HCS offers a variety of academic services to meet the instructional needs of our students. We take pride in maximizing available resources to best support student efforts to be successful in meeting the New York State Learning Standards and graduation requirements.
At times, students may demonstrate a need for additional support in order to meet the New York State Learning Standards. The district will provide targeted support as part of the Response to Intervention (RtI) framework, which is a district-wide system of organizing instruction and support resources to deliver high quality instruction related to literacy, numeracy and social-emotional wellness.
Overview of Academic Intervention Services (AIS)
Academic Intervention Services (AIS) is supplemental instruction and/or additional support services designed to assist students in meeting the state learning standards. Students are identified for AIS support based on multiple data points of proficiency, including state assessments and local benchmarks. A student is eligible for AIS services when a review of multiple measures indicates that additional support is needed.
Students who are identified as needing AIS to address instructional gaps will receive Academic Intervention Services (AIS). AIS provides extra student-teacher support and is designed to help students achieve the standards in core academic areas. Additionally, some students may need support services that address other factors impeding academic performance such as behavioral and attendance issues. These support services are often delivered by mental health and support specialists on our staff and may not require direct academic instruction. This may include, but is not limited to, Counseling, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Speech Services.
AIS is provided to students with disabilities and English Language Learners (ELL) on the same basis as all other students. AIS is planned and implemented to supplement and not supplant the general education program. AIS cannot replace the special education or ELL instructional programs. Appropriate accommodations and modifications must be provided to best support student needs. The Committee on Special Education (CSE) cannot recommend AIS nor can Academic Intervention Services be indicated on a student’s Individual Education Program (IEP).