The Victorian Government has announced $258.4 million in funding to keep tutors in schools in 2023.
Over the past two years, tutors have provided individual support to catch up on gaps in learning following COVID-19 lockdowns and remote learning in 2020.
Tutors have worked both in the classroom and remotely throughout 2021 and 2022 to identify and support students who needed extra help.
Tutors work in small groups to provide tailored support for identified students who need assistance.
The tutor program encourages pre-service teachers, teachers on leave, retired teachers and casual relief teachers to return to the classroom.
Tutors allow for individualised support for struggling students, often in small groups.
Each school determines how tutors will be used, ensuring the program is tailored to the needs of each student.
A survey 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 tutors.
More than 99,500 students in government schools have already received tutoring support so far this year.
Government schools employ more than 5150 tutors with at least one tutor in all government schools.
Liberal candidate for Euroa Brad Hearn said, while incredibly necessary, tutors were not enough in regional Victoria.
“The loss of learning throughout COVID has been huge,” he said.
“The issues we are facing in the country are a lot more significant than what tutors can address.”