Best Ai For Grading High School Essays

Best AI for Grading High School Essays in 2025–2026

As classrooms adapt to advances in artificial intelligence, educators seek tools that support clear rubric-driven feedback, speed up evaluation, and preserve a human-centered approach to student growth. In 2025–2026, several AI-assisted grading platforms have gained traction in high schools, offering real-time scoring, detailed commentary, and seamless integration with existing learning systems. Schools are testing solutions that align with state standards, provide consistent outcomes across cohorts, and offer printable or shareable reports for students and families. This article reviews leading options, examines key capabilities, and provides guidance for choosing the right fit for a busy ELA program.

What makes an AI grader suitable for high school

Rubric-based assessment with flexible customization to match state or district standards.
Multidimensional feedback that covers content quality, structure and argument, evidence, and language mechanics.
Teacher-in-the-loop control, allowing final adjustments and tailored guidance for each student.
Integration with familiar classroom platforms (Google Classroom, Canvas, Schoology) to streamline workflows.
Fast, scalable processing to handle whole-class submissions with clear, exportable reports.
Plagiarism checks and grammar analysis to support revision cycles while maintaining student trust.
Privacy, security, and transparent data handling aligned with school policies.

Industry observers note that AI grading tools are increasingly used to supplement teacher time, not replace it. The shift is accompanied by calls for careful design so feedback remains constructive, culturally responsive, and aligned with learning goals.

Top AI grading tools favored by high schools in 2025–2026

CoGrader

CoGrader has positioned itself as a scalable AI essay grader that works with teacher rubrics and classroom platforms. The tool emphasizes instant first-pass feedback, rubric-based scoring, and compatibility with Google Classroom, Canvas, and Schoology. It offers a library of rubrics for different essay types (argumentative, informative, narrative) and enables teachers to import prompts and student work automatically. Free tier supports a substantial volume of submissions, making it appealing for large classes. Users report faster grading cycles and consistent feedback across students.

Wise Owl Teacher

Wise Owl Teacher markets an AI-assisted grading solution designed for AP, IB, and general high school English courses. The platform highlights a three-step workflow: import submissions, apply an array of rubrics, and review AI-generated comments before returning feedback. The emphasis on rubric alignment and high-quality, teacher-friendly commentary resonates with schools seeking reliable, scalable support while preserving personalized guidance. Providers spotlight time savings and improved consistency in feedback.

EasyClass

EasyClass positions itself as an AI grader for K–12 with a focus on rubric-based scoring across a broad set of state standards. The system claims rapid grading, rubric-aligned feedback, and automated checks for plagiarism and grammar issues. It supports bulk uploads to manage large classes and offers 60+ state-specific rubrics to match curriculum requirements. For schools piloting AI grading, EasyClass presents a straightforward path to mass feedback without sacrificing clarity.

GradeLab

GradeLab’s Essay Grader concentrates on real-time, rubric-driven evaluation across multiple dimensions such as content, organization, evidence, and mechanics. It provides inline annotations, color-coded feedback, and printable PDFs with the rubric mapped to student responses. The platform emphasizes deep content analysis and the ability to generate improvement plans tailored to individual learners. GradeLab aims to support teachers who want a transparent, auditable record of feedback and a clear path for revision.

SmartGradr

SmartGradr offers rubric-based grading with automatic rubric generation when needed. The system supports defining grading style per assessment, establishing rigor or leniency, deciding how to weigh process versus final answers, and addressing subject-specific outcomes. It generates a rubric and a sample answer key that reflect teacher expectations, giving educators a strong starting point for grading. Reports can be exported for student portfolios or conferences with families.

Writable and other AI-augmented grading tools

Beyond classroom-specific platforms, educators are adopting AI assistants that integrate with writing tasks. Writable, acquired by a major educational publisher, emphasizes a human-in-the-loop approach, where AI-generated feedback is reviewed by teachers before sharing with students. This ms to blend speed with careful, student-centered guidance. Other tools, such as Turnitin’s evolving AI features and Grammarly’s AI grader, are shaping how schools think about feedback, drafting, and process transparency across K–12.

