From Pilot to Policy: Experimental Evidence from Scaling Online Tutoring

June 2026

We study a randomized controlled trial of an online mathematics tutoring program scaled from a successful pilot and implemented entirely by regional education authorities in Spain, using interim public-school teachers rather than specially recruited tutors. Assignment to tutoring increased end-of- year grades by 0.15σ and standardized math test scores by 0.11σ — approximately one-third of pilot effects. An experimental socio-emotional module improved affective outcomes but not academic gains. Results provide realistic benchmarks for the ”voltage drop” policymakers should anticipate when scaling evidence-based interventions.

Keywords

Online tutoring, scale-up, RCT, government implementation, mathematics achievement, socio-emotional learning

Education level

K-12 Education

Topics

Out-of-School and Alternative Education