Athens Area SD outlines ATSI plan to boost Algebra I scores and improve attendance

Mr. Gabriel presented the district’s ATSI (Additional Targeted Support and Improvement) plan and said it focuses on two primary areas: students struggling on the Algebra I Keystone exam and students with chronic attendance problems. “The ATSI plan targets subgroups in our student body for areas of improvement,” he said, adding the plan is based on prior test scores, attendance data and graduation rates.

The plan builds on existing PBIS work and adds tier‑2 interventions coordinated by teachers and instructional coaches. Gabriel said the district has restructured staff schedules to allow math teachers and instructional coaches to provide more targeted instruction and supports. “We are starting tier 2 interventions which are basically identifying some deficiencies within students and giving them the proper supports that they need individually in classrooms,” he said.

Administration said the work began last year and has been intensified during recent inservice days. The two immediate goals named were improved Algebra I Keystone outcomes and higher student attendance through updated protocols and incentives. Gabriel noted some modest improvements already but said the district is “not quite there yet.”

Why it matters: The ATSI plan directs additional resources and teacher time to students and subgroups identified by state testing and attendance metrics, which can affect school performance ratings and the allocation of support services.

Next steps: The ATSI plan was placed on the curriculum agenda and will be up for formal board action later in the meeting cycle.