Arkansas Tutoring Project

Tutoring, long recognized as an effective strategy for boosting academic achievement, surged in popularity after the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2024, after an initial pilot year, Arkansas launched the High-Impact Tutoring (HIT) Program, which provided schools with funding for tutoring initiatives. CEPR has partnered with the Arkansas Department of Education to evaluate the effectiveness of virtual and in-person high-dosage tutoring providers in elementary and middle schools across the state.

Focusing on math and literacy, the project conducted three randomized-controlled trials across four districts including 2,728 students. Findings from these studies will contribute to the overall body of rigorous research examining the impacts of tutoring and implementation, and include a cost-effectiveness analysis to help practitioners and providers make informed decisions to effectively support students’ academic success.

Does BookNook Virtual Tutoring Improve Student ELA Achievement?

From 2024–2025, CEPR partnered with two Arkansas districts to conduct a randomized controlled trial (RCT) of virtual BookNook ELA tutoring. The study ultimately did not detect impacts on ELA achievement, math achievement, or student attendance. However, the findings offer important insights into how implementation affects the ability to deliver intended tutoring dosages, as well as the cost implications of the different implementation strategies used in each of the districts.

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Meet the Arkansas Tutoring Project Team

Micaela Keating Sharp

Research Analyst II

Micaela Keating Sharp is a Research Analyst II on the Arkansas High-Impact Tutoring and States Leading States projects. She previously worked on the Road to COVID Recovery and Proving Ground Projects at CEPR. Prior to joining the team, Micaela was an...

Atsuko Muroga

Atsuko Muroga is a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Center for Education Policy Research (CEPR). Her research focuses on understanding the effectiveness and costs of programs and policies designed to improve the well-being and educational equity of K–12...

Kellie Solowski

kellie_solowski@gse.harvard.edu

Senior Research Program Manager, States Leading States

Kellie Solowski is the Senior Research Program Manager for the States Leading States project at the Center for Education Policy Research. She previously served in the same role for the National Center for Rural Education Research Networks (NCRERN) at CEPR...

Arkansas Tutoring Project