HOW TO TEACH
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL K-5
Effective Instruction for Increased Student Achievement
Meet Karen Kauo
of HOW TO TEACH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
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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 30 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 30 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 serve as an Instructional Specialist/Coach at an elementary school in a large, diverse school district in Southern California. Among the district’s 36 elementary schools, approximately one-third serve primarily Title I/EL/Bilingual populations, one-third—like my school—serve diverse middle-class communities, and the remaining third are located in higher socioeconomic areas.
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In the mid-2010s, as we began taking a closer look at student data, our school consistently ranked in the average range when compared to others in the district—14th in English Language Arts and 17th in Math. Despite our best efforts, we were frustrated by the lack of progress in overall student achievement. Around this time, the district introduced an initiative encouraging all schools to implement core elements of PLCs (Professional Learning Communities), MTSS (Multi-Tiered Systems of Support), and PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports).
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With strong district support and visionary leadership from our principal, we committed fully to the philosophies of PLC, MTSS, and PBIS. Over time, we began to see meaningful and measurable improvements—not only in academic outcomes but also in student behavior.
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By May 2023, our school—once solidly middle-of-the-pack—had achieved the highest proficiency scores on both district-wide diagnostic assessments and the CAASPP, California’s statewide standardized test.
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Remarkably, our upward trajectory continued even through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Rather than experiencing learning loss, our students demonstrated learning gains.
A true team effort—high fives all around!
VISIBLE LEARNING​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
SO HOW DID WE DO IT???
THE WHOLE SCHOOL APPROACH
In our district, we have a saying: ALL MEANS ALL.
This phrase goes beyond our shared goal of ensuring every student reaches proficiency. It also speaks to the belief that every adult on campus—principals, teachers, paraprofessionals, campus supervisors, office staff, and custodians—has a vital role in supporting student success.
ALL adults. ALL in. ALL the time.
We all share the same mission: increase student achievement.
The keys to our school’s growth in student achievement have included:
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Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) implemented with fidelity
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Collective teacher efficacy built through peer accountability and collaboration
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Horizontal and vertical alignment of priority standards and best instructional practices
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Data-driven decision making—tracking student progress and responding to needs
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Collective commitments by all staff to support every student
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High-quality first instruction using evidence-based teaching strategies
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PBIS implemented with fidelity to support a positive school culture
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Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) providing targeted intervention and extension opportunities
And more...
We’re proud of the gains we’ve made—but we’re not finished. We continue to maintain high levels of student achievement and are committed to reaching even greater heights.