Mastery Learning

The concept of one year’s worth of growth over one year’s worth of time is central to John Hattie's Visible Learning framework, which draws from an extensive meta-analysis of over 300 million students worldwide. The aim is to ensure that every student, regardless of their starting point, demonstrates significant academic progress within a given year. This isn't about just "covering" material, but about achieving a deep, lasting understanding of content and skills, ensuring all students advance appropriately for their age and grade level.

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Our mastery-based learning model prioritizes individual student growth, allowing us to track progress continuously. This method encourages students to revisit challenging concepts until mastery is achieved, promoting resilience and a growth mindset.

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In Hattie's research, an effect size is used to measure the impact of various educational practices on student achievement. Effect sizes are calculated by looking at the average change in performance between pre- and post-intervention, relative to the variance in the sample population. Hattie defines an effect size of 0.40 as the "hinge point"—the average expected growth for a typical student in a typical year. Any intervention or practice with an effect size above 0.40 is considered highly effective because it accelerates student learning beyond the expected rate.

 

How We Achieve One Year’s Worth of Growth

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We employ evidence-based practices that have been proven to significantly enhance student learning. We utilize the meta-analysis index to guide our selection of instructional practices. Weekly our teachers measure the effectiveness of their implementation through our professional learning community process.

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Tailored instructional Strategies:

• For students who may struggle to grasp specific concepts, we implement corrective instruction. This targeted support helps to address learning gaps and reinforces foundational knowledge.

• For students demonstrating mastery of skills and content, we offer enrichment opportunities that challenge and extend their learning, allowing them to explore topics in greater depth and complexity.

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We believe in individualized learning pathways that ensure every student receives the appropriate level of support. This includes:

• Systematic Interventions: Regular assessments help identify areas where students may need additional help or enrichment.

• Specialized Instruction: Our classroom experience includes differentiated instruction designed to meet diverse learning needs.

• Coordinated Group Instruction: Students may participate in groups tailored to their skill levels, providing focused instruction and collaborative learning opportunities.

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Our mastery learning model, in conjunction with the Visible Learning Framework, lays a strong foundation for students as they prepare for honors and Advanced Placement (AP) courses, as well as college-level academics. Here’s how:

1. Deep Understanding of Content: By focusing on mastery of concepts, students develop a thorough understanding of the material rather than merely memorizing facts. This deeper comprehension is critical for success in advanced courses, where students are expected to analyze, synthesize, and apply their knowledge in complex ways. Research indicates that students who engage with material at a deeper level perform better in higher-level courses .

2. Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills: Our approach encourages students to think critically and solve problems effectively. These skills are essential for success in honors and AP courses, where students often tackle intricate and challenging content. According to studies, students who are trained to approach learning through a mastery lens are better equipped to handle rigorous coursework and develop the analytical skills required in college .

3. Individualized Support and Growth Mindset: Our model promotes a growth mindset, where students learn to view challenges as opportunities for growth. By providing tailored support—such as corrective instruction for those who need it and enrichment opportunities for advanced learners—we ensure that all students can thrive. This adaptability prepares students for the demands of AP courses and college, where self-directed learning and resilience are vital .

4. Systematic Preparation for Rigor: The mastery learning model allows us to systematically address each student’s learning needs. By identifying areas for intervention and enrichment early on, we ensure that students are well-prepared for the rigorous demands of honors and AP classes. This proactive approach not only fosters academic success but also boosts students' confidence, allowing them to approach advanced coursework with a positive attitude.

5. Collaboration and Communication Skills: Through coordinated group instruction and collaborative projects, students enhance their teamwork and communication skills. These soft skills are crucial for success in both AP classes and the collegiate environment, where collaboration and effective communication are often key components of academic and professional success .

 

By nurturing these essential skills and attitudes, we are equipping our students not only to succeed in honors and AP courses but also to excel in their future academic pursuits.

 

In summary, our mastery learning framework ensures that all students receive the individualized attention they need to thrive, ultimately preparing them for future academic endeavors and beyond. If you have questions about our model or how it can benefit your child, we encourage you to reach out for more information.