HOW TO TEACH
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL K-5
So All Students Achieve
Meet Karen Kauo
of HOW TO TEACH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Click!
I'm Karen, a teacher leader dedicated to mentoring new and experienced teachers in the implementation of effective instructional strategies that maximize student achievement. If you are looking to learn and grow as an education professional, you are in the right place!
Aloha!
Teacher Efficacy
I teach at a K-5 elementary school in southern California. In my 28 years, I have taught all grade levels K-5. Currently, I am an instructional specialist specializing in MTSS, Multi-Tiered Systems of Support. I coach teachers in the use of effective Tier 1 instructional practices. I provide Tier 2 and Tier 3 academic and behavioral support to students
The most important thing I have learned is the importance of collaboration to build collective teacher efficacy. All teachers - In all grade levels - In every classroom - Utilizing every tool in their toolbox to maximize student achievement.
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The Best Job Ever!
Teaching isn't just a job, it's a profession.
As professionals, we must be open to continually learning and growing and implementing best teaching practices. I started my teaching career in 1996 and the way I taught in the 20th century is far from the way I teach today. I am continually reflective of my impact on student achievement and actively seek out knowledge of how I can be the teacher my students need. EVERYDAY.
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The HOW TO TEACH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL series is the compilation of knowledge, strategies, research, and borrowed/shared teaching tips from 28 years in the classroom.
I grew up around the globe as an Air Force brat but settled in Orange County, California after high school. Went to college here and started my teaching career here. With our boys all grown up, my husband and I recently moved closer to the beach. A 3 block walk and I'm on the sand. Living our best life!
My husband and I have been married for 32 years. We have two adult sons who went to college out of state then moved back home. Not literally. They have their own apartment :) But we love having them close (Team Kauo!). My husband is Hawaiian from the island of Kauai. We spend every summer on the islands visiting family and exploring the beauty and culture. When we are not on Kauai, we love to travel and adventure in places that are not an island!
I am the ultimate multi tasker and ALWAYS on the go! I actually have 4 jobs. Yes. FOUR jobs! I am a full time teacher. I'm the Communications Director for a year-round club lacrosse program. I help my sons run their carpentry and custom furniture business. Oh, and I run my two companies, Perfectly Grown Classroom and How to Teach Elementary School. In my free time (ha ha) I love to read for my two book clubs (Audible is my favorite), craft and create, I love photography (sports and travel photography), and traveling. How do I do it ALL? I drink a mocha every morning and have an amazing, supportive family which includes my school family and friends that are family.
EFFECTIVE TEACHING & INCREASED STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT
READ HOW MY STAFF CAME TOGETHER TO INCREASE STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT
FROM MIDDLE OF THE PACK TO LEADER OF THE PACK
​I teach at an elementary school in a large diverse school district in southern California. Of the 32 elementary schools, approximately 1/3 are Title 1/EL/Bilingual, 1/3 are diverse middle class (my school), and 1/3 are in higher SES communities.
In the mid 2010s, when we started looking closely at data, my school consistently ranked in the average range when compared to the other schools in the district, ranked #14 in ELA and #17 in Math. We were frustrated because we felt we had tried everything and STILL were not seeing any increase in overall student achievement. The district presented a new initiative that all schools implement elements of PLCs (Professional Learning Communities), MTSS (Muti-Tiered Systems of Support), and PBIS (Positive Behavior Intervention Supports).
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With support from the school district and leadership from our principal, we fully embraced the philosophy of PLC, MTSS, and PBIS and saw visible impact in both academic achievement AND student behaviors.
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As of May 2023, my school that once ranked in the middle of the pack, had the highest proficiency scores across all district diagnostics and the CAASPP California state standardized tests.
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COVID had no impact, in fact our scores went UP after COVID. Absolutely no learning loss. Only a learning gain.
High Fives all around!
VISIBLE LEARNING​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
SO HOW DID WE DO IT???
THE WHOLE SCHOOL APPROACH
We have a saying in my district, ALL MEANS ALL. This doesn’t just apply to our goal of students achieving proficiency.
ALL MEANS ALL also applies to ALL adults at a school site from the principal, to teachers, paraprofessionals, campus supervisors, the office staff, and custodian.
ALL adults have the same MISSION. Increase student achievement.
All ADULTS. ALL IN. ALL THE TIME
The keys to our increased student achievement were:
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Professional Learning Communities implemented with fidelity
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Teachers holding each other accountable building collective teacher efficacy.
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Horizontal and Vertical Alignment of Priority Standards and Best Teaching Practices
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Tracking Student Progress with Data and Determining Students’ Needs
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Collective Commitments to All Students by All Teachers
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Great First Instruction - Evidence Based Teaching Practices
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PBIS with Fidelity (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports)
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Multi-Tiered Systems of Support – Intervention and Extension
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AND MORE...
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And we're not done yet. We continue to maintain high achievement and are working to increase scores even higher.
