Tutoring programs must be focused on increasing the achievement of students who are struggling in reading or math.
Tutoring programs must have been evaluated in studies that meet the evidence standards of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) at the Strong, Moderate, or Promising levels. These are described in another  FAQ.
Tutoring programs must use paid tutors with college degrees or equivalent. There are other programs that require certified teachers, but at present, there is a national teacher shortage. Research has found that teaching assistants with college degrees are as effective as tutors with teaching certificates.
Tutoring providers must demonstrate the following:
Commitment to and capacity for delivering programs at scale;
Commitment to implementing a program as it was evaluated (i.e., with the same level of training, coaching, and monitoring for tutors); and
Commitment to joining with their peers to promote the use of proven programs, and to maintain high standards of implementation to maximize achievement outcomes of their programs.