The pandemic has forced us to rethink the type of individualized support we provide to students, and not just ones who have a 504 plan or an IEP. Learning Acceleration takes the idea of tutoring to a new level; it makes it scalable, while still giving individual attention. It provides consistency and is integrated and aligned with what is being done during their school day. Our coaches have the strategies to work with students to make them successful in what they are doing in classes right now, despite any missing information or gap in prior knowledge. The concept of just-in-time leaning would suggest that just as in the business world, the “product” or knowledge/skills are available right when the student needs them. Students who test below average on standardized tests can particularly benefit from this intense and focused program.
Always using 1:1 coach-to-student ratios, this program is effective at providing just-in-time learning intervention for a handful of students, or an entire group. At each session, the coach will engage with the student, providing the tools necessary to do grade-level work. Sessions are typically 1 hour in length and are regularly scheduled at least 2 times each week. Similar to teaching a foreign language, the benefits of immersion can be readily seen over a short period of time. Though there may be pieces of information missing, the student will learn how to function and communicate, thereby adjusting to the environment they are placed in, and the expectations they are given. The coach provides support for this methodology and allows the student to discover ways to compensate for any gaps in their background knowledge and effectively grow, becoming proficient in their grade-level material.
ACS’s Learning Acceleration program uses just-in-time learning intervention to provide learning gains in students, and overall benefits to teachers and administrators. Teachers will begin to notice more confident students who are asking more in-depth questions, are better prepared for class, and begin achieving higher grades. Administrators will discover an uplift in staff demeanor and higher standardized test scores over time. Also, because this program is in alignment with the Cares Act, most schools can get reimbursement for its costs.