Danvers awarded DESE early literacy tutoring grant to serve 41 first graders

Julie DiFilippo of the Danvers CPAC and district administrators told the school committee on Aug. 11 that Danvers was selected for a Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) high‑dosage early literacy tutoring grant.

Julie DiFilippo said the grant provides 41 virtual one‑on‑one tutoring seats through Amplify, a vendor the district already uses for literacy data and some curricular supports. Tutoring will be offered during the school day and target first‑grade students who test “well below” benchmark on the district’s fall DIBELS screening; if fewer than 41 first graders qualify the district may use remaining seats for K–3 students.

DiFilippo said the district provided end‑of‑kindergarten benchmark data when applying; that data showed 83% of the incoming cohort left kindergarten at or above benchmark, leaving approximately 37 students who did not meet benchmark across the five schools. The district plans to screen again in September and invite families to opt into tutoring for qualifying students.

DiFilippo estimated the market cost of the 41 seats (if the district paid Amplify directly) at just under $200,000 for the school year—about $199,000 based on Amplify’s published prices—but said the grant covers the service and that district logistics, family opt‑in and scheduling remain to be worked out.

District staff emphasized the tutoring is intended to supplement, not replace, classroom literacy instruction or existing intervention programs. Tutoring cycles will be 12 weeks; the district will re‑screen midyear to reallocate seats if needed.

No committee vote was required for the grant award itself; administrators said they will update the committee on implementation.