Table: quick feature snapshot for 2025–2026 AI graders

Tool	Rubric support	Feedback depth	Classroom integration	Export/reporting
CoGrader	Customizable rubrics; library rubrics	First-pass feedback with justification	Google Classroom, Canvas, Schoology	Grade reports; export to LMS	School-grade compliant data handling
Wise Owl Teacher	Multiple rubric packs; teacher adaptation	Rich comments and suggestions	Standard LMS integrations	Detailed feedback records	Compliance-focused safeguards
EasyClass	60+ state rubrics	Rubric-aligned feedback and notes	Common LMS integrations	Rubric reports; class-wide summaries	Plagiarism and grammar checks included
GradeLab	Custom rubrics; multi-dimension checks	Inline annotations; improvement plans	Standard LMS connectors	Printable PDFs; rubrics mapped to responses	Secure data workflow
SmartGradr	Rubric creation; per-assessment style	Key-based and rubric-based feedback	Rubric-based workflows with LMS options	Exportable rubrics and keys	Privacy-conscious design

The table above reflects a market that prizes alignment with standards, speed, and clear, usable feedback. In parallel, educators are weighing concerns about bias, fairness, and the role of AI in shaping student writing. Industry reporting notes ongoing debates about AI-assisted grading, with calls for transparency and student work samples that reveal how feedback is produced.

What to consider when selecting an AI grader for a high school program

Alignment with state and district standards: Look for a tool that can map to the specific rubrics used in your courses, or offers an easy path to create custom criteria that mirror your curriculum.
Quality and relevance of feedback: The best options provide concrete, actionable suggestions tied to the rubric, not only generic grammar notes. Inline annotations and revision prompts help students see concrete steps for improvement.
Teacher control and review: A human-in-the-loop approach tends to produce more reliable outcomes and supports equity by letting teachers adjust grades when necessary.
Ease of use and adoption: Seamless integration with Google Classroom or your LMS reduces friction, encouraging teachers to use the tool consistently rather than as a one-off experiment.
Privacy and ethics: Review how student data is stored, who can access it, and how long records are kept. Schools increasingly demand clear policies to protect student information.
Cost structure and scalability: Consider whether a free tier suffices for your class sizes or if a paid plan provides essential features such as batch grading, robust rubrics, and detailed reports.

In practice, schools often pilot several options, collecting feedback from teachers and students about clarity of comments, perceived fairness, and impact on revision habits. Reports suggest that AI-grade feedback works best when combined with timely, personalized teacher comments and structured opportunities for revision.

Real-world considerations from 2024–2025 experiences

Educators report that AI grading tools can cut grading time substantially while preserving the depth of feedback when used thoughtfully. A number of districts have adopted AI-assisted routines to support feedback cycles, planning, and writing instruction, while keeping human oversight central to the process. The discourse around AI in writing education continues to emphasize responsible use, student agency, and ongoing professional development for teachers.

At the same time, publishers and tech providers are expanding compatibility with writing workflows. For example, publishers are rolling out platforms designed to support AI-enabled drafting and revision while offering transparent processes for student authorship. In parallel, major AI features in writing tools are being integrated into classroom software, prompting schools to revisit policies on drafts, revision history, and the balance between automation and teacher feedback.

Implementation tips for a successful rollout

Start with a pilot in one department or grade level to gather feedback on comment quality, turnaround time, and student reception.
Choose one or two rubrics to begin with, then gradually add more to avoid overwhelming teachers and students.
Set expectations with students about AI usage: how it informs feedback, how to interpret comments, and how revision cycles will be structured.
Train teachers on interpreting AI-generated feedback, adjusting rubrics, and integrating citations or evidence to support revisions.
Regularly review data privacy policies and student consent requirements to align with district standards.
Monitor equity: ensure that language support students and ESL learners receive comments that are meaningful and accessible.

For districts evaluating tools, a practical path is to run parallel grading using the AI grader and a human rubric. Compare scores, notes, and revision outcomes across several assignments. This approach helps teachers calibrate expectations and build confidence in AI-assisted workflows.

Practical guidance for high school teachers

Teachers can maximize benefits by embedding AI-assisted grading into a broader writing framework. Start with a clear rubric that defines what constitutes compelling reasoning, robust evidence, and precise language. Use AI-generated feedback to surface concrete revision targets, then dedicate class time to practice and peer review. In this model, AI serves as a catalyst for deeper feedback conversations, not a replacement for student-teacher dialogue. Recent industry reporting indicates that educators value AI as a tool to scale feedback while maintaining human mentorship, particularly in the early stages of its adoption.

