State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne announced Sept. 5 in a special press conference that he's making $40 million available to parents of elementary grade students to pay for free tutoring in reading, writing and math beginning Oct. 2. The amount will pay for approximately 1.3 million hours of tutoring.
As part of this project, participating public school teachers will earn added income as tutors. Private tutoring companies will also be an option for parents.
“My first priority as superintendent is to raise academic outcomes, therefore I am making $40 million available so parents whose children did not test as proficient can get free tutoring for students in first through eighth grades,” Horne said in a press conference this morning.
“Public school teachers who tutor will be paid $30 an hour and will earn a $200 stipend for each student who shows a one-half year gain from the tutoring. A teacher who tutors the maximum amount would earn an extra approximately $8,000. I believe teachers deserve more pay, which is why I supported Rep. Matt Gress’ recent bill for a $10,000 raise. I was shocked to see that the governor and teachers’ union opposed it. If they won’t help teachers get more money, I will,” Horne added.
In late 2021, federal funds allocated to overcome pandemic-related learning loss were distributed to multiple organizations throughout Arizona by the prior state schools superintendent. Last month, Department of Education staff asked them to provide evidence of the academic impact of their work. Those who could not show reasonable impact for the money had their contracts cancelled or reduced. This is the funding source for the $40 million.
“If they cannot show increased academic outcomes, I will, with this massive tutoring program.” Horne said.
Additional details will be available for this specific program at azed.gov beginning Sept. 15.
