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Proven Results

INDEPENDENT RESEARCH

Research that puts tutoring results in context.

Two independent randomized controlled trials of Cignition’s live virtual math tutoring found stronger fifth-grade fractions outcomes for participating students than for comparison groups.

1:1

Digital Promise

0.46

EFFECT SIZE

  • 12 points higher
  • Fifth-grade fractions
Groups of 2–4

Mathematica

0.44

EFFECT SIZE

  • 9 points above control
  • Fifth-grade fractions

Independent randomized studies

Evidence from two distinct tutoring models

THE RESEARCH

Two studies. Two tutoring formats. Results shown with the details that make them meaningful.

Each study keeps the outcome attached to the students, schedule, comparison condition, and assessment used. The studies were conducted separately and were not a head-to-head comparison.

Digital Promise study

Individual tutoring

1:1
0.46
Effect size 12 percentage points above the game-only comparison
Students receiving individual tutoring plus the Fogstone Isle fractions game scored 12 percentage points higher on the post-assessment than students offered the game alone.
Population 144 fifth-grade completers
Setting Four school sites
Schedule Twice weekly - 10 weeks
Session length Approximately 25 minutes
Study details and limitations
The 0.46 figure is the study's corrected effect-size estimate. It reflects a specific fractions-focused intervention that combined tutoring with the study's game and should not be presented as a universal K-12 result.
Read the independent report View the Cignition research brief

Mathematica Study

Small-group tutoring

Groups of 2–4
0.44
Effect size 9 percentage points above the no-tutoring control
Students participating in virtual group tutoring scored higher on Cignition's fractions assessment than control-group students after accounting for baseline differences.
Population 157 students in the achievement analysis
Setting 11 schools in one district
Schedule Four days weekly - 8 weeks
Session length 30 minutes
Study details and limitations
The study focused on fifth-grade fractions in one district. The comparison with the earlier 1:1 study is descriptive; neither study tested the two formats against each other.
Read the independent report View the Cignition research brief

HOW TO READ THE FINDINGS

How should tutoring research findings be interpreted?

01

Read both measures together

Percentage points show a difference on the study assessment; effect size expresses it on a standardized scale. A difference versus a control group is not the same as pre/post growth or tutor-rated mastery.

02

Review the implementation

Identify the students and records included, grade and subject, assessment, schedule, actual contact hours, and participation. Check missing data and the comparison condition before interpreting a result. Planned dosage and time students actually attended are different.

03

Keep the finding bounded

Randomized studies and observational program reports answer different questions. These trials tested specific fifth-grade fractions interventions; case-study associations do not by themselves establish causation. Neither source guarantees the same outcome in another program.

SEE THE RESEARCH IN PRACTICE

Explore the programs behind individual school, district, and statewide results.

See how schools and districts put tutoring into practice across different student populations, schedules, instructional time, and measures.

WHAT SUPPORTS STRONG IMPLEMENTATION

Research matters. So does what happens every week.

Programs are designed around student needs, local schedules, consistent participation, and instruction that responds to what tutors see students do.

Consistent instructional time

Experienced educators

Stable tutoring relationships

Data-informed instruction

BUILD FROM YOUR STUDENTS' NEEDS

Plan a tutoring program around your goals, schedule, and school context.