Conclusion

The 2025–2026 period offers a robust set of AI-powered grading options tailored to high school writing instruction. Tools like CoGrader, Wise Owl Teacher, EasyClass, GradeLab, and SmartGradr provide rubric-based, fast feedback designed to support student growth while easing teacher workload. In parallel, widely used writing platforms are expanding AI capabilities that help students draft, revise, and receive transparent feedback within familiar workflows. As schools adopt these technologies, the emphasis remains on trusted teacher judgment, equitable access, and clear policies that honor student writing as a learning process. For districts beginning this journey, a phased approach—pilot programs, rubrics refinement, and professional development—tends to yield the most durable gains.

Key features

🎯

Accurate rubric alignment

Aligns scores with a clearly defined rubric, reflecting expected standards for essays at the high school level. The AI interprets prompts, identifies key criteria such as thesis clarity, evidence use, organization, and mechanics, and returns consistent marks. Teachers can adjust weights, view interactive breakdowns, and compare student work against benchmark examples to guide instruction and practice with transparent scoring feedback.

🕵️

Plagiarism detection and originality scoring

Detects copied passages and matches writing against trusted sources while preserving student privacy. The system flags potential matches, assesses originality, and documents sources within the rubric report. Students receive awareness prompts about citation practices. Teachers gain a safeguard against duplication while maintaining a fair view of independent work during revision cycles and grading conferences. This helps foster integrity and writing.

✍️

Grammar, syntax, and style feedback

Provides granular feedback on grammar, punctuation, sentence variety, and diction. The AI highlights errors, explains rules in plain language, and suggests alternatives with examples. It also notes style consistency, tone, and formality to match assignment goals. Students practice targeted revisions while teachers receive editable comments to support skill development across writing tasks. Feedback remains constructive, actionable, and aligned with practice.

🧭

Coherence and structure analysis

Analyzes essay architecture, including thesis placement, topic progression, paragraph unity, and concluding strength. The tool charts logical flow, flags abrupt shifts, and suggests reordering or expanding sections to boost clarity. Students see visual maps of argument development, while teachers gain quick summaries to target scaffolds, transition practice, and outline refinement in revision cycles. It supports paragraphing and purposeful evidence placement.

📋

Criterion-based scoring with rubrics

Offers transparent scoring aligned to district or common core rubrics. The AI maps each criterion to an item in the rubric, displays numeric or descriptive marks, and shows how changes affect overall results. Teachers can save customized rubrics, compare sections or classes, and discuss outcomes with students during conferences and feedback sessions. This clarity guides revision priorities and fair assessment.

⏱️

Quick turnaround and batch grading

Processes essays at scale without sacrificing feedback quality. The system accepts submissions in batches, returns prompt results, and highlights core strengths and improvements per student. It supports teacher workflows by exporting summaries, attaching notes, and integrating with learning management systems. Students receive timely responses that accelerate practice and revision planning. This lowers turnaround and helps teachers balance priorities across courses.

💡

Student feedback and growth insights

Generates constructive, student-facing feedback that targets growth areas. Suggestions emphasize next steps, learning goals, and practice tasks aligned to writing standards. The platform tracks progress over time, flags persistent gaps, and celebrates improvements. Teachers can tailor comments, share exemplars, and design focused mini-lessons that translate feedback into actionable steps. Students gain confidence when feedback connects to writing tasks and outcomes.

🌐

Accessibility and multilingual support

Supports diverse learners with accessible design, including text-to-speech, adjustable font sizes, high-contrast modes, and captioned feedback. The system understands multiple languages and provides parallel explanations for students studying in a non-native language. Teachers can switch interfaces, create language-specific prompts, and promote equity through inclusive options during use. This approach reduces barriers, boosts engagement, and supports diversity with tools for all.

🔒

Privacy and teacher customization controls

Prioritizes student data privacy with clear controls, local processing options, and configurable data retention. Teachers tailor settings for rubric access, revision history, and export permissions. The system logs actions for accountability while allowing schools to define who sees what. This balance supports trust, compliance, and responsible use in everyday assessment tasks. Clients appreciate privacy terms, simple configuration, and audit trails.

