Louisiana parents of K-12 students can now get $1,500 of digital vouchers for literacy and math tutoring. The Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) is rolling out an expansion of its Steve Carter Literacy Tutoring Program, named after late Baton Rouge State Representative Steve Carter. The program came about through Act 415 of the 2021 Legislative Session. The expansion was all part of Act 649 of the 2024 Legislative Session.
Deputy Superintendent of Education Jenna Chiasson, Ph.D., says the initiative aims to help struggling students focus on improving literacy and math skills. “The best way to address those gaps is by individualized academic support in small groups and individual tutoring is a great way to address those really specific needs that students have.”
As reported by Sean Richardson with the Louisiana Radio Network, Chiasson says there are currently 88 reading and math tutoring providers available, all of whom have been approved by the Louisiana Department of Education. Now in its second year, the program previously offered a $1,000 digital voucher and was limited to K-5 public school students.
In a news release announcing the expanded tutoring options, the education department explained that families can register or learn more on the online portal or by visiting tutor.la.gov. In an effort to recruit tutors for the Steve Carter Program, the hourly rate for providers has increased from $40/hour to $60/hour for individual sessions. Act 649 also allows teachers to tutor at school after hours.
The release also states: If you have any questions regarding the Steve Carter Tutoring Program, please contact 877-390-0556 between 7am and 4pm Monday – Friday (CST) or email: contact@louisianatutoringinitiative.com.
