Detroit Public Schools Offers $2,000 Incentive for After-School Literacy Tutoring to Boost Student Success

In effort to address low literacy rates among high school students, the Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) has introduced a program offering $2,000 to students who participate in after-school literacy tutoring.

This initiative comes in response to concerning statistics from the spring 2024 end-of-year assessment, which revealed that 54% of eighth graders were reading at levels at least two grades below their expected proficiency. Superintendent Dr. Nikolai Vitti emphasized that this literacy gap poses significant challenges as students transition into high school, potentially hindering their academic success and future opportunities.

The program is structured to provide personalized, in-person tutoring by trained district employees, offering both one-on-one and small group sessions. To qualify for the financial incentive, students are required to attend tutoring sessions four days a week, dedicating one hour per session. While applications for the program are currently available, the official start date is anticipated to be announced soon, with expectations for a launch this fall.

This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance educational outcomes following a 2020 settlement from the “right to read” lawsuit. In 2016, seven Detroit public school students filed a lawsuit alleging deprivation of quality education due to inadequate resources and substandard learning conditions. The resulting $94.4 million award is designated specifically for literacy-related programs within Detroit Public Schools, aiming to rectify systemic issues and promote equitable education.

Superintendent Vitti highlighted that challenges such as absenteeism and a lack of adequate time for additional lessons have contributed to students falling behind in literacy. By introducing a financial incentive, the district hopes to motivate students to engage in the necessary work to improve their reading skills, thereby enhancing comprehension and overall academic performance.

This program represents a proactive approach to tackling literacy challenges, demonstrating the district’s commitment to investing in students’ educational development and future success.