Larson, who presents a session called Classroom Walk - Through Training, says teachers
benefit by learning to use reflection to increase their knowledge, skills, and performance; strategically aligning classroom instruction to district curriculum; and increasing
student learning
across grade levels.
As we strive to implement strategies that promote systemic change, we must do so with the goal that no matter where
students are assigned, they have the
benefit of the thinking, expertise, and dedication of all teachers in that
grade level or subject area; that they are part of a school system that requires all teachers to participate in learning teams that are provided regular time to plan, study, and problem solve together; and that this collaboration ensures that great practices and high expectations spread
across classrooms,
grade levels, and schools.
K12 will provide comprehensive wraparound services targeted to individual
student needs and for the
benefit of the school community: development of strong community within the virtual academy; access to the best and most current virtual instruction curriculum, assessment and instruction based on solid research; customizing each
student's education to their own individual learning plan; academic success at the school and individual
student levels resulting from teachers» instruction and constant monitoring of
student growth and achievement with interventions as needed; national and local parent trainings and networking; frequent (i.e., every two to three week) teacher / parent communication through emails and scheduled meetings; establishment of unique settings for
students and parents to interact; connecting
students on a regular basis with
students across the United States in similar virtual academies and
across the world through networking and K12 national competitions (e.g., art contest and spelling bees) and International Clubs; access to the entire K12 suite of services and instructional curriculum (currently including K12, Aventa, A +, and powerspeak12) to include world languages, credit recovery courses, remedial courses, and AP courses; participation in a national advanced learners programs; a comprehensive Title I program that will provide additional services for
students; school led trips, for example, visits to colleges,
grade level specific trips such as
student summer trips overseas, etc.; School prom; school graduation ceremonies; national college guidance through a network of K12 counselors; school community service opportunities;
student developed
student body council; school extracurricular activities: possibilities would include the development of a golf club, chess club, bowling club.
When executed well, this process dramatically increases
students» understanding of new information
across content areas and at every
grade level, which makes it a strategy that all teachers can use to great
benefit.