GEAR UP O+K=C
GEAR UP O+K=C
PROJECT DESIGN
GEAR UP O+K=C (Gaining Early Awareness of Undergraduate Programs: Opportunities + Knowledge = College) is a federally funded, post-secondary awareness and participation program.
The staff that stewards the GEAR UP O+K=C grant believes that every student—no matter what—can be successful and reach career potential and goals they set. We work in collaboration with school staff members, students, and families in the Oklahoma City Public Schools (OKCPS) district to help actualize that belief. This grant builds on a systemic change model by serving an urban cohort of students in the Classes of 2024 and 2025 across 23 high-poverty schools.
OUR GOALS
GOAL 1
Increase the percentage of cohort students who report they are engaged in learning.
GOAL 2
Increase GEAR UP O+K=C students’ academic preparation for post-secondary education (PSE) upon graduation from participating schools.
GOAL 4
Increase GEAR UP O+K=C students’ and their families’ knowledge of PSE options, preparation, and financing.
GOAL 3
Increase GEAR UP O+K=C schools’ high school graduation and PSE enrollment rates.
To meet these goals, GEAR UP O+K=C will develop a three-tiered framework, which includes the following:
- Monitoring all students to identify at-risk students (tier 1);
- Providing individualized support and creating school structures that provide students with personalized staff connections and adult advocates (tier 2);
- Offering curricula and programs that connect schoolwork to college and career readiness (CCR) in order to build academic support and enrichment (tier 3).
Using this three-tiered approach, GEAR UP O+K=C works with schools to research, plan, and implement a CCR framework that focuses on engaging students with rigorous, relevant instruction; expanding academic support; increasing student access to adult advocates; and growing the college-going culture. This partnership leads to life-altering benefits for cohort students.
For more information, find us and reach out using our contact information.
PROJECT DESIGN
GEAR UP OKC builds on a systemic change model by serving an urban cohort of 4,735 students in 23 high-poverty schools to better prepare these schools to serve high-need, urban students. To do so, GEAR UP OKC will:
OUR GOALS
GOAL 1
Increase the percentage of cohort students who report they are engaged in learning.
GOAL 2
Increase GEAR UP O+K=C students' academic preparation for post-secondary education (PSE) upon graduation from participating schools.
GOAL 3
Increase GEAR UP O+K=C schools' high school graduation and PSE enrollment rates.
GOAL 4
Increase GEAR UP O+K=C students' and their families' knowledge of PSE options, preparation, and financing.
To meet these goals, GEAR UP O+K=C will develop a three-tiered framework, which includes the following:
- Monitoring all students to identify at-risk students (tier 1);
- Providing individualized support and creating school structures that provide students with personalized staff connections and adult advocates (tier 2);
- Offering curricula and programs that connect schoolwork to college and career readiness (CCR) in order to build academic support and enrichment (tier 3).
Using this three-tiered approach, GEAR UP O+K=C works with schools to research, plan, and implement a CCR framework that focuses on engaging students with rigorous, relevant instruction; expanding academic support; increasing student access to adult advocates; and growing the college-going culture. This partnership leads to life-altering benefits for cohort students.
For more information, find us and reach out using our contact information.
August 2018 - December 2019
49
Schools Impacted
12,222
Students Impacted
1,392
Educators Impacted
21,259
Hours of Campus Visits
GEAR UP O+K=C's Network
K20's LEARN
DIVERSIFIES LEARNING
K20 LEARN is a free, easily-searchable lesson library that houses hundreds of lessons searchable by content area, grade-level, and state/national standards. LEARN lessons are developed on the K20 Center’s authenticity framework. Each lesson is student-centered, facilitates the construction of knowledge, and connects learning to real-life experiences. Lessons in LEARN are developed and vetted by expert curriculum specialists and accessed by teachers all over the world.
