Students First

The Students First Initiative is focused on ensuring a superior teaching and learning experience for all members of the school community. Key components of the initiative include:

• K12 Induction and Instructional Coaching Programs: Support for teachers to ensure they deliver a superior learning experience for students
  
• Strong Start: Differentiated onboarding that provides students and Learning Coaches with the necessary support to begin the school year strong
  
• Holistic approach to helping students remain on track throughout the school year through the Students First Check In program and wrap around supports of the Family Academic Support Team (FAST)

The programs utilize trained professional educators, social workers, and para-professionals.

Instructional Coaches and Mentors help prepare teachers and school leadership teams to deliver a superior learning experience which results in increasing level of student mastery and achievement.

Increase Student and Learning Coach preparedness through differentiated onboarding for new and returning students and learning coaches.

The Students First Check In program identifies families who may need additional support and informs the development of relevant programming and resources for students, parents and school staff.

The Family Academic Support Team (FAST) empowers students to overcome challenges—be they academic, social, emotional, medical, or otherwise—to succeed in school and beyond. This holistic approach includes early intervention, support services, and linking families to school and community based resources. FAST members and teachers work with families to provide the extra help needed to enable students to stay motivated and on track.

In one virtual academy program, students in grades 4th-10th engaged through the interventions of FAST showed positive growth scores in reading, language arts, and math. Students who qualified for free or reduced lunch achieved even higher growth in Reading and Math.

The Students First Initiative supports all new and returning kindergarten through 12th grade students, teachers, and staff at participating schools.

K12 Induction and Instructional Coaching Program

• New teachers are assigned a dedicated mentor
• Mentor = Veteran teacher skilled in online pedagogy and communication with families
• Mentors will conduct individualized small group meetings
• Resident teachers will observe the Mentor “ in action”

Strong Start: Differentiated onboarding

• Customized communication and contact strategy
• Includes National supports such as outbound Walk to Class calls to ensure families complete key tasks before schools starts

Holistic approach to help students remain on track throughout the school year

• Students First Check In program
  
• Family Academic Support Team (FAST) – includes tool to manage referrals
  

Staffing levels for the program vary by school based on enrollment. Various resources and staffing ratios should be consistent with the current budget process.

Mike Kazek

Sr. Director- Board & Partner Relations

School Services, K12 inc.

mkazek@k12.com

702.666.8720