Adwanna Howard welcomed students aboard the mobile learning clinic for the very first time last August. The clinic is part of her tutoring nonprofit called 4 Point O. 

Education leaders are sounding the alarm after the U.S. Department of Education released data showing dramatic setbacks in math and reading scores

In North Carolina, the average reading and math score for fourth graders dropped by five points 

For eighth graders, their scores dropped even more since 2019 

Her mission is to inspire students to reach their full potential and exceed it, despite any roadblocks along the way.

"Students lost about two years with COVID, let alone, where they might have been prior to that. So basically, your average fourth grader may be performing at a second- or first-grade level," Howard said.

She is moving forward by first turning that gear in reverse. That may sound a little strange, but for Howard, who's driven to make an impact, she says it's an essential part of the journey.

"Reading and math scores are actually at the lowest that I've seen them since I've started this and when they come to me, I'm able to go back to as far as they need to go to rebuild that foundation," she said.

In close quarters, Howard gets to know her students well, discovering their interests and what motivates them, so much so, they may even become part of the assignment.

"I made up a story that is Hannah goes on a trip. And I know that Hannah likes the lake, I know that Hannah likes to go to church. So, I made these things in her story, and it's about her, so she's more interested in reading it," Howard said.

It's all part of Howard's focus on the individual and their specific learning needs, going back to basics when necessary.

"It's not about the embarrassment of 'oh my, this student got left behind.' No, this student is getting another opportunity to gain the skills he or she didn't get," she said.

And with more students to serve than ever before, Howard wants to help every student reach their goals.

"These children are my reason for getting out of bed in the morning," Howard said. "You have to meet the child wherever he or she is and celebrate every victory. We have to celebrate everything, because it's only going to make them want to do more."