Tutor Learning Initiative

Policy

This policy outlines the operation of the Tutor Learning Initiative in Victorian government schools.

Please note – a 2023 Tutor Practice Guide (PDF) has been released and is available on the Resources tab.

Details

The Tutor Learning Initiative (TLI) was introduced in 2021 to support students whose learning had been disrupted as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

TLI provides government and low-fee non-government schools with funding to employ tutors to deliver targeted small group learning support to students who need it most.

The initiative was extended in 2022 and again in 2023, with the focus now on supporting those students who are below, or at risk of falling below, the National Minimum Standards (NMS) in National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) or equivalent.

Tutoring plays an important role in a school’s teaching and learning program. Using a Response to Intervention (RTI) framework, TLI is categorised as a Tier 2 support, where a targeted intervention is provided for identified students.

As an effective Tier 2 intervention, tutoring should:

• address identified gaps in students’ learning
• use evidence-based approaches for teaching.

More information on the RTI framework in the TLI context can be found at Arc – Events Response to Intervention (RTI) Webinar 1 (staff login required).

The focus of the TLI is on the foundational skills of literacy and numeracy, which are critical for success in school and life.

Some students identified for TLI may have low self-esteem and may not self-identify as an effective learner, and this can often manifest as disengagement. Tutoring can contribute to reconnecting students to school.

The Guidance tab includes information on TLI requirements for:

• tutor arrangements – information on the role of a TLI tutor, eligibility criteria to be employed as a tutor and guidance on how schools can employ tutors in 2023
• student selection – criteria and assessment advice for selecting students to receive TLI support
• program design – guidance on designing a TLI program, including in-class and out-of-class models, and the frequency of tutoring sessions
• assessment – advice on using a range of assessment tools to monitor student learning growth
• monitoring requirements – guidance on monitoring requirements, including coding of tutors on EduPay and tagging students on CASES21.

For information about 2023 TLI funding for government schools, please refer to the 2023 indicative student resource package guide, available on the Resources tab of Student Resource Package – Targeted Initiatives.

Related policies

• Consultation with School Based Staff
• Individual Education Plans (IEPS)
• Industrial Agreements
• Middle Years Literacy and Numeracy Support
• Recruitment in Schools
• Student Resource Package – Targeted Initiatives

Contact

Schools can contact their regional office student achievement managers (SAMs) with queries relating to delivery of the TLI.

In addition to SAMs, schools can direct queries as follows:

• for general queries about the initiative, contact: tutor@education.vic.gov.au
• for queries relating to HR and recruitment, contact Schools Recruitment on: sr.tutor.recruitment@education.vic.gov.au or 1800 641 943
• for queries regarding funding, contact School Financial Management Support Unit: schools.finance.support@education.vic.gov.au
• for information regarding VIT teacher registration for tutors, refer to the Victorian Institute of Teaching
• for queries about the tutor laptops contact: notebook@education.vic.gov.au