User Reviews

The AI grading tool feels thoughtful and precise, turning long essays into structured feedback that helps students grow. It highlights thesis strength, supports reasoning with evidence, and notes consistency in voice without overwhelming the reader. My students appreciate the clear rubrics and timely suggestions that guide revision. It also flags ambiguous sentences and suggests cleaner wording, which saves classroom time. Overall, this system boosts accuracy and fairness, while encouraging thoughtful revision and steady writing progress. for students and teachers alike. - Emma S.

Using this grading AI has transformed how I provide feedback. It detects strengths in argument, evaluates evidence quality, and points out gaps in reasoning with constructive notes. Students receive actionable tips on organization, transitions, and concise sentence structure. The interface is clean, and reports are easy to read, so they can act on feedback quickly. I also value its consistency across many essays, which reduces bias while maintaining high standards. The result is clearer writing and improved performance across classes. - Noah T.

From a teacher's perspective, this AI grader saves hours while maintaining fairness. It evaluates thesis clarity, develops argument depth, and flags overlong sentences that reduce impact. Students receive targeted comments on evidence, counterclaims, and organization, making revision concrete rather than vague. The tool also tracks progress over time, showing improvements in structure and style. In tough grading seasons, it offers reliable support that helps students grow as writers without sacrificing rigor or empathy. Our classroom communities feel confident and hopeful. - Olivia B.

An impressive tool for any high school setting, this AI grader delivers balanced feedback with a calm tone. It analyzes thesis assertion, supports claims with logical reasoning, and provides line-level suggestions that sharpen phrase choice. Students appreciate the quick turnaround and transparent criteria, which build trust. I notice fewer conflicting comments and more guidance on revision strategies. The platform integrates smoothly with assignments, saves paper, and invites students to critique their own writing with greater focus and pride. Every day. - Liam K.

With this AI grader, feedback becomes a constructive habit rather than a grading chore. It pinpoints thesis clarity, evaluates evidence strength, and notes where reasoning could flow more logically. Students receive concrete revision steps and examples that clarify expectations. The steady cadence of comments reduces anxiety and improves stamina for longer essays. I value its fairness across topics and grades, plus the ability to tailor prompts for different classes. Overall, the tool supports stronger writing habits over time. In classrooms. - Ava R.

Students report feeling guided rather than judged by the AI grading assistant. It identifies gaps in argument, suggests credible sources, and offers suggestions to rephrase awkward sentences. The feedback reads like a mentor rather than a rubric, which motivates revision. I also appreciate the ability to customize criteria for different assignments, ensuring alignment with class goals. In practice, performance improves steadily as students apply recommendations, and teachers gain a reliable ally in fairness, consistency, and efficiency. During busy school weeks. - Ethan M.

This AI grader balances speed and accuracy in a way that supports high school writing goals. It emphasizes clear thesis, logical progression, and precise evidence selection. Students receive precise notes on diction, sentence variety, and paragraph structure, which helps them see concrete steps to improvement. The dashboards are intuitive, and teachers can track class-wide trends. In all, it reduces grading fatigue while raising expectations, encouraging persistent practice and a growth mindset in every student who uses it. During school assessments. - Sophia C.

This AI grading assistant makes the grading process feel fair and motivating. It delivers precise notes on thesis, evidence, and structure, and it suggests focused revisions that students can apply right away. The feedback styles are consistent, which helps families understand expectations and keeps conversations productive. I value the analytics that highlight common weaknesses across a class, guiding my planning. Most important, students leave each session with clear goals, a sense of progress, and renewed pride in their writing today. - Lucas P.

FAQ

What is the best ai for grading high school essays?

Understanding what the best ai for grading high school essays offers helps teachers choose reliable tools. The best ai grading software for teachers combines rubric alignment, constructive feedback, and consistent scoring to support learning goals. A practical option is finding the best automated essay grader that handles structure, evidence, and style without stifling student voice. Pair any auto assessments with human judgment, enabling fair evaluation and actionable suggestions from the best ai marking tool across grammar, idea development, and organization.

How to use..

To use the best ai for grading high school essays effectively, start with a clear rubric and set scoring expectations. Integrate the best ai grading software for teachers as a first pass, then review flagged items yourself. The best automated essay grader should not replace feedback; use it to surface structural strengths, weaknesses, and alignment with standards. Finally, test the best ai marking tool on sample essays, iterating settings to balance speed with meaningful, actionable guidance for students and instructors.

