District highlights in‑school tutoring; program serves hundreds and uses structured‑literacy training

Felicia James presented the district's in‑school tutoring program and told the board the program is serving "approximately 200 students in our kindergarten through 3rd grade, and then in 4th through 6th grade, we're serving about 670 students." She said the program prioritizes reading and that, where capacity allows, math instruction is included.

James said grant funding from the Tennessee Department of Education supported structured‑literacy training for tutors that focused on fluency, vocabulary and comprehension, and that ongoing coaching and site visits support tutor practice. Dr. Duke and other staff noted research showing small‑group tutoring during the school day is a high‑impact strategy for school improvement and thanked James for leading the effort.