IDEALS

The IDEALS Framework

The K20 Center uses a structured and multi-tiered approach to accomplish its vision and mission goals. The IDEALS Framework targets and defines six distinct areas of student achievement that represent K20’s core values:

Inquiry
Discourse
Equity
Authenticity
Leadership
Student-Centered Learning Climate

The IDEALS are fortified by 10 Research-Based Practices linked directly to student achievement. These practices are:

  • Shared Vision
  • Authentic Teaching
  • Shared Leadership
  • Personalized Environments
  • Teacher Collaboration
  • Inquiry & Discourse
  • Supportive Leaders
  • Community Connections
  • Equity Concerns
  • External Expertise

The Five-Phase Model: The IDEALS are implemented using a five-phase model that supports whole-school transformation by addressing learning at every level, starting with school leadership. The five phases are:

Phase 1: Leaders Learning
Phase 2: Whole-School Learning
Phase 3: Teachers Learning

Phase 4: Student Learning
Phase 5: University Learning

The K20 Center supports students and teachers in accomplishing these goals by developing exemplary lessons and professional development. In doing so, we have adopted a 5E Instructional Model (Engage, Explore, Explain, Extend, and Evaluate) as a way to deliver more authentic instruction. Authenticity is a conceptual framework for meaningful, learner-centered lessons as individuals build on what they already know to create deep knowledge.