Below are the welcome letters for the course I teach. Please feel free to click on the link to see the expectations for class.

Welcome letter for English Language Arts Support Class (ELAS)

 

 

What is AIS/ELAS

Academic Intervention Services/

English Language Arts Services

By definition Academic Intervention Services are "intended to assist students who are at risk of not achieving the State learning standards in English language arts, mathematics, social studies, and/or science, or who are at risk of not gaining the knowledge and skills needed to meet or exceed designated performance levels on State assessments."

  "The intervention (should) include multiple approaches to learning that strengthen a student's skills and strategies."

  "Students (should) learn organization and problem-solving strategies, including how to respond to questions regarding critical thinking skills."

"The student's AIS program (should) use a variety of material and resources, including technology, to meet the various learning styles and instructional need of students."

Cynthia Freed's AIS philosophy: 

The quotations above are the guiding principles of how I structure my AIS/ELAS classes.

I feel that Academic Intervention Services should be taught on a variety of levels.   The general skills needed to succeed in all classes should be addressed. Basic reading comprehension exercises, critical thinking skills exercises, writing skills exercises, and study skills exercises should all be incorporated into the scheme of the program.   I also believe in developing organizational skills among the students by maintaining a notebook in class. Developing self-confidence is vital to personal success.   Extrinsic rewards are recommended since students who are struggling usually do not receive rewards or have the confidence to believe in the intrinsic role of education at this point.   Working at a lower level than their given grade level is vital to the success of student in order to reinforce skills that were not mastered along the way.   Stressing the development of technological skills is also very important.   Computer training should be completed at a level at which the students will understand but with a consistency that the students will be able to practice the new skills often.   Consistency and routine are vital to a student's success in the program.   The students must be given high expectations, but they should also be made aware of what those expectations are and how they can be achieved.   AIS, to me, should be a chance for students to use strategies and skills they already know (activating prior knowledge) in order to gain skills and strategies that can help them to succeed in present and future endeavors. Receiving AIS does not have to be a chore.   It should be a fun and rewarding experience that allows each student an equal opportunity to master the skills they are struggling with in their classes.