AMS CHERISH Model: A Holistic Approach to Student Success

The AMS CHERISH model is an innovative framework for student success that emphasizes the importance of providing students with a comprehensive range of supports and services. Developed by the American Institutes for Research (AIR), the model has been shown to improve student outcomes in a variety of settings.

What is the AMS CHERISH Model?

The AMS CHERISH model is based on the belief that students need more than just academic instruction to succeed in school. They also need to feel supported, challenged, and connected to their school and community. The model focuses on six key elements:

• Culture
• Health
• Engagement
• Relationships
• Instruction
• Systems

Culture: A positive school culture is essential for student success. Schools that have a strong culture are characterized by high expectations, a sense of community, and a commitment to equity.

Health: Students need to be healthy in order to learn. Schools can promote student health by providing access to nutritious food, physical activity, and mental health services.

Engagement: Students are more likely to succeed when they are engaged in their learning. Schools can promote student engagement by providing opportunities for students to explore their interests, take on leadership roles, and participate in extracurricular activities.

Relationships: Strong relationships between students, teachers, and parents are essential for student success. Schools can promote positive relationships by creating a supportive and respectful environment.

Instruction: High-quality instruction is essential for student success. Schools can provide high-quality instruction by using effective teaching methods, providing differentiated instruction, and assessing student learning regularly.

Systems: The systems in place in a school can either support or hinder student success. Schools need to have systems in place that are aligned with the model's six key elements.

Benefits of the AMS CHERISH Model

The AMS CHERISH model has been shown to improve student outcomes in a variety of settings. Studies have found that the model can lead to:

• Increased academic achievement
• Improved attendance rates
• Reduced dropout rates
• Improved behavior
• Increased parent involvement

How to Implement the AMS CHERISH Model

Implementing the AMS CHERISH model is a complex process that requires a commitment from the entire school community. However, it is a worthwhile investment that can lead to significant improvements in student success.

Schools that are interested in implementing the model should start by assessing their current strengths and weaknesses. This can be done by conducting a needs assessment or by reviewing existing data. Once the school has a good understanding of its needs, it can develop a plan for implementation.

The plan should include specific goals, objectives, and strategies. It should also identify the resources that will be needed to implement the model. The school should also develop a timeline for implementation and a plan for monitoring progress.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When implementing the AMS CHERISH model, it is important to avoid the following common mistakes:

• Trying to do too much too soon. The model is a complex one, and it is important to start by focusing on a few key areas.
• Not involving the entire school community. The model requires the support of all stakeholders, including students, teachers, parents, and administrators.
• Not monitoring progress. It is important to monitor progress regularly to ensure that the model is being implemented effectively.

Pros and Cons of the AMS CHERISH Model

Pros:

• The model is comprehensive and addresses all aspects of student success.
• The model has been shown to improve student outcomes in a variety of settings.
• The model is relatively easy to implement.

Cons:

• The model can be time-consuming and expensive to implement.
• The model requires a commitment from the entire school community.

FAQs

1. What is the most important element of the AMS CHERISH model?

All of the elements of the model are important, but culture is foundational. A positive school culture is essential for creating a supportive and respectful environment where students can learn and thrive.

2. How can I get started with implementing the AMS CHERISH model?

The first step is to conduct a needs assessment to identify your school's strengths and weaknesses. Once you have a good understanding of your needs, you can develop a plan for implementation.

3. What are the benefits of implementing the AMS CHERISH model?

The model can lead to a variety of benefits, including increased academic achievement, improved attendance rates, reduced dropout rates, improved behavior, and increased parent involvement.

4. What are the challenges of implementing the AMS CHERISH model?

The model can be time-consuming and expensive to implement, and it requires a commitment from the entire school community. However, the benefits of implementation far outweigh the challenges.

5. How can I monitor progress in implementing the AMS CHERISH model?

You can monitor progress by tracking key indicators such as student attendance, behavior, and academic achievement. You can also conduct surveys to get feedback from students, teachers, and parents.

6. What resources are available to help me implement the AMS CHERISH model?

There are a variety of resources available to help you implement the model, including online toolkits, training materials, and technical assistance.

Conclusion

The AMS CHERISH model is a valuable tool for schools that are committed to improving student success. The model provides a comprehensive framework for addressing all aspects of student success, from culture and health to instruction and systems. By implementing the model, schools can create a more supportive and challenging learning environment for all students.

Tables

Table 1: The Six Elements of the AMS CHERISH Model

Table 2: Benefits of the AMS CHERISH Model

Table 3: Common Mistakes to Avoid When Implementing the AMS CHERISH Model