Tutor program to keep going in macedon schools

The Andrews Labor Government is extending its successful Tutor Learning Initiative in 2023, to ensure students in Macedon continue to get benefits from the program and enhance their education experience.

Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas announced $258.4 million to further extend the Tutor Learning Initiative to allow Victorian schools to retain the tutors that supported students throughout 2022.

More than 99,500 students in government schools have received tutoring support so far this year, with in excess of 2,000 schools again participating and government schools employing more than 5,150 tutors.

The 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 in 2022.

The tutor program calls on pre-service teachers, 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.

In 2021 and 2022 tutors worked both in the classroom and through remote learning to identify and support the students who needed extra help with their learning.

The tutors have had a hugely positive impact in schools. An independent evaluation by Deloitte found that the benefits of the Tutor Learning Initiative extended beyond academic achievement to include improvements in student engagement and teacher practice.

Schools are responsible for employing their tutors based on the needs of their students, with tutors offering a range of expertise, experience and support to the students who need it most.

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 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 – to ensure all students build key skills in numeracy and literacy

Quote attributable to Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas
"We’re making sure every child in Macedon is given the support they need to succeed at school."

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."

"We’re investing in giving Victorian students the best chance to succeed and achieve their educational goals."

“The continued hard work from our tutors in schools across the state has been so important to supporting young Victorians throughout their studies.