The Andrews Labor Government is extending its successful Tutor Learning Initiative in 2023, making sure Victorian students continue to get the individual support they need to thrive and succeed throughout their schooling.
Minister for Education Natalie Hutchins visited Strathmore Secondary College today to announce a further $258.4 million to extend the Tutor Learning Initiative, allowing Victorian schools to retain the tutors who gave such profound support to students throughout 2021 and 2022.
More than 99,500 students in government schools have already received tutoring support so far this year, with more 2,000 schools again participating and government schools employing more than 5,150 tutors.
The Labor Government’s Tutor Learning Initiative was first announced for the 2021 school year in response to the period of remote and flexible learning in 2020, and was continued again last year after feedback that it not only supported students to catch up on schoolwork, but provided the critical boost to confidence many kids needed.
The tutor program calls on pre-service teachers, teachers on leave, retired teachers and casual relief teachers to get back in the classroom – with at least one tutor in all government schools. Over the past two years, tutors have worked both in the classroom and remotely to identify and support the students who needed extra help.
An independent evaluation by Deloitte found 88 per cent of primary school principals and 75 per cent of secondary school principals surveyed reported improvements in students’ achievements they attributed to the tutors.
Tutors work in small groups to provide tailored support for identified students who need assistance to catch up – regardless of their circumstances or background.
The Tutor Learning Initiative builds on the Labor Government’s investment of more than $131 million in the Victorian Budget 2022/23 to lift key literacy and numeracy outcomes, bringing more students into higher achievement bands – setting them up for success throughout their education and in life.
This investment includes $87.2 million for the Middle Years Literacy and Numeracy Strategy, identifying students who need more support to leave high school with the skills they need for work and study, and $27.4 million to support the rollout of the Teaching Excellence Program across Melbourne and regional Victoria.
The extension of tutors in 2023 will also ensure teaching teams can continue to provide dedicated and individualised support for students who need help. Individual schools determine how tutoring support is implemented, ensuring the program is tailored to the needs of each student.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Education Natalie Hutchins
“Our tutors play an integral role in ensuring that Victorian students can get the best education – that’s why we are extending the program to ensure these learning supports continue to be available.”
“The continued hard work from our tutors in schools across the state has been so important to help support young Victorians throughout their studies.”
Reviewed 13 September 2022