Program for Southern West Virginia Students is a First in the Country

For Immediate Release

August 4, 2024

Program for Southern West Virginia Students is a First in the Country

Tools are meant to help boost Algebra 1 comprehension, bridge the educational gaps caused by the pandemic and support academic readiness.

Athens, W.Va. – In a groundbreaking initiative, GEAR UP Southern West Virginia (GEAR UP SWV) is expanding its educational support services to include a new High-Dosage Tutoring (HDT) program, through a partnership with The Princeton Review’s Tutor.com. This program aims to bolster academic success for 9th-grade students taking Algebra 1 in high schools across Wyoming, Mercer, Raleigh, Monroe, and Summers Counties.

GEAR UP SWV is helping to pioneer this initiative as one of the first of its kind. GEAR UP SWV is one of two programs in the country that will offer the tools as part of the federally funded program. It’s one of two national grant programs funded through the U.S. Department of Education, to implement high dosage tutoring with partner Tutor.com. GEAR UP stands for Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs and GEAR UP SWV is one of several across the country.

HDT Feature for Teachers in GEAR UP SWV Program

In addition to the regular tutoring services, the new HDT program will provide small group tutoring specifically for 9th graders taking Algebra 1. This initiative will place students in groups of 2-4 to work with the same tutor online three days a week for ten weeks, ensuring consistent and focused academic support. Schools can schedule these sessions before or after school, or during advisory periods.

High-Dosage Tutoring is a research-based, intensive solution that helps students achieve significant, measurable academic gains. The program features high-frequency sessions (three or more times per week), small-group instruction (up to four students), assessment-based progress tracking, and tailored instruction aligned with state standards.

West Virginia students face several challenges, including low postsecondary expectations, high teacher turnover, and a lack of academic college readiness. The HDT program is designed to address these issues by providing individualized support, regular sessions, and qualified tutors dedicated to helping students succeed.

Key Features of the HDT Program:

• Individualized Support: Each student receives personalized attention tailored to their learning needs.
• Consistent Sessions: Regular 30–45 minute tutoring sessions three or more times per week with the same tutor.
• Qualified Tutors: Experienced educators specializing in Algebra 1, ensuring high-quality academic assistance.
• Assessment-Based: Progress is tracked with regular feedback and periodic formative assessments.
• Curriculum-Driven: High-quality instructional materials aligned with state standards.

To enroll in the HDT program, GEAR UP SWV parents and guardians should contact their school’s coordinator. GEAR UP SWV serves each student in the class of 2028 and 2029 attending public schools in Mercer, Monroe, Raleigh, Summers and Wyoming Counties. The students are currently rising 8th and 9th graders.

About The Princeton Review’s Tutor.com and GEAR UP SWV

In addition to HDT, every GEAR UP SWV student has access to general services provided by Tutor.com. The services provide a 24/7 resource to rising 8th and 9th-grade students, teachers, in these counties. The platform provides live tutoring sessions, assignment feedback, test prep, and more. The program is part of GEAR UP SWV to bridge the educational gaps caused by the pandemic and support academic readiness.

It’s important to note that High Dosage tutoring is one of three focuses the White House’s Improving Student Achievement Agenda for 2024. https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/01/17/fact-sheet-biden-harris-administration-announces-improving-student-achievement-agenda-in-2024/