We are a comprehensive department whose goals support direct services to students, equip Tucson Unified personnel to better meet the needs of all students, and empower parents to take an active role in their child’s academic success and school.
We improve the academic achievement of African American students and promote cultural sensitivity throughout the Tucson Unified community. Services are provided through individualized and specialized learning support, counseling and guidance, program development, cultural awareness and sensitivity training, community education, 1:1 and group tutoring & mentoring, and student advocacy. We work directly with exceptional education, schools, and district departments to meet the needs of students.
While the department’s primary focus is African American students, no students are turned away or denied support; for example Saturday tutoring and direct classroom support.
Vision
We will ensure African American students receive a quality education and are prepared to succeed in a global society.
Core Values
- Advocacy
- Empowerment
- Integrity
- Teamwork
4-PRONGED APPROACH: The A,B,C’s of What We DO
A = Attendance, B = Behavior/Discipline, C = Credit Acquisition & Recovery, and Grades
- SUPPORT SERVICES:
We provide direct and ancillary support based on the Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) model and what we call the A,B,C’s of what we do. Department Specialists provide a wide spectrum of student, parent, and educator support based on the A,B,C’s of what we do. Specialists working at the elementary and middle school level provide support during classroom instruction and activities. Support is provided based on administrator, parent and/or teacher request. Support may be 1:1, small groups, or in a classroom. Specialists also provide support by connecting families with community and social services resources. Other support may include home visits, individual and small group tutoring, mentoring, field trips and behavior plans: all based on the A,B,C’s of what we do.
- LITERACY INITIATIVE:
AASSD is committed to student and family literacy. We recognize the importance of providing students with literature that accurately represents and reflects their cultural heritage. Therefore, AASSD has partnered with the Pima County Public Library to inform and educate parents about available reading resources such as Achieve 3000. Achieve 3000 is a web-based reading program to help students build fluency and comprehension. Reading materials are also culturally relevant.
- CULTURALLY RELEVANT ENRICHMENT EXPERIENCES:
To promote cultural appreciation, the AASSD sponsors or partners with community organizations to host a number of experiences including Harambee celebration, African American Youth Heritage Day, Black History Month Brain Bowl, African American Read-In Chain, Historical Black College and University Expo and Tour, STEM Club, University of Arizona Engineering Initiative and empowerment workshops. Students and adults from diverse backgrounds participate in all experiences.
- COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS:
AASSD builds relationships with community organizations to support academic, cultural, and social experiences for students. The purpose is twofold: 1) To serve as a conduit for connecting students, families and schools with community resources, and 2) To increase the number of positive role models students are able to connect with, and to learn about careers, leadership skills, and college prep.
