Oklahoma Math Tutoring Corps
Why Oklahoma Math Tutoring Corps?
Mathematics skills build over time, and algebra readiness is critical for success in higher-level mathematics and for future careers. In recognition of the importance of algebra readiness, the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE) is investing in a Math Tutoring Corps to support small groups of 7th-8th grade students in gaining math skills and concepts they may have missed due to learning disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. This effort began in winter 2021 and continues through spring 2025.
- Student Registration for the Oklahoma Math Tutoring Corps
- Project Details
- Additional Information for Families
- Additional Information for Administrators
- Additional Information for Tutors
Student Registration for the Math Tutoring Corps
Student registration for the Fall 2024 session.
Project Details
OSDE recruits and hires up to 150 educators to provide virtual tutoring services outside of school hours for up to 600 7th-8th graders. Tutors will meet virtually with small groups of up to four students for 50-minute sessions, three times per week. In each session, tutors will provide on-grade-level mathematics support to reinforce mathematical concepts and help students better understand math processes they are currently learning in class while also preparing them for higher-level mathematics.
Participants have the option to select one or both of the following sessions:
- October 6 - December 14, 2024 (10 week program)
- January 19 - April 19, 2025 (11 week program breaking for spring break)
Additional Information for Families
By joining the Oklahoma Math Tutoring Corps, your 7th-8th grade student has the opportunity to work in a small-group (no more than four students) with a tutor from Oklahoma. Your student will learn the math needed for current and future grade levels to be college and career ready. They will also develop their problem-solving and communication skills while gaining confidence in their math class.
Families of past participants indicated tutoring encouraged math discussions at home while their student's math understanding and confidence improved. Student participants shared they are more comfortable asking questions in math class after participating in the pilot. Below is a video of one student's experience during the Spring 2022 pilot.
The OSDE will provide any technology or internet access needed for your student to participate in the program, and tutoring will occur during students’ free time outside of the school day.
Additional Information for Administrators
Schools will not be expected to provide tutors, professional development for tutors, lessons, or equipment (beyond what is usually provided to students) for this initiative. Tutors submitted applications to the OSDE for consideration and were selected based on experience and ensuring representation from all regions of Oklahoma. Tutors will receive ongoing professional development on models of acceleration and research-based instructional practices for virtual math tutoring, and they will receive support from a “lead tutor” throughout the tutoring. Lead tutors are Oklahoma certified teachers who have experience with instructional coaching and mentoring. Tutors will also be provided with lessons aligned to grade-level Oklahoma Academic Standards for Mathematics and will have opportunities to individualize instruction for their students, and the OSDE will provide any technology needed for students to participate in the program.
If you would like to find out how to incorporate targeted tutoring in your school or district during the school day, please reach out to Shanda Finnell.
Oklahoma Math Tutoring Toolkit
The OSDE has also created an Oklahoma Math Tutoring Toolkit, which includes research-based resources created for the OMTC and provides recommendations for school districts in designing and implementing a high-dosage math tutoring program.
Additional Information for Tutors
Applications for tutors for the Fall 2024 session can be found here. Any Oklahoma certified educator, higher education professor, or retired educator residing in Oklahoma will be eligible to apply.
Hired tutors will receive professional development focused on models of acceleration and effective instrucational strategies for virtual math tutoring. They will also be placed in a cohort of approximately 25 tutors, led by a Lead Tutor who will provide instructional coaching, professional learning, and additional support throughout the year.
Contact Information
Shanda Finnell
Email: [email protected]
Office Phone: (405) 521-6739
Data includes results from a survey of 104 family members and 202 students participating in the Oklahoma Math Tutoring Corps initiative. Family members and students were surveyed following the initial nine-week pilot of the program.
