“Ask BRIA”: Broward County Public Schools implements virtual tutoring through new BRIA program

BY ARIELLE KRAUS

While Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) students remain in distance learning, a new tutoring service known as Broward Remote Instructional Assistance (BRIA) has been implemented into the BCPS eLearning system. BRIA is available to students in pre-K through 12th grade and has been made available since September 2.

BRIA is located on the Canvas pages students see for their teachers, indicated by the tab that says “Ask BRIA.” When students “Ask BRIA,” they can select their grade and the subject in which they need help with. This request is then processed and students are called through Microsoft Teams by a certified BCPS employee. 

The purpose of BRIA is to give students the opportunity to obtain assistance with their schoolwork. It does not replace everyday classroom instruction, but is rather a supplemental option for students who need it. BRIA tutoring is offered from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. from Monday to Thursday. 

“BRIA is a great resource for students, especially in this eLearning setting. Not only is it free of cost, but it offers one-on-one help by certified BCPS teachers, administrators [and] instructional facilitators that know the curriculum and are experts on grade-level expectations,” CCHS Literacy Coach Melissa Cabrera said. “To me, this is the absolute best version of tutoring possible during these unprecedented times. It highlights how our district is coming together to help our students the best way we know how.”

“To me, this is the absolute best version of tutoring possible during these unprecedented times.”

CCHS Literacy Coach Melissa Cabrera

The individuals who serve as “BRIA” are certified BCPS employees. They volunteer as tutors for two-hour shifts on their assigned week. Volunteers are selected by the cadre or district department who, in turn, select schools that will have their staff sign up to tutor. 

One of the main benefits of this tutoring service is that it is entirely free. Students do not have to pay for this resource and are able to use BRIA numerous times. BRIA is offered around the time when the school day ends, giving students the opportunity to use this service from the time they get out of school until 8:00 p.m. 

“I think it’s awesome that BCPS is offering a free tutoring service. During a time like this, people are facing financial uncertainty and tutors can be super pricey, so it’s doing them a huge favor,” CCHS senior William Barringer said. “It’s also giving kids quick and easy access to get help at the click of a button after school if they find they’re really struggling with the day’s lesson.”

Since BCPS will be opening schools for students to return, yet still continuing eLearning, the question of whether or not BRIA will still be offered to students is being discussed by the district.

“Over the next couple of weeks, we will evaluate this resource to determine whether we will continue as we transition into the next phase of school reopening.”

BCPS Office of Service Quality Assistant Director Farrah Wilson

“Over the next couple of weeks, we will evaluate this resource to determine whether we will continue as we transition into the next phase of school reopening,” BCPS Office of Service Quality Assistant Director Farrah Wilson said. “This will be based on demand, service and outcomes.” 

BRIA serves as an opportunity for students to enhance their educational experience, as well as receive support in areas they find difficult. It allows all students to get the help they need from a BCPS employee in a one-on-one manner. As students continue using the eLearning platform for school, this service is in place to assist them when needed.

“This eLearning platform has left many students at a disadvantage for a multitude of reasons,” Cabrera said. “I feel as if BRIA is a way of leveling the playing field. As a district, I think BCPS [is] doing a wonderful job of coming together in order to give students multiple learning opportunities. All of this [is] to make sure students feel supported and connected.”

Photo courtesy of BCPS