A groundbreaking initiative is reshaping mathematics education in Maryland, offering a beacon of hope for students struggling with math skills. The Maryland Tutoring Corps, a $28 million grant program, is bringing nearly 1,000 college and graduate students into middle school classrooms to provide high-dosage math tutoring.
Launched in October 2023, the program responds to alarming national trends. The Nation’s Report Card (NAEP) revealed a stark reality: approximately 75% of U.S. eighth graders are not proficient in mathematics. Maryland’s proactive approach aims to reverse this troubling trend through targeted, intensive support.
The program partners with multiple universities, including Morgan State, Johns Hopkins, Towson, University of Maryland Baltimore County, and Salisbury University. These institutions are deploying students to schools in Wicomico, Baltimore City, and Baltimore County, creating a unique educational support system.
Matt Barrow, Baltimore City Schools’ director of differentiated learning, highlights the program’s immediate impact. “When you have 35 to 40 kids in a class and many need extra help, you as a teacher can’t get to everybody every day,” Barrow explains. The tutoring program fills this critical gap, bringing joy and support to middle school mathematics education.
The program adheres to research-backed best practices, ensuring small groups of no more than three students meet during the school day. This approach maximizes attendance and minimizes disruption to students’ lives. Tutors are paid, and the program prioritizes high-need student populations.
High-dosage tutoring, defined as at least two 45-minute sessions per week, has shown promising results. Beyond improving math skills, the initiative aims to help students develop a positive attitude toward mathematics, feel more connected to school, and build an academic foundation for future STEM careers.
Shradha Gawad, a master’s student at UMBC, exemplifies the program’s spirit. While tutoring at Dickey Hill Elementary and Middle School, she approaches mathematics with creativity and passion, introducing complex concepts like scientific notation through engaging, real-world examples.
The initiative aligns with broader national efforts to address learning loss and educational challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The U.S. Department of Education has extended federal pandemic relief fund spending deadlines, enabling districts to invest in similar support models.
