Indiana’s Tutoring Programs Facing Uncertain Future: Funding at Risk Post-COVID
As Indiana grapples with the ramifications of COVID-19 on student learning, the future of essential tutoring programs hangs in the balance. With federal COVID relief funds set to expire, state lawmakers must decide whether to allocate resources to sustain tutoring initiatives that have played a pivotal role in aiding students’ recovery.
This year alone, thousands of students have benefited from hundreds of thousands of hours of tutoring in reading and math, backed by millions in federal funding. However, as Indiana prepares for budget discussions that include teacher pay raises and educational funding, the fate of these programs remains uncertain.
Indiana Department of Education Secretary Katie Jenner has noted the state’s commitment to evaluating successful programs, like summer labs and learning grants, as they seek sustainable funding sources. Notable programs include Circle City Readers and Indianapolis Public Schools’ varied tutoring offerings, which have also faced reductions. Meanwhile, the Indiana Learns initiative, which offers grants to low-income families for tutoring, has served over 23,000 students, emphasizing the urgent need for continued support.
Research indicates that in-school tutoring, particularly when integrated with classroom instruction, yields the best outcomes for students. Experts warn that ending these programs post-ESSER funding could exacerbate existing inequalities, as families may struggle to ensure their children receive necessary support.
With ongoing challenges linked to pre-pandemic deficiencies and the potential scaling back of effective tutoring, education advocates urge lawmakers to prioritize these programs in the upcoming budget session. Families have until December 20 to enroll in Indiana Learns, but the looming question remains: will Indiana’s lawmakers recognize the critical importance of funding these vital educational resources?
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