West Contra Costa Unified struggles with role of tutors in student learning

To help struggling students succeed, one Bay Area school district created tutor positions more than a decade ago.

Calling them “graduate tutors,” West Contra Costa Unified placed them in schools where more than 60 percent of students were low-income, English learners or foster youth. Tutors must have bachelor’s degrees. With the freedom to create their own curriculum materials, they work with students one-on-one or in groups in any subject the student needs help in during the school day and after school, both inside and outside classrooms. Students are assigned to work with tutors based on recommendations from teachers, tutors and parents.