FAMU DRS and ASSISTments Partner to Launch High-Dosage Tutoring Initiative

Tallahassee, FL and Worcester, MA – October 29, 2024 – Florida A&M University Developmental Research School (FAMU DRS) and The ASSISTments Foundation are excited to announce a new partnership to improve math achievement for students in grades 3-8 through a high-dosage tutoring initiative. High-dosage tutoring, recognized as one of the most effective interventions for addressing unfinished learning, will provide personalized, consistent support to students, helping to drive academic growth and boost confidence in math.

This partnership helps ASSISTments in our efforts to develop and rigorously study the impact of using the platform to enable effective in-person tutoring, particularly with novice tutors. This work is supported by a five-year Education Innovation and Research grant, that involves multiple partnerships, allowing us to optimize our model for a variety of contexts and tutor profiles. This partnership with FAMU will add invaluable learning about the potential for college students to serve as tutors, alongside learning we have done regarding para-educators and volunteer community educators

The partnership will leverage the expertise of the Florida A&M University College of Education (FAMU COE) and ASSISTments' evidence-based digital platform to deliver tutoring that is aligned with state standards and daily classroom instruction. Tutors will be drawn from the FAMU COE as well as other university departments, offering college students valuable mentoring and teaching experience.

Key Features of the Initiative:

• Tutoring Structure:
  Selected students in grades 3-8 will participate in the ASSISTments Tutoring Math Program and Impact Study. Tutoring will be delivered at least three times per week following high-dosage tutoring protocols, with a 1:4 tutor-to-student ratio. Each tutoring session will be closely aligned with state standards and integrated with students’ daily classroom lessons to reinforce key concepts and ensure continuity in learning. Sessions will span two school years, from October 2024 to May 2025, continuing into the 2025-2026 academic year.
• Consistent, Personalized Support:
  Students will work with the same tutor throughout the program to foster strong, supportive relationships. Tutoring will take place during the school day, offering in-person instruction that is fully integrated with classroom learning.

The partnership between FAMU DRS and ASSISTments is expected to have a significant impact on math achievement, an academic priority for FAMU DRS. In addition to improved math performance, students will develop greater confidence and competence in their math abilities. 

“This partnership aligns with our mission to create equitable learning opportunities that empower students to succeed in mathematics,” said Dr. Denise Barrett, Tutoring Program & Partnerships Manager at ASSISTments. “We are excited to demonstrate the power of high-dosage tutoring to transform students' math experiences.” 

“Through partnerships and cutting-edge strategies, FAMU DRS aims to prepare students for future academic and career success,“ said Dr. Patricia West, Deputy Superintendent, FAMU DRS.

The initiative will be led by Dr. Barrett, alongside FAMU DRS faculty member Yolanda Foxx-Palmer and FAMU College of Education Professor Dr. David White.

About The ASSISTments Foundation

The ASSISTments Foundation (TAF) is a non-profit organization founded in 2019 with a mission to transform math education through evidence-based innovations. TAF is committed to creating equitable learning opportunities that help students excel in mathematics. In collaboration with Worcester Polytechnic Institute, TAF conducts groundbreaking research in the learning sciences to continuously improve the ASSISTments platform. For more information, visit www.assistments.org.

About FAMU DRS

Florida A&M University’s Developmental Research School (FAMU DRS) serves as a laboratory for the research, demonstration, and evaluation of teaching and learning. With a focus on mathematics, science, technology, and foreign languages, FAMU DRS is dedicated to providing students with a rigorous and innovative education.

‍For More Information:

FAMU DRS Contact: Yolanda Foxx-Palmer, yolanda.foxxpalmer@famu.edu

ASSISTments Contact: Dr. Denise Barrett, denise.barrett@assistments.org

FAMU COE Contact: Dr. David White david.white@famu.edu

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