Acton-Boxborough Regional High School
Welcome to the Academic
Support Center at the Acton-Boxborough Regional High School. The ASC
offers help to students during the school day, and this support is
provided by adult staff and peer tutors.
The Academic Support
Center was created by Acton-Boxborough Principal, Steve Donovan, in
1994. In addition to a staff of three adults, approximately 45 student
tutors have been approved by faculty. The tutors have been trained by
ASC staff to help peers improve their understanding of academic subjects
and develop their organizational skills.
Who attends the Academic Support Center?
Students
of average to above average intelligence who require re-explanation of
course content and need to develop study strategies and organizational
skills attend the ASC. These students are self-referred or are referred
by teachers, parents, and/or school counselors. The current population
includes: ESL students; students who have requested academic assistance;
9th grade students who require a structured study; students who need an
alternate test site; identified special education students; and
students transitioning into or out of special education. The emphasis is
on acquiring strategies and study skills in conjunction with assigned
work. Students may sign up at any time and continue for as long as they
need assistance.
How does the program work?
In small group and /or individualized sessions, adult staff and tutors provide support in:
- goal setting
- development of organizational and time-management skills
- study and test-taking strategies
- clarification and reinforcement of concepts taught in class
- organization of writing assignments
- assistance with word processing
- adaptation of materials as appropriate
ASC
students do not receive a grade or credit for participation in the ASC,
but do receive progress reports which address students' goals. They are
sent home to parents each marking period.
Peer tutors are
trained to work with students in specific subject areas and communicate
with their tutee's classroom teacher through monthly check-ins at school
and with parents through quarterly progress reports sent home. Tutors
receive community service credit based on the number of sessions they
tutor.