#United States #Florida Tutoring Advantage #Portola Valley #Cignition #Lastinger Center

Cignition Teams Up with Florida Tutoring Advantage to Enhance Literacy and Math Skills

Cignition, a renowned provider of virtual K-12 tutoring, has announced a promising partnership with the University of Florida's Lastinger Center for Learning, specifically focusing on the Florida Tutoring Advantage initiative. This collaboration aims to provide high-quality tutoring to students in grades K-5 across selected schools and districts in Florida, targeting the improvement of academic achievement in reading and mathematics during the 2025-2026 school year.

The program leverages a blended approach combining face-to-face tutoring, virtual sessions, and AI-enhanced learning tools, designed specifically to meet the needs of young learners. This innovative model is intended to deliver evidence-based, high-impact tutoring that not only improves students' academic performance but also engages them more effectively in their learning process.

Successful Pilot Programs in Jacksonville and Tampa

Prior to the official rollout, Cignition conducted pilot programs in Jacksonville and Tampa, offering virtual math tutoring to students in grades 2-5. Each participating student attended a series of sessions—either three 30-minute sessions or four 25-minute sessions per week over a span of ten weeks. The results yielded encouraging outcomes that highlighted the effectiveness of this tutoring approach.

In Jacksonville, preliminary assessments revealed a remarkable overall academic growth of 52% among students who participated. Furthermore, the pilot experienced an attendance rate exceeding 85%, alongside a participation rate surpassing 90%. These metrics reflect not only academic improvement but also the students’ consistent engagement with their tutors, with 93% stating they felt motivated to tackle challenging material thanks to the tutoring experience.

Similarly, the Tampa pilot showcased impressive results as well, with over 91% attendance and a learning growth rate of more than 46%. The students once again endorsed their engagement levels, with over 92% expressing increased motivation to navigate difficult concepts after their participation.

Leadership and Educational Philosophy

Dr. Mike Cohen, the CEO and founder of Cignition, expressed pride in this collaboration, emphasizing the critical importance of equipping students with the skills necessary to succeed in a rapidly evolving educational landscape. He stated, "In an increasingly competitive, ever-evolving educational landscape, it is crucial that we equip students with the skills they need to meet these challenges today to thrive tomorrow."

Operating under a high-impact intervention model, Cignition is driven by experienced educators dedicated to fostering academic success. The organization focuses on data-driven instruction and promotes a collaborative learning environment by providing one-on-one and small-group tutoring sessions for up to four students at a time. This approach aims to cultivate core academic skills, critical thinking, and vital 21st-century skills that extend beyond the classroom.

Supporting Education through Professional Development

The Florida Tutoring Advantage, managed by UF's Lastinger Center, is more than just a tutoring initiative; it also emphasizes the necessity of professional development for tutors. By offering training opportunities, the program seeks to enhance the efficacy of tutoring efforts, enabling districts and schools to develop and implement top-tier tutoring programs targeted at K-5 students. This comprehensive support system includes funding for high-impact tutoring initiatives and robust data collection and analysis to assess the overall effectiveness of these educational programs.

The Florida Tutoring Advantage emerged as a significant educational policy initiative after the Florida Legislature unanimously passed HB 1361 in Spring 2024. This legislation underscores the state’s commitment to fostering high-impact tutoring programs tailored specifically for K-5 public school students throughout Florida.

About the UF Lastinger Center for Learning

The UF Lastinger Center is dedicated to ensuring that both students and educators engage in high-quality educational experiences. The center focuses on foundational skills, such as kindergarten readiness and reading proficiency, as well as advanced topics like algebra. Since its establishment in 2002, the Lastinger Center has developed scalable solutions in conjunction with educators and families to enhance educational success across Florida and beyond.

About Cignition

Founded in 2014, Cignition aims to create meaningful learning experiences, engaging students progressively over time. With a foundational philosophy based on research-informed instruction and collaborative pedagogy, Cignition has made significant strides in K-12 education. Their products include the award-winning FogStone Isle, a virtual mathematics supplement that has benefited countless students across the nation.

For additional information, visit Cignition's official website.