OUR APPROACH

 

At Accelerated Schools of Overland Park, we recognize that all of our students are individuals with different approaches to learning. We want to provide our students with the encouragement, strategies and education they will need to be successful, knowledgeable and resourceful adults in the 21st century.

We strive to create a learning environment where all students will develop a positive self-image and feeling of worth. Students will have the opportunity to come to school each day with the expectation of being successful.

Students will be challenged to attain their highest level of academic success while developing stronger independent study habits and improved executive functioning skills.

At ASOP, we successfully educate gifted, average, and learning challenged students with a unique, three-pronged approach that:

  1. provides personalized instruction,

  2. teaches executive function skills, and

  3. prioritizes social-emotional learning (SEL). 

We also foster a safe and compassionate learning environment.

 
 

personalized instruction & executive function skills

ASOP’s approach to providing personalized instruction and teaching executive function skills is implemented through:

  • diagnostic testing to determine strengths and weaknesses, to prescribe appropriate materials for advancement, and to eliminate unnecessary hours of instruction

  • personalized instruction and individualized expectations to allow students to advance academically at their own pace, to master each step in the sequence of learning before proceeding, and to consistently challenge students to achieve with success

  • low student–teacher ratios (7:1) to foster positive interactions, provide close teacher supervision, and keep students actively engaged throughout the class

  • daily report cards to let students know how they are progressing each day and to provide essential communication between the school and the parents

  • an effective daily incentive program to provide tangible, meaningful rewards to the students and to motivate students to realize their maximum learning potential

  • scheduling flexibility that allows a student’s class schedule to be changed as needed

  • structured classrooms to minimize distractions for relaxed, efficient learning and to create a safe and predictable environment

  • strict accountability for work completion to help students manage their time, to eliminate procrastination, and to require students to be active participants in class

  • close teacher supervision and immediate feedback on performance to help students understand errors as a learning opportunity for growth and success

  • realistic homework expectations to review and reinforce skills and concepts taught in class, to promote literacy, to develop personal responsibility outside of direct supervision, and to work independently with less parent involvement

  • computers as a classroom tool to complement teacher-led instruction, and to increase focus, concentration and work production in a responsible manner

  • resource period each day to provide homework support, and to develop a small community among students

  • incorporation of executive function skills into all instruction to strengthen focus, concentration, task initiation, planning, time management and organization.

 
 
 
 

social-emotional learning

ASOP prioritizes social-emotional learning (SEL) through:

  • one-on-one visits with a Mental Health Counselor

  • the Pathways program, which allows students to explore mental health topics in small groups

  • the Calm Corner, a special area in the Counseling Center designed to help students regulate their emotions

  • an Ambassador program, which pairs incoming students with peer mentors

  • a Therapy Dog program, which has two staff dogs certified through Pet Partners

  • opportunities to socialize, including lunch and break times, Friday 7th-period clubs, field trips, holiday parties and other student enrichment activities.

 
 


safe & compassionate environment

Finally, ASOP fosters a safe and compassionate learning environment through: