Evidence Based Learning

A number of articles recently published online state that there are a number of factors to look at while evaluating a program’s potential to build safer schools.

Here are some points to consider:

1) Evidence-based strategies: If the program offers concrete strategies derived from academic research or empirical evidence, this supports its potential effectiveness. Look for strategies such as conflict resolution training, bully prevention programs, positive behavior supports, etc.

2) Expert involvement: Check if experts in the field of education, psychology, sociology, etc., are involved in creating and implementing the program. Their expertise can indicate a high-quality program.

3) Case studies and testimonials: Real-life examples of schools that have benefited from the program can offer strong support. Also, positive testimonials from educators, administrators, and students can bolster the credibility of the program.

4) Measurements of success: The program should offer concrete ways to measure its success, such as reduced incidents of violence, improved school climate surveys, decreased absenteeism, improved academic achievement, etc.

5) Training and ongoing support: The best programs offer training for educators and ongoing support to help implement the program effectively.

6) Adherence to legal standards: Ensure that the program is in compliance with local and national laws regarding school safety, privacy, and other relevant regulations.

Let’s take a moment to examine each of these, and see how the Navigator Program and Journey to the Summit meets and exceeds these standards.

1) Evidence-based strategies: If the program offers concrete strategies derived from academic research or empirical evidence, this supports its potential effectiveness. Look for strategies such as conflict resolution training, bully prevention programs, positive behavior supports, etc.

The strategies employed in Navigator contain training that specifically addresses Conflict Resolution, Bullying, Suicide Prevention, Positive Behavior, Emotional Intelligence and Career Planning, School Violence, Apathy, Toxic Environments, Family Relationships, Drug Use, Eating Disorders and Anxiety.

The latest empirical evidence (fall 2022) includes feedback from multiple school districts (3), administrators, educators (8), mentors and students (430), with 62% (267) responding to the questions at the end of the program.  [Our interviews indicated that individual teacher involvment and buy-in was a direct influence in the number of responses at the end of the program.]

Information on the acutal questions and responses is available here.

2) Expert involvement: Check if experts in the field of education, psychology, sociology, etc., are involved in creating and implementing the program. Their expertise can indicate a high-quality program.

The creators of this program bring nearly half a century of teaching experience to the field, with degrees that include Master of Art’s Degree in Educational Leadership, Secondary Education Degree in Mathematics, Certifications as a Elementary and Secondary Principals, a National Board Certified teacher with a background in Leadership and a camp director with emphasis on Leadership. 

This program grew out of a direct need that, although it existed prior to the COVID-19 shutdown of our schools, was highlighted and magnified by that disaster. It recognized taht many students were not ready to learn due to gaps in their education. This program was developed specifically with that in mind:

Helping the students explore who they are, challenging and developing the part of their brain that was underdeveloped, helped their educational maturity. As the learning culture changed, students began to care for each other, their school, and community. And when career education was introduced into the class at the end of the semester the students began to figure out what they wanted to do with their lives. The students were now “learning ready” after they had been through the program. They could absorb information in a deeper and more substantial way. They not only could apply it, they wanted to apply it! 

3) Case studies and testimonials: Real-life examples of schools that have benefited from the program can offer strong support. Also, positive testimonials from educators, administrators, and students can bolster the credibility of the program.

As of the completion of the 2022 semester, we have numerous “real-life” examples from three schoold districts in Oklahoma.  We also have testimony from educators and students, as well as un-biased third party mentors that have been a part of the program as presenters.  That evidence is available on our testimony page, as well as our Social Media (links at bottom and top of each page) and YouTube channel (click here for youTube).

4) Measurements of success: The program should offer concrete ways to measure its success, such as reduced incidents of violence, improved school climate surveys, decreased absenteeism, improved academic achievement, etc.

Teacher reports indicate that as a direct result of this program students expressed that they feel needed and known at their high school – helping to make school a safer place to be.  The use of activities, small groups and upperclassmen mentors has been reported to help students build positive relationships with their peers, upperclassmen and teachers. Studies indicate that this positive trend will continue to increase as the processes of selecting mentors and teacher implementation of the program continues to improve.

This is a significant response.  The Navigator was designed to engage students in a way that will help them apply personal responsibility to all of their classes.

Responses to survey questions include: 

• I think I have become more active and bold as a person in life.
• I have discovered personal issues I have that I need to solve.
• That I can feel good about other people.
• I have realized my worth.
• I can overcome stress and stay on top of my work as long as I am consistent.
• I have learned that I can always grow to become better than where I am at that moment.
• That I need to open up a little bit and stop being an over thinker.
• I have become more social and have a lot of friends.
• I have become more mature and my social anxiety has gotten better.
• I have learned how to calm myself down when getting overwhelmed.
• The growth of actually talking to people.
• I have experienced a lot of personal growth. I’ve started being consistent with positive daily habits. I have also experienced growth in my friendships and relationships.

5) Training and ongoing support: The best programs offer training for educators and ongoing support to help implement the program effectively.

The Navigator course includes inital and follow-up training for mentors and educators. After an initial interview and qualification call, if accepted into the Education ALIVE program, there is an itital staff training session (2 hours) and then lead instructors/teacher orientation. To ensure excellence in the program, the Education Alive lead architect will present the intial presentations for the teachers, mentors and students. Teachers that wish to become certified may elect to follow our certification process and then be allowed more flexibility in presenting the material in their personal classroom. 

Mentors are trained off-site and commit to a two semester program that includes intial training, and regular refresher training and feed-back sessions.

6) Adherence to legal standards: Ensure that the program is in compliance with local and national laws regarding school safety, privacy, and other relevant regulations.

To ensure legal compliance, each school district is encouraged to have their legal team review the terms and conditions, as well as the processes that are implemented. Pribacy and safety are of utmost concern in all activities and aspects of this process.  We also encourage parent involvment as the primary educators of their children.  An open parent meeting is help prior to the start of the program, and newsletters and reviews are incorporated in every step of the process.