How frequently is the program evaluated and adjusted?
Evaluation is ongoing, but in depth analysis of program implementation and outcomes occurs after each semester and academic year with continuous adjustments based on feedback and performance data.
How does the program handle situations where students are not showing improvement?
Instructional strategies are adjusted, session frequency may increase, and additional supports are introduced as needed.
Professional Learning
What professional learning opportunities are available for tutors?
Tutors have access to ongoing professional learning on instructional strategies, student engagement, educational technology, and curriculum alignment.
Is professional learning free?
Yes. There is no cost to the learner.
Do tutors receive credit for professional learning courses?
Participants receive a certificate of completion, but no CEUs or formal professional learning credits are awarded.
Is completion of professional learning courses required?
Tutors employed by vendor partners or Districts through the Florida Tutoring Advantage program are required to complete the program’s professional learning courses. Others may take the course optionally.
How long are professional learning courses?
Courses are approximately 3-5 hours long, divided into 4–8 modules.
What technology is needed for professional learning courses?
A computer or tablet with internet access and a modern browser (like Chrome or Firefox).
What assignments are part of professional learning courses?
Short quizzes and reflection prompts are included at the end of each module.
Are stipends available for completing professional learning?
No, stipends are not provided at this time.
How will tutors know they are registered for a course?
A confirmation email will be sent within 5–7 business days after the application is received.
Research & Evidence Base
What evidence supports the effectiveness of the program?
Florida Tutoring Advantage is built on national best practices and research demonstrating the impact of high-impact tutoring on student outcomes, especially from sources like the National Student Support Accelerator and Proven Tutoring at Johns Hopkins University.
How is the program adapting research-based strategies for Florida?
Florida Tutoring Advantage aligns national best practices with Florida standards and local needs, incorporating continuous evaluation, adaptation, and improvement.