Research on LEARN lessons shows that, when compared to lessons using direct instruction, student learning outcomes are improved. In a quasi-experimental study, Jeter et al. (2019) found that the use of LEARN lessons in the English Language Arts classroom resulted in increased academic among secondary students. Additionally, students experiencing the LEARN lesson reported less boredom and more mastery of concepts than students receiving direct instruction.
Overall Usage
Lessons
Instructional Design
Activities (PD)
Total page views:
Countries accessed:
States accessed:
572,496
161
50
Views:
Lessons accessed:
PDF downloads:
104,598
385
9,526
Views:
Strategies accessed:
PDF/PPT downloads:
105,015
131
17,588
Views:
Activities accessed:
PDF downloads:
6,240
43
549
Top 5 Countries of Origin (Sessions)
United States {151,522)
Canada (23,373)
Australia (1,314)
United Kingdom (957)
Spain (453)
Top 5 States of Origin (Sessions)
Oklahoma (59,092)
Texas (14,292)
California (6,306)
New York (5,005)
North Carolina (4,261)
K20’s LEARN
DIVERSIFIES LEARNING
K20 LEARN is a free, easily-searchable lesson library that houses hundreds of lessons searchable by content area, grade-level, and state/national standards. LEARN lessons are developed on the K20 Center’s authenticity framework. Each lesson is student-centered, facilitates the construction of knowledge, and connects learning to real-life experiences. Lessons in LEARN are developed and vetted by expert curriculum specialists and accessed by teachers all over the world.
Research on LEARN lessons shows that, when compared to lessons using direct instruction, student learning outcomes are improved. In a quasi-experimental study, Jeter et al. (2019) found that the use of LEARN lessons in the English Language Arts classroom resulted in increased academic among secondary students. Additionally, students experiencing the LEARN lesson reported less boredom and more mastery of concepts than students receiving direct instruction.
Overall Usage
Lessons
Instructional Design
Activities (PD)
Total page views:
Countries accessed:
States accessed:
572,496
161
50
Views:
Lessons accessed:
PDF downloads:
104,598
385
9,526
Views:
Strategies accessed:
PDF/PPT downloads:
105,015
131
17,588
Views:
Activities accessed:
PDF downloads:
6,240
43
549
Top 5 Countries of Origin (Sessions)
United States {151,522)
Canada (23,373)
Australia (1,314)
United Kingdom (957)
Spain (453)
Top 5 States of Origin (Sessions)
Oklahoma (59,092)
Texas (14,292)
California (6,306)
New York (5,005)
North Carolina (4,261)
The GEAR UP OKC PROGRAMS AND SERVICES
The GEAR UP OKC PROGRAMS AND SERVICES
Campus Visits
Each year, all cohort students have the opportunity to go on a campus visit to one post secondary campus. A menu of campuses is provided annually for schools to select a site to visit. GEAR UP provides the transportation, lunch, activity, and an agenda for the visit. Schools partner with the GEAR UP Student Experiences Coordinator to determine when and where their visit will take place. During the visit, students learn about the unique opportunities and benefits of the host site. Thus far, students have visited the campuses of Langston University, The University of Central Oklahoma, and The University of Oklahoma.
For the 2020-2021 school year, GEAR UP will provide virtual campus visits to support students in continuing their post secondary education pursuit under COVID-19. Activities and sessions are conducted via Zoom and a menu of virtual campus tours has been created. One benefit of virtual tours is that students have the opportunity to access campuses outside of their usual geographic area.
Campus Visits
Each year, all cohort students have the opportunity to go on a campus visit to one post secondary campus. A menu of campuses is provided annually for schools to select a site to visit. GEAR UP provides the transportation, lunch, activity, and an agenda for the visit. Schools partner with the GEAR UP Student Experiences Coordinator to determine when and where their visit will take place. During the visit, students learn about the unique opportunities and benefits of the host site. Thus far, students have visited the campuses of Langston University, The University of Central Oklahoma, and The University of Oklahoma.
