Proven Early Literacy High-Dosage Tutoring in Massachusetts

Catapult Learning is proud to be an approved vendor selected by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) to deliver early literacy tutoring. Through our proven, in-person High-Dosage Tutoring (HDT) model, we help young readers make measurable progress.

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Laying the Foundation for Lifelong Learning Starts Early

Massachusetts is investing in early literacy like never before—and for good reason. Just 42 percent of the Commonwealth’s third graders met or exceeded expectations in reading on the 2024 MCAS exams, highlighting the urgent need for effective early intervention. Early literacy is one of the strongest predictors of long-term academic success. Students who aren’t reading proficiently by the end of third grade are more likely to fall behind in later grades, making timely support critical. Research shows that high-dosage tutoring is one of the most effective strategies to close that gap—especially when delivered consistently, in person, and by trained educators.

As a DESE-approved vendor, Catapult Learning brings nearly 50 years of experience delivering tutoring aligned to local curriculum and the Science of Reading. Our proven, in-person model meets students where they are and accelerates growth—helping more K–3 learners become confident, proficient readers.

Why Districts Choose Catapult Learning

In-person Tutoring During the School Day

We embed into your school schedule to minimize disruptions and maximize learning time.

Data-Driven & Personalized

Track student progress, attendance, and outcomes, while streaming reporting with actionable insights in our intuitive tutor management platform.

Expert Tutors with Continuous Training

Skilled, certified educators deliver personalized, high-impact instruction tailored to each student’s unique needs.

Real Results in Massachusetts Classrooms

Catapult Learning’s high-dosage tutoring is already transforming early literacy outcomes across the Commonwealth. Our in-person model is built to close reading gaps quickly—and it’s working. Even students with the greatest needs have made significant gains in just one school year.

Our High-Dosage Tutoring model delivers small-group instruction multiple times per week, grounded in the Science of Reading. Using our proprietary AchieveLiteracy curriculum, students receive explicit, systematic lessons tailored to their developmental stage—targeting the foundational skills essential for long-term reading success. Our highly trained tutors foster consistent, supportive learning environments where young readers build both skill and confidence.

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Discover What Makes Our HDT Program Work

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Get a firsthand look at how our High-Dosage Tutoring program works—from implementation to instruction. In this recorded session, our program leaders walk through the model, key components, and the impact it’s having on student achievement.

Driving Student Success in Massachusetts

We understand the critical role early literacy plays in setting students up for lifelong success. Catapult Learning’s High-Dosage Tutoring is specifically designed to close reading gaps for K–3 learners through targeted, research-based instruction. Our in-person model aligns with The Science of Reading to deliver consistent, measurable growth. Partner with Catapult to ensure your students gain the foundational skills they need to become confident, proficient readers.

Students Served
School Partners
Districts Supported
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FAQs

Our High-Dosage Tutoring model delivers in-person, small-group instruction—serving up to four students per group—three or more times per week during the school day. Each 30 to 40-minute session is led by a trained tutor and grounded in evidence-based literacy practices aligned with the Science of Reading. This structured, consistent approach ensures students receive targeted support that accelerates learning and improves literacy outcomes.

In-person tutoring provides young students with the hands-on support and personal interaction they need to build foundational skills. For early learners, face-to-face sessions help minimize distractions, create a structured learning environment, and foster strong relationships with tutors. This direct engagement makes it easier for tutors to read nonverbal cues, offer immediate feedback, and use multi-sensory strategies that are crucial for early development and leads to stronger student outcomes. Click here to read the research from Brown University’s Annenberg Institute.

All of our tutors hold at least a four-year degree, with many bringing advanced degrees and teaching credentials to their roles. But what truly distinguishes Catapult Learning is our comprehensive approach to tutor training, support, and quality assurance. Before entering the classroom, each tutor completes over 40 hours of pre-service training focused on our proven High-Dosage Tutoring model. This includes in-depth preparation on curriculum, instructional strategies, and compliance expectations.

Once tutoring begins, our tutors receive ongoing support through more than five formal observations, accompanied by real-time coaching and feedback. In addition, we provide continuous professional development to ensure instructional excellence and drive meaningful student outcomes.

Each student begins with a diagnostic assessment that identifies individual skill gaps and priority learning areas. This data is used to create customized learning plans and to group students according to similar needs, allowing for highly targeted instruction.  Throughout the lesson, our tutors ensures that students understand the learning objective, spend time actively manipulating the academic content of the lesson, and engages in work that leads to high rates of independent student success.  To ensure progress, tutors use formative assessments to adjust instruction in real time and interim assessments to track growth, update learning plans, and measure progress against defined goals. This continuous feedback loop ensures that instruction remains responsive and effective.

We offer turnkey implementation to make it easy for schools and districts to get started. Catapult Learning handles every aspect of the program—from tutor recruitment, training, and ongoing coaching to providing curriculum, student materials, and progress reporting. Our end-to-end support ensures a seamless launch and consistent program quality with minimal lift required from school staff.

Let’s Start the Conversation

Interested in bringing Catapult Learning to your district or school? Submit your information and a member of our team will reach out shortly to discuss how we can support your goals.