Charleston, South Carolina, September 24, 2025
News Summary
The Charleston County School District is launching a High-Intensity Tutoring program aimed at enhancing student test scores in reading and math. The initiative targets struggling students with intensive support, offering tutors compensation linked to student performance. Funded partly through a $36 million allocation, the program emphasizes accountability and customizes interventions using I-Ready testing data. It seeks to close educational gaps and promote long-term academic success within the district.
Charleston, South Carolina – The Charleston County School District (CCSD) has announced the launch of a new High-Intensity Tutoring program designed to enhance student test scores across the district. This initiative specifically targets students who are struggling with reading and math, aiming to provide them with intensive academic support.
Under the new program, tutors will be compensated between $30 and $40 for each session they conduct with a student. Additionally, the payment structure for tutors directly relates to student performance; half of the total pay will depend on whether or not students demonstrate academic improvement. Tutors have the potential to earn up to 100% of their total pay if significant improvements are made by the students they work with. Furthermore, exceptional performance could also result in a bonus of up to 105%.
This educational initiative is being funded in part through CCSD’s $36 million allocation from the 2025-2026 Weighted Student Funding initiative, which is designed to meet specific educational needs within the district, including support for poverty, disabilities, and multilingual learners. School principals also have access to additional funding sources, such as Title I dollars, to assist with tutoring costs.
According to the district’s Chief Financial Officer, the new tutoring program will hold vendors accountable for providing quality tutoring services, encouraging high standards in educational assistance. A total of 18 tutoring companies have been selected for schools to choose from, allowing each school to cater to their specific needs. Each tutoring provider will operate under a one-year contract, with the option for renewal based on the performance outcomes of the students.
A member of the District Seven Board of Trustees noted that the program’s primary aim is to close educational gaps for students in need. Furthermore, the program will utilize I-Ready testing data to customize tutoring interventions, ensuring that they align with the individual needs of students.
Program Overview
- Objective: Improve student test scores in reading and math.
- Target Group: Students struggling with academic performance.
- Tutor Compensation: $30 to $40 per session, linked to student performance.
- Funding Source: CCSD’s $36 million allocation from the Weighted Student Funding.
- Tutoring Companies: 18 vendors available, selected based on school needs.
- Contract Duration: One-year contracts with performance-based renewals.
- Data Utilization: I-Ready testing to tailor tutoring interventions.
Background Context
The High-Intensity Tutoring initiative comes as part of broader efforts by the CCSD to address educational disparities. By focusing on intensive academic support, the district strives to ensure that all students, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, can achieve their full potential in academics.
The overarching goal is to leverage the funding to create a sustainable model that not only improves performance in core subjects like math and reading but also promotes long-term academic success across the district.
FAQ
What is the purpose of the High-Intensity Tutoring program?
The High-Intensity Tutoring program is aimed at improving student test scores across the district, with a focus on providing intensive academic support specifically for students struggling with reading and math.
How are tutors compensated?
Tutors will be compensated between $30 and $40 per session for each student they tutor. Additionally, half of their total pay is contingent on whether students show academic improvement.
What funds are being used for the tutoring program?
The initiative is funded in part by CCSD’s $36 million allocation from the 2025-2026 Weighted Student Funding, which aims to address specific needs in schools.
How is the success of the tutoring program measured?
The success of the tutoring program will be measured through student improvement results, which will determine the continuation of tutoring contracts for providers.
Key Features Chart
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Objective | Improve student test scores in reading and math. |
| Target Group | Students struggling with academic performance. |
| Tutor Compensation | $30 to $40 per session, dependent on student performance. |
| Funding Source | CCSD’s $36 million allocation from the Weighted Student Funding. |
| Tutoring Companies | 18 vendors available, chosen based on school needs. |
| Contract Duration | One-year contracts with renewal based on performance. |
| Data Utilization | I-Ready testing to tailor interventions. |
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Additional Resources
- Live 5 News: Charleston County School District Launches High-Intensity Tutoring Program
- Wikipedia: Tutoring
- Count On 2: CCSD Launches High-Intensity Tutoring Program to Accelerate Student Success
- Google Search: High-Intensity Tutoring
- Live 5 News Video: Charleston County School District Launches High-Intensity Tutoring Program
- Google Scholar: High-Intensity Tutoring
- Charleston City Paper: S.C. Overdose Deaths Are Down but Officials Worry for Future
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tutoring
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