Integrated Tutorial Support (ITS) program at Grand Rapids Community College

Design · All designs
Evidence · 2 claims (2 for) · 1 study (1 causal), q2 · 0 of 1 report an effect size · 2 claims rest on one study

Description

ITS is a short-term developmental education intervention combining supplemental instruction with acceleration "in an accelerated format within the first month of class". Students placing in the lowest third in Beginning Algebra are identified by a first-day arithmetic survey, invited to mandatory twice-weekly tutoring in groups of up to three for the first four weeks, and must pass a Final Quiz at 80%. ALEKS-generated worksheets on whole numbers, fractions, decimals, and signed numbers guide instruction, and tutors tailor instruction to individual needs.

Design Implications

Context

Requirements

• Attendance is mandatory and students complete worksheets and the Final Quiz within 3 to 4 weeks of the course beginning
• Passing the Final Quiz at 80% is required, with retakes allowed after review
• Select experienced tutors and a single coordinating instructor deliver the support

Constraints

• The program has been conducted only in sections of Beginning Algebra taught by a single instructor since Fall 2014
• Logistics required relocating tutoring services from near the classroom, with effects of this change under investigation

Target Learners

• Community college students placing in the lowest third in Beginning Algebra on the ACCUPLACER exam

Learning Goals

• Acquisition of prerequisite arithmetic skills (long division, fractions, signed numbers, order of operations)
• Successful completion of Beginning Algebra with a C- or better

Claims

• Its Pass Rate Versus Control Beginning Algebra [+M]
• Its Completers Average Course Grade 2 18 [+M]

Related Designs

Examples

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Key Sources

• Copus, C., & McKinney, B. (2016). Early Integration of Tutorial Support in Beginning Algebra. Journal of Developmental Education, 40(1). https://www.nade.net

Page metadata

Field	Value
type	design
id	integrated-tutorial-support-its-grcc
title	Integrated Tutorial Support (ITS) program at Grand Rapids Community College
description	ITS is a short-term developmental education intervention combining supplemental instruction with acceleration "in an accelerated format within the first month of class".
status	review
generated	by process:settle-candidates on 2026-11-02
trust	unverified — no one has confirmed this page's content
sources	1 — copus-2016

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