After School at Imagine Learning Academy

Class is in session. No, we’re not a few months behind in our newsletter topics. Although many schools started regular classes a few months ago, students in Washington, Colorado, and Hawaii are starting something new this month — Imagine Learning Academy. So what is Imagine Learning Academy, and why are we all so excited about it?

Imagine Learning Academy is an afterschool program that helps English learners, struggling readers, and special education students strengthen reading and language skills. We combine two forms of instruction for twice the impact: an engaging software program and individualized tutoring. Students begin by working on Imagine Learning English. When they need a little extra help, top teachers from the child’s own school are there to guide them. This combination provides a fun environment, individualized attention, and effective instruction.

Imagine Learning Academy is a supplemental educational services (or SES) program. SES programs were created as part of the No Child Left Behind Act, enacted in 2002. These tutoring programs are designed to give additional academic support to students at absolutely no cost to parents.

Title I schools may qualify for SES tutoring services if the school is in School Improvement Year 2 or higher and is subject to Corrective Action, Planning for Restructuring, or Restructuring. Students who receive free or reduced-priced meals in these Title I schools may be eligible to receive tutoring.

“We are facing being restructured if we can’t hit our benchmark in this year’s State Test,” writes Laura Vines, Principal of Kalihi-Waena Elementary School in Honolulu. “However, with Imagine Learning Academy as an SES provider, we have found a way to get our non-proficient students more time on a program that will help to close the achievement gaps for our subgroup populations.”

We are so excited to watch the progress of Imagine Learning Academy students not only in Hawaii, but in other Imagine Learning Academy schools across the country as well. This is going to be a great first month for all of us. Stay tuned next month, when we’ll bring you updates from the great students, parents, and teachers who are working with Imagine Learning Academy.