History and Approach of Academic Achievement - Academic Achievement Tutoring Services (AATS) has provided tutoring services to Title I elementary, middle and high school students as a state-approved Supplemental Educational Services (SES) provider since 2004. AATS strives to improve the achievement of students by providing Reading/Language Arts and Mathematics tutoring services aligned to Standards of Learning (SOLs) and the classroom curriculum. AATS students receive free, individualized instruction in their home, school, public library, community center or church from highly qualified current and retired certified teachers, student teachers and degreed professionals with tutoring experience who are trained on research-based learning strategies using the intervention series written by Curriculum Associates, Inc. AATS measures success based on individual and school-wide improvement on state assessment tests, mastery of Reading/Language Arts and Mathematics lessons as evidenced by classroom performance, as well as improved confidence and enthusiasm for learning.

Based on the Student’s Individual Needs - AATS believes every student has unique needs that require differentiated instruction in order to maximize his or her potential. Central to the success of the AATS program is the Individual Learning Plan (ILP), designed in consultation with the student’s parents and teacher. The ILP analyzes learning styles and differences, establishes program and session goals, and provides a personalized instructional strategy based on results of a pre-test administered at the onset of the program. The goals established by the ILP are specific achievement measures that are aligned with the SOL and are consistent with each student’s classroom performance.

Devoted to the Achievement of Students Using an SOL-Based Curriculum - AATS believes that all children, regardless of background and/or learning exceptionality, have the capacity to master Reading/Language Arts and Math concepts. Since our inception, we have devoted our entire program to meeting the special needs of  SES students and have provided our services at no charge to students. The AATS curriculum is designed to improve mastery of core Reading/Language Arts and Mathematics concepts and build critical study skills that can benefit students throughout their academic careers. The curriculum, available in both English and Spanish, is correlated to state SOLs and includes modifications for teaching Limited English Proficiency (LEP) and special education students.

AATS Tutors and Training - AATS tutors are highly qualified current and retired certified teachers, student teachers and degreed professionals with tutoring experience. All tutors are required to complete training on the AATS curriculum, the Virginia SOL Blueprint, ILP development, lesson planning, direct instruction, AATS policies and procedures, effective communication and behavior management.

AATS Facilities and Materials - Tutoring sessions are scheduled to be as convenient as possible for working parents and their children. Sessions take place after school, on weekends and during the summer and are located at the student’s home, school, public library, community center or church. Sessions are held in one to two hour increments, two to four days per week. Students should provide classroom assignments and tests, when appropriate, to ensure that any achievement gaps identified by teachers are addressed contemporaneously.

A Partnership with Parents and Teachers - From the development of each student’s Individual Learning Plan to AATS’s periodic progress reports, our tutors have an open dialogue with parents and teachers. Together we pinpoint the needs of each child, create a home environment that is hospitable to learning, and arm students with the knowledge, study skills and confidence that are proven to boost academic achievement.

Proven Effectiveness - Post-tests at the end of the program, SOL practice tests and other diagnostic tools validate the effectiveness of the AATS program and target concepts that require further reinforcement. Parents and teachers receive progress reports on a bi-weekly basis.