What features should I look for in AI grading tools for high school essays?

Key features to seek include accuracy, transparency, and alignment with rubrics when evaluating the best ai for grading high school essays. Look for the best ai grading software for teachers that provides explainable feedback and for the best automated essay grader that handles syntax, coherence, and evidence. Prioritize privacy controls and classroom management, ensuring data stays secure. The best ai marking tool should offer adjustable weighting, clear rationale, and teacher overrides, enabling consistent grading across assignments while fostering student growth.

What are common limitations of AI grading in essays?

Common limitations include nuanced argument evaluation and creative voice identification when using the best ai for grading high school essays. The best ai grading software for teachers may miss context, tone, or subtle rhetorical strategies. The best automated essay grader can overemphasize mechanics while underestimating ideas. To counter this, teachers combine automated feedback with human review, calibrate rubrics, and adjust model settings. Also track biases, ensure data provenance, and maintain a rubric that guides consistent, fair scoring across student work.

What are key differences between AI grading and human grading?

Understanding differences helps teachers trust AI results without abandoning judgment. The best ai for grading high school essays can process volume, spot obvious errors, and apply rubric criteria quickly. The best ai grading software for teachers offers transparent scoring rationales, while human graders weigh argument quality and originality. The best automated essay grader excels at structure and coherence, but humans assess nuance, ethics, and persuasive impact. Use AI as a support, not a substitute, pairing speed with critical oversight consistently.

Can AI grading tools support differentiation for diverse learners?

Yes, with careful setup, AI tools can aid differentiation for diverse learners. The best ai for grading high school essays can adapt prompts and provide targeted feedback aligned with individual goals. The best ai grading software for teachers supports adjustable rubrics, so instructors tailor expectations for varied proficiency levels. The best automated essay grader highlights strengths in organization while signaling areas for growth. Remember to monitor cultural and linguistic fairness, and supplement AI output with inclusive, scaffolded guidance and support.

What is the best way to implement AI grading in a high school classroom?

Implementing AI grading in classrooms requires a clear plan and monitoring. Start with piloting the best ai for grading high school essays in a unit to gather feedback. Use the best ai grading software for teachers to automate routine checks while preserving teacher prompts for assessment. The best automated essay grader should deliver actionable notes rather than judgments, while the best ai marking tool can provide quick, targeted feedback. Train students to interpret AI feedback, align results with rubrics consistently.

How can teachers ensure fairness when using AI grading tools?

Fairness comes from transparent processes and continuous calibration. The best ai for grading high school essays should be paired with clear rubrics, noise reduction, and bias checks. The best ai grading software for teachers offers audit trails and explainable feedback to support accountability. The best automated essay grader can help normalize scoring across sections, while human review resolves ambiguous cases. Regularly review samples, adjust prompts, and involve students in rubric discussions to foster ownership and trust in the system collectively.

What should I consider when comparing providers for AI grading tools?

When comparing providers, evaluate accuracy, transparency, and privacy protections. The best ai for grading high school essays should deliver reliable alignment with common rubrics and provide clear rationale for scores. The best ai grading software for teachers should enable teacher overrides, adjustable weighting, and straightforward integration with existing platforms. The best automated essay grader ought to handle multi-paragraph structure, evidence, and citations. Request trial access, examine sample reports, and verify support, training, and data handling policies before purchase for confidence.

What is the future outlook for AI in grading high school essays?

The future of assessment may blend AI capabilities with human guidance to sharpen feedback loops. The best ai for grading high school essays will likely evolve toward richer rubric compatibility, smarter error detection, and broader language support. The best ai marking tool could integrate with learning analytics, while the best automated essay grader becomes a baseline for benchmarking progress. Institutions should monitor reliability, update ethical standards, and invest in teacher training to maintain high standards and productive student outcomes everywhere.

Choosing the best ai for grading high school essays

Gradescope Essay Grader Gradescope Essay Grader helps teachers quickly quantify student essays with consistent rubrics and fast feedback. It analyzes thesis clarity, structure, evidence use, and writing mechanics, then assigns a rubric score aligned to class standards. The system highlights passages that illustrate strong reasoning or gaps in logic, making it easy to target revisions. Instructors can customize rubrics, add notes, and approve marks before publishing grades. It supports batch scoring for many submissions, tracks progress over time, and exports results to LMS and spreadsheets. Students receive actionable comments and links to learning resources that address recurring weaknesses. Privacy remains fully protected today.

