GEAR UP for LIFE Staff Overview

Transition to slide 5. Have participants divide into small groups (or pairs). Have participants look at the small infographic on pages 2–3 of their GEAR UP for LIFE Overview Booklets. Point out to the participants that the infographic is best read starting with the mission statement at the top of the page and to the right, moving clockwise as they read.

Pass out a copy of the attached Note Catcher to each participant. Introduce the I Notice, I Wonder instructional strategy, and point out the corresponding I Notice, I Wonder section of the Note Catcher. Assign each group either the left side or the right side of the infographic and have groups record what they notice (true statements) and wonder (questions they have) about their assigned side of the infographic. Share the following as examples:

• I notice that the K20 Center is centered around collaboration with the university, community, and school.

• I wonder how the community is involved in the collaboration piece.

Give participants three minutes to look over their side of the infographic and record their responses.

If desired, display the K20 Center timer to time participants.

Go to slide 6. Ask groups to select ONE statement they noticed and ONE question they wondered about. Have groups record their “I Notice” statement on a sticky note of one color and their “I Wonder” questions on a sticky note of the other color.

Once they have finished, invite all groups up to place their sticky notes on the appropriate half of the GEAR UP for LIFE Overview Infographic poster.

After all groups have posted their I Notice, I Wonder statements, display slide 7. Look over the sticky notes and use participants’ notes to start a whole-group discussion. Ask participants to share what they noticed and wondered about the K20 Center. Mention common points or connections across the “I notice” and “I wonder” statements. As you address questions, you might find it useful to provide more information about other general K20 services that will be offered during the grant.

Display slide 8. Explain that the K20 Center is an educational research and development center that provides professional developments to educators across the state. Point out the IDEALS and explain that the acronym stands for Inquiry, Discourse, Equity, Authenticity, Leadership, and Student-Centered Learning Climate.

Display slide 9. Use the sticky notes to transition into a conversation about the GEAR UP for LIFE grant. Explain that the K20 Center is a statewide research and development center. K20’s mission is to advance leadership and learning through authentic experiences, educational resources, technology integration, college and career readiness, and community connections that innovate and transform education.

Transition to slide 10 and share the cohort model on the slide. Inform participants that GEAR UP stands for Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs. Explain that GEAR UP is a federal grant with a competitive application process and that participating schools have a 50% free and reduced lunch rate. The cohort starts in 6th grade and follows students through their freshman year of college. Share with participants that, during these seven years, students and teachers will participate in events like campus visits, college and career events, Counselor Academy, and ADEPT.

Display slide 11 and direct participants to the infographic map in their GEAR UP for LIFE booklet on page 9. Explain that the GEAR UP for LIFE grant is a partnership between the K20 Center and 27 rural schools in Oklahoma. The K20 Center provides professional development and services for teachers, students, leaders, and parents. The grant will directly impact 8,258 students, and will increase student learning and engagement throughout the next 7 years. Additionally, inform participants that LIFE stands for Learning and Investigating Future Education.

Display slide 12. Use participants' sticky notes to guide a whole-group discussion about what participants notice and wonder about college benefits to students.

Transition to slide 13. Point out the four main benefits expanded upon in the infographic:

• Personal economic good refers to outcomes that have a positive effect on students financially. These outcomes might affect salary differentials or employment opportunities. A bachelor's degree can allow a student to earn $1 million more than a high school graduate over the course of their career.

• Public economic good refers to ