Personalized service, particularly in the area of health and wellness, is integral in identifying and addressing potential problem areas in the lives of students and their families. This is especially true in communities where much of the population lacks access to health care and social services. Social, physical, and mental health programs, combined with prevention and early intervention initiatives, can dramatically improve a student’s academic achievement by addressing serious barriers to learning.

Examples: Expanded health services, including immunizations, physicals, and diagnosis of simple illnesses, are offered at the clinics located at John A. Johnson. Dental screening is also offered to all students, and mental health projects have been initiated at John A. Johnson and Dayton’s Bluff elementary schools and Cleveland Junior High School. Additional services, including housing advocacy and casework for families with multiple needs, also minimize barriers to learning. By maintaining a Student Support team, comprised not only of school staff but also Achievement Plus facilitators and community partners, schools are able to individualize their service to meet the unique needs of different families and ensure that student concerns are addressed in a timely and successful manner.

There are six key areas of learning support in the Achievement Plus program:

• Student and family assistance
• Home involvement in schooling
• Support for transitions
• Crisis and emergency assistance and prevention
• Classroom-focused supports
• Community outreach