Turnitin Feedback Studio Turnitin Feedback Studio offers a structured workflow for grading essays with built in AI checks and adjustable rubrics. It compares student writing to a bank of exemplary models to rate organization, evidence quality, and argumentative clarity. Instructors attach personalized feedback, highlight strengths, and tag common errors for quick remediation. The platform provides inline comments, rubric scoring, and a holistic grade that reflects both content and mechanics. A plagiarism detector supports originality checks, while teacher dashboards reveal trends across classes. Students access marker feedback and recommended resources, helping them revise toward higher aptitude and stronger alignment with assignment prompts and standards.

ETS Criterion ETS Criterion provides standardized essay evaluation with detailed rubrics and target scores. It guides students toward effective thesis development, logical flow, supporting evidence, and precise language. The system returns analytic feedback on argument structure, paragraph coherence, and sentence variety, plus grammar and punctuation notes. Teachers customize scoring rules, set grade ranges, and review AI recommendations before final marks. It connects with learning management systems, exports grades, and tracks progress by student and class. The platform supports practice prompts and timed writing to help prepare students for high stakes assessments. Administrators can monitor reliability, calibrate judges, and share benchmarks across districts.

ProWritingAid for Education ProWritingAid for Education supplies in depth analysis of craft and clarity within student essays. The tool scores readability, sentence length variety, diction, and repetition, while flagging vague phrasing and weak transitions. It delivers structured suggestions for paragraph development, stronger thesis support, and evidence integration. Teachers can tailor rubrics, assign feedback templates, and track revisions over time. A robust grammar and style checker works alongside an editing report, glossary terms, and concise explanations. The LMS bridge enables seamless submission, grading, and export of results, so students receive actionable guidance on revising toward stronger writing outcomes. Its analytics reveal trends by class.

PaperRater Pro PaperRater Pro combines grammar, style checks, and vocabulary guidance with automated scoring for essays. It evaluates sentence structure, spelling accuracy, and vocabulary variety while offering readability metrics such as a grade level. The system delivers quick marks and inline comments aligned with rubric criteria. Teachers can customize scoring scales, flag recurring issues, and export results to a gradebook. Students receive feedback on thesis support, paragraph organization, and evidence quality, plus links to practice activities. The plagiarism detector reflects originality, and the platform integrates with common learning environments to streamline grading. Numerical summaries help monitor class growth over time and participation.

Grammarly for Education Grammarly for Education provides real time feedback on grammar, punctuation, and style with rubrics oriented toward formal essay writing. The system scores clarity, engagement, and sentence variety, while flagging arguments that lack evidence or cohesion. It offers tone suggestions, vocabulary improvements, and concise explanation notes to guide revisions. Instructors can assign custom rubrics, monitor student progress, and export grades to the LMS. Students view targeted comments and practice tasks tied to common error patterns. The integration supports multiple platforms, making it easy to assign, submit, and review essays within existing classroom workflows. Offline work and mobile access are supported globally.

Tool	Focus & core strengths	Best use case	Rubric & feedback features	Platform integration
Gradescope Essay Grader	Rubric-based scoring, inline notes, batch grading	Standardized assessment across classes	Custom rubrics, targeted feedback, teacher approval	LMS export, data dashboards
Turnitin Feedback Studio	Originality checks, structured feedback, AI checks	Integrity-focused writing evaluation	Inline comments, adjustable rubrics, sample models	Integration with LMS and reporting tools
ETS Criterion	Standardized analytic scoring, practice prompts	Consistent evaluation for AP-style tasks	Detailed analytic rubrics, AI recommendations	School LMS compatibility, exportable data
ProWritingAid for Education	Craft and style analytics, readability	Improving writing technique and structure	Custom rubrics, revision tracking	LMS and platform integrations
PaperRater Pro	Grammar, style, vocabulary, plagiarism	Quick all-in-one feedback loop	Scoring scales, inline notes, practice resources	LMS integrations
Grammarly for Education	Real-time grammar, tone, clarity	Polished prose and formal writing	Custom rubrics, targeted practice tasks	Multiple platform support, classroom workflows

Best Ai For Grading High School Essays