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: services related to physical health, dental, and mental health are provided on site at John A. Johnson, with dental and mental health services provided on site at the other Achievement Plus schools; other available services include on-on-one tutoring in reading, employment counseling and legal assistance. Through the Family Resource Centers located at each of the schools, assistance is provided for a variety of needs, such as clothing, food, housing, and employment. All services are provided with the goal of eliminating or minimizing barriers to learning for students.

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