Academic Intervention Services

What is it and what is my role in providing it?

One of the highest priorities set by our district this year is increased student performance.  Each professional has a role in securing this priority and below are some questions and answers that might help to clarify this role.

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1.  What is AIS?

Academic Intervention Services (AIS) is a NYS mandate under the Federal Law, No Child Left Behind.  It is additional instruction or instruction that supplements the classroom's "first" teaching. It may also include student support services other than academic instruction.  AIS is only required in English Language Arts, mathematics, social studies and science.

2.  Who is eligible to receive AIS?

• Every student (grades 1-8) who scores below the designated performance level of the State Standards assessment tests (Levels 1& 2)
• Students whose scores on District-adopted standardized tests indicate danger of not meeting the State standards, including students in K-3 who lack reading-readiness.
• LEP/ELL (Limited english Proficient, English Language Learners) students who do not achieve the annual designated performance standards.
• High school students who score below the approved local passing grade on State assessments required for graduation.
• Students whose teachers recommend such service and students whose parents advocate for such services.

3.  Who is to provide AIS instruction?

The most effectual instruction comes from the classroom teacher in the form of "first" instruction. Additional instruction is provided by appropriately qualified individuals and is considered part of their teaching duties.  Therefore, lesson plans, instructional methodologies, group or individual assessments are all subject to administration review.

4.  How do AIS providers determine what is to be taught to their students?

Copies of the students' individual reports will be available to AIS providers. Initial review of this data will enable the provider to work on the skills necessary to attain proficiency.  AIS are provided in addition to special education services.   It will also be necessary for the IAISI provider and the student's content area teacher to meet to discuss the students and his/her weaknesses and strengths.  The AIS provider and the classroom teacher have an EQUALLY important role in increasing student performance.  Neither should assume it the other's responsibility.

5.  How often must a student be scheduled for AIS?

AIS are provided for our K-8 population within the regularly scheduled day. Services are of varying intensity levels based on the level of needs of the student.  Students with the most intense needs would receive more scheduled service. This may be provided by more periods, longer duration, or more individualization.  Students with less intense needs might only receive progress monitoring as a student support service within the regular classroom instruction.  

At the high school level, students may receive AIS either during the scheduled day or during the 30 minute extra help period at the end of the regularly scheduled day.

6.  How long must a student receive AIS?

Students who have met, or are likely to meet, the State learning standards are no longer required to receive AIS.  This can be determined by a district approved procedure, like re-administering a version of the standardized test, teacher recommendation and approved methods of student performance.

7.  How often is AIS assessed, and by what methods?

AIS reports are to be generated quarterly for students and parents. Using the data of students' needs, providers determine by either teacher made or standardized tests the progress of their students towards proficiency.

A student information management system known as AIMS will be installed and all providers will be instructed in using this system.

Folders for all AIS students will be maintained. They may be maintained by the AIS coordinator or the AIS provider.  At the end of the school year, these folders are to be up-to-date with representative AIS work of the student, any parent notifications, including phone logs, and diagnostic tests (these are to be clearly labeled as diagnostic)

8.  What s the parent/guardian role in AIS?

Parents/guardians are vital in the education of their children.  Building principals must provide notification to parents of AIS need. These notifications should also include ways in which parents may become involved in working with their child, monitoring progress, and working with the providers to ensure academic achievement.