In a move that will impact the academic futures of many students, Chicago Public Schools (CPS) have announced the layoffs of 530 tutors, many of whom were integral in boosting literacy and numeracy following the COVID-19 pandemic. These layoffs underscore a shift in strategy for CPS, as the tutoring program had not met the district’s expectations despite prior evidence suggesting its potential effectiveness. This development leaves hundreds of tutors jobless and numerous students without support as the school year approaches its close.
Initially, the Tutor Corps played a critical role in the rebound of elementary school reading scores when students returned to in-person learning. According to a Sun-Times report, tutors like Jacob Wilcox saw notable progress with the students, often from underprivileged backgrounds. CPS credited these tutors for the improvements in academic performance. However, amidst a substantial budget deficit of at least $529 million, CPS is narrowing the initiative, now offering only math tutors for middle schoolers in selected schools for the upcoming year.
The CPS tutoring program, launched in 2021 with hefty backing from federal COVID relief funds, at one point planned for as many as 800 tutors, a number that was not fully realized. With an investment of $25 million to bolster the Tutor Corps, CPS’s aim was clear – to diminish learning gaps intensified by the disruptions of the pandemic. Despite releasing 530 tutors into an uncertain job market this week and scaling back the program, CPS commended their efforts, saying “these invaluable team members have made a lasting impact on CPS students,” as per a spokesperson’s statement obtained by FOX 32 Chicago…