For the 2020-2021 school year, GEAR UP will provide virtual campus visits to support students in continuing their post secondary education pursuit under COVID-19. Activities and sessions are conducted via Zoom and a menu of virtual campus tours has been created. One benefit of virtual tours is that students have the opportunity to access campuses outside of their usual geographic area.
Action Plans
Each year, schools have the opportunity to submit an action plan to work towards a school goal. GEAR UP provides an annual budget. Schools use site-specific data to set a goal and select a research-based strategy of their choice to implement during the school year. Action plans are site-specific, include aligned, professional development, and can include purchases of supplies and investments in technology. Action plans are either academically-focused or support activities that engage students in a college and career going culture at the school. GEAR UP OKC spends more than $200,000.00 annually in supporting action plans.
Action Plans
Each year, schools have the opportunity to submit an action plan to work towards a school goal. GEAR UP provides an annual budget. Schools use site-specific data to set a goal and select a research-based strategy of their choice to implement during the school year. Action plans are site-specific, include aligned, professional development, and can include purchases of supplies and investments in technology. Action plans are either academically-focused or support activities that engage students in a college and career going culture at the school. GEAR UP OKC spends more than $200,000.00 annually in supporting action plans.
Professional Development
A primary goal of GEAR UP is to increase students’ academic performance and preparation for college and career opportunities. GEAR UP supports this goal in three ways. First, we provide authentic, job-embedded, and site-specific professional development for school staff that is aligned to the school’s action plan.
Second, cohort teachers have the opportunity to participate in our Action Research in Authenticity (ARA) program. ARA teachers sign up for a year-long coaching process with K20 curriculum specialists that includes summer professional development, quarterly in-classroom coaching, and reflections from our K20 Curriculum Specialists.
Finally, teachers have the opportunity to apply for the Leading Educators in Authentic Development (LEAD) program. Teachers who participate in LEAD will receive professional development throughout the year and will work to facilitate authentic professional development and reflections with their site staff. This opportunity is perfect for teachers who would like to take their practice to the next level by leading others.
Professional Development
A primary goal of GEAR UP is to increase students’ academic performance and preparation for college and career opportunities. GEAR UP supports this goal in three ways. First, we provide authentic, job-embedded, and site-specific professional development for school staff that is aligned to the school’s action plan.
Second, cohort teachers have the opportunity to participate in our Action Research in Authenticity (ARA) program. ARA teachers sign up for a year-long coaching process with K20 curriculum specialists that includes summer professional development, quarterly in-classroom coaching, and reflections from our K20 Curriculum Specialists.
Finally, teachers have the opportunity to apply for the Leading Educators in Authentic Development (LEAD) program. Teachers who participate in LEAD will receive professional development throughout the year and will work to facilitate authentic professional development and reflections with their site staff. This opportunity is perfect for teachers who would like to take their practice to the next level by leading others.
Zoom into Your Career
Virtual career expos help large groups of students learn about potential career options by connecting them with a variety of career professionals. As with a traditional career fair, multiple professional speakers present to and speak with students throughout the day. Unlike a traditional career fair, however, the expo is done virtually connecting career professionals to classrooms across Oklahoma. Teachers can register their classes for these career expos and facilitate students’ discussions with the professionals they meet. Then, teachers can engage students’ learning after an expo by extending the connection from careers to classroom content. The event also provides teachers with an opportunity to use technology such as Zoom and Swivl bots to connect their classrooms to other classrooms across the state.
Zoom into Your Career
Virtual career expos help large groups of students learn about potential career options by connecting them with a variety of career professionals. As with a traditional career fair, multiple professional speakers present to and speak with students throughout the day. Unlike a traditional career fair, however, the expo is done virtually connecting career professionals to classrooms across Oklahoma. Teachers can register their classes for these career expos and facilitate students’ discussions with the professionals they meet. Then, teachers can engage students’ learning after an expo by extending the connection from careers to classroom content. The event also provides teachers with an opportunity to use technology such as Zoom and Swivl bots to connect their classrooms to other classrooms across the state.
