Research from Johns Hopkins University Shows Air Reading’s Virtual Tutoring Model Boosts Literacy and Closes Learning Gaps for Elementary Students
Nashville, Tenn., (October 30, 2024) – A new study from the Center for Research and Reform in Education at Johns Hopkins University shows that virtual tutoring can both deliver real results for struggling readers and be cost-effective. Air Reading, a virtual tutoring program designed to boost K–8 students’ reading skills, was put to the test in a rigorous randomized controlled trial (RCT) during the spring of the 2023-24 school year in a rural Texas district. Of the students included, 75% are students of color (Black or Latinx) and 72% are economically disadvantaged. Funded by Accelerate, the study found that virtual tutoring is effective and affordable, especially when students receive consistent support and engagement.
Air Reading connects live tutors with small groups of students virtually, giving students access to a trained tutor regardless of where they are physically located. This mode of delivery significantly reduces costs without compromising on tutor quality. According to this study, students who attended 40 or more sessions gained the equivalent of two additional months of learning. While cost estimates for high-dosage tutoring programs often range from $1,000 to over $3,000 per student, Air Reading achieved these results at a significantly lower price point.
“The findings underscore the importance of consistent participation,” said the study’s coauthor Amanda J. Neitzel, PhD. “Those who completed the full dosage of tutoring moved up 7 percentile points in reading achievement, a substantial improvement that suggests virtual tutoring can close learning gaps.”
Even the students who received less than the prescribed 40 or more sessions experienced literacy gains. Achieving an additional month of learning took, on average, just 25.8 hours of tutoring. For students who received the recommended dosage amount of 40 or more sessions, it took 18.2 hours of tutoring to reach the threshold of one additional learning month.
“This study suggests that virtual tutoring can be a scalable, affordable solution for addressing reading gaps in students across different locations, especially in underserved areas,” said Dr. Nakia Towns, COO at Accelerate. “By committing to rigorous research, Air Reading was able to create evidence of impact. We are grateful to learn alongside them so that proven, cost-effective opportunities are more readily available to schools and districts.”
The success of Air Reading points to the potential for leveraging well-structured, live virtual tutoring models to improve student learning outcomes, particularly as COVID-19 relief funds expire. As educators and policymakers search for cost-effective ways to address an achievement gap exacerbated by the pandemic, continued investment in the rigorous testing of tutoring models that hold promise for impact and scalability is essential as the nation’s 13,000+ school districts work to address huge learning gaps with limited spend.
“With ongoing refinements to increase student participation and dosage, virtual tutoring programs like Air Reading can play a vital role in bridging educational gaps and helping students reach their full potential,” said Xing Zhang, Founder & CEO of Air Reading. “We’re excited to continue empowering educators and reaching students who need it most, no matter where they are.”
For media inquiries, contact Kimberly Ueyama at kimberly.ueyama@accelerate.us.
