Sylvan Learning partners with OVMS to Support iLearn Achievement

In an effort to help students succeed on Indiana's statewide ILEARN exam, Owen Valley Middle School has teamed up with Sylvan Learning to provide free, targeted tutoring for students who meet specific academic criteria.

The program, which has been running over the past several months, focuses on preparing students for the iLEARN assessment, a standardized test used to measure proficiency in subjects such as math and English/language arts. Students selected for the program receive personalized instruction aimed at strengthening the exact skills tested on the exam. Nearly 70 students have participated in the program, highlighting the school's commitment to supporting a broad group of learners.

Eligibility for the free tutoring was based on students' previous iLEARN testing scores and enrollment in a school meal assistance program, with parental permission required for participation. School officials say the initiative is designed to ensure that students who need extra support have access to it, regardless of financial circumstances.

"Providing opportunities for additional support for our students is priority number one. As always, our goal at OVMS is to help transition our students to be ready for high school. Sylvan was a great partner to help us achieve that goal," said Tom Arthur, OVMS Principal.

Through the Indiana Learns program, eligible students can receive up to $1,000 in tutoring services at no cost to families. OVMS selected Sylvan Learning Center of Bloomington as its exclusive provider, a partnership approved by the Indiana Department of Education.

Participants attend tutoring sessions multiple times per week during an elective, where instructors use individualized learning plans to address each student's specific areas for growth in a 3:1 ratio setting. Lessons emphasize test-taking strategies, problem-solving skills and mastery of grade-level standards aligned with iLEARN.

Most students showed improvement from their pre-assessment to the post-assessment, in addition to gains in overall classroom performance.

School leaders say the program has helped build student confidence and strengthen essential academic skills ahead of testing. OVMS plans to continue expanding the partnership to support student success in future semesters.