In an attempt to ensure no student is left behind in the wake of the pandemic, the state government tutoring program will continue into 2022.
Minister for Education James Merlino announced $230.4 million in funding to allow Victorian schools to retain the tutors that have supported students throughout 2021.
The tutor program has called on teachers on leave, retired teachers and casual relief teachers to sign up and get back in the classroom – with at least one tutor in all government schools to ensure every Victorian child comes out of the pandemic with the confidence that their learning is on track.
While the past two years have seen some students thrive with the flexibility and self-direction remote learning gave them, for others this period has been profoundly difficult – and the tutors have worked both in the classroom and through remote learning to identify and support the students who needed extra help with their learning.
Students who struggled most during the pandemic included those with low levels of English, those already at risk of disengaging from school, or those with home environments not conducive to online learning.
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 extra support for onsite tutors in 2022 will also ensure teaching teams can continue to provide dedicated and individualised support for students who need help.
