Introduction
Academic Intervention Services (AIS) in the Florida UFSD includes differentiated, supplemental instruction to assist students in meeting the New York State Learning standards in English Language Arts (grades 3-12), Mathematics (grades 3-12), Social Studies (grades 9-12) and/ or Science (grades 4-12), or who are at risk of not gaining the knowledge and skills needed to meet or exceed designated performance levels on NYS assessments. AIS services are provided by certified teachers within the core program and during the school day and/or in supplemental programs that may occur after the school day – with transportation provided.
Students are identified for AIS services based on local assessments (with guidance provided by NYSED). In grades 3-12, student performance below the state identified cut scores do not “mandate” AIS service, but provides a marker to the district to examine closely student performance on locally used measures. Once a student is identified as “at risk for academic success” in a variety of different assessments, the student’s parent will receive a letter notifying them when services are to begin. We encourage parents to reach out to their student’s AIS teacher to learn more about the areas of struggle and how they might help at home. There are two components to AIS:
- Additional instruction that supplements the general curriculum (regular classroom instruction) and/or
- Student support services needed to address barriers to improved academic performance.
AIS are available to students with disabilities on the same basis as non-disabled students. The services for students with disabilities shall be provided consistent with the student’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP).
The NYS Education Department defines additional instruction as the provision of extra time for focused instruction and/or increased student-teacher instructional contact time. The regulations also indicate that services may vary in intensity depending on the student’s needs, but must be designed to respond to student needs as indicated through State Assessment results and/or the district-adopted or district-approved procedure that is consistent throughout the district at each grade level.
District Procedures
The instructional support team facilitated by the principal (and/or assistant principal) selects students for AIS based on a number of district adopted identification criteria. At the middle and high school level, the school counselors assist in this process. The principal decides who will receive AIS by reviewing progress reports, major test results, MAPS results and teacher recommendations against the established criteria. Principals can assign students to AIS at any time it is needed as advised by their building Instructional Support Teams.
Once students are identified for AIS, the principal sends a letter to their parents informing them of the AIS the students will receive and the reasons for the AIS. Students begin services in the fall based upon their performance from the previous school year. Additional students can be included in AIS based upon performance during the school year. The Instructional Support Team would determine this based upon their performance relative to the district criteria. The AIS teachers then provide regular reports to the parents on their child’s progress in AIS. When students achieve at a level where they no longer need AIS, their parents are sent a letter informing them that their child will no longer receive AIS with the reasons why the service will be discontinued.
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