College Career Forums
Virtual career expos help large groups of students learn about potential career options by connecting them with a variety of career professionals. As with a traditional career fair, multiple professional speakers present to and speak with students throughout the day. Unlike a traditional career fair, however, the expo is done virtually connecting career professionals to classrooms across Oklahoma. Teachers can register their classes for these career expos and facilitate students’ discussions with the professionals they meet. Then, teachers can engage students’ learning after an expo by extending the connection from careers to classroom content. The event also provides teachers with an opportunity to use technology such as Zoom and Swivl bots to connect their classrooms to other classrooms across the state.
College to Career Forums
Virtual career expos help large groups of students learn about potential career options by connecting them with a variety of career professionals. As with a traditional career fair, multiple professional speakers present to and speak with students throughout the day. Unlike a traditional career fair, however, the expo is done virtually connecting career professionals to classrooms across Oklahoma. Teachers can register their classes for these career expos and facilitate students’ discussions with the professionals they meet. Then, teachers can engage students’ learning after an expo by extending the connection from careers to classroom content. The event also provides teachers with an opportunity to use technology such as Zoom and Swivl bots to connect their classrooms to other classrooms across the state.
Career Cafés
While Zoom Into Your Career offers a broader overview of careers to large groups of students, Career Cafés are an opportunity for students to dig deeper into career fields specific to their interests. These meetings provide a way for small groups of students to meet professionals—either in person or virtually—who work in career fields that the students want to learn more about. In a personalized setting, students have an opportunity to make meaningful connections while diving deeper into career interests.
Career Cafes
While Zoom Into Your Career offers a broader overview of careers to large groups of students, Career Cafés are an opportunity for students to dig deeper into career fields specific to their interests. These meetings provide a way for small groups of students to meet professionals—either in person or virtually—who work in career fields that the students want to learn more about. In a personalized setting, students have an opportunity to make meaningful connections while diving deeper into career interests.
Check & Connect
GEAR UP O+K=C uses a targeted mentoring approach to ensure that all students have access and encouragement to engage in project services. Using the evidence-based Check & Connect model developed by the University of Minnesota, school-based College Coaches serve as mentors for students who exhibit chronic absenteeism and other indicators of school disengagement. Students who meet the criteria for this intervention are included on the College Coaches’ caseloads and are given meaningful support. The College Coaches also serve as adult advocates for students by bridging communication gaps that exist among the students, their families, and school staff in order to connect students with school and learning. With this flexible, individualized approach, the College Coach assists some students with building skills such as problem-solving and goal-setting, while referring others to tutoring programs or other services as needed.
Career Cluster Activities
The K20 Center’s mentoring team has created activities to help students explore different career options and opportunities. After completing the activities, students gain a better understanding of what kind of career might interest them. Students are encouraged to discuss any questions or thoughts they have with a parent, guardian, or teacher.
Check & Connect
GEAR UP O+K=C uses a targeted mentoring approach to ensure that all students have access and encouragement to engage in project services. Using the evidence-based Check & Connect model developed by the University of Minnesota, school-based College Coaches serve as mentors for students who exhibit chronic absenteeism and other indicators of school disengagement. Students who meet the criteria for this intervention are included on the College Coaches’ caseloads and are given meaningful support. The College Coaches also serve as adult advocates for students by bridging communication gaps that exist among the students, their families, and school staff in order to connect students with school and learning. With this flexible, individualized approach, the College Coach assists some students with building skills such as problem-solving and goal-setting, while referring others to tutoring programs or other services as needed.
Career Cluster Activities
The K20 Center’s mentoring team has created activities to help students explore different career options and opportunities. After completing the activities, students gain a better understanding of what kind of career might interest them. Students are encouraged to discuss any questions or thoughts they have with a parent, guardian, or teacher.
