Achievement Plus works to increase teacher effectiveness within the classroom by emphasizing an awareness of different learning styles and cultural backgrounds. Supplying teachers with greater resources and skills enables them to keep students in the classroom, minimizing the need for special services and reducing absenteeism. Teachers with an array of classroom supports are better equipped to respond to the needs of their students and facilitate academic growth within the classroom and the community.

Examples: Mental health consultation is available to all teachers to assist them in understanding students and to explore alternative ways to address student behavioral issues. At Dayton’s Bluff and Johnson Elementary, Responsive Classroom training has been implemented to provide staff with a basis for developing disciplinary policies. Tutoring for students who are behind in reading is offered at Johnson Elementary to minimize the stress placed upon teachers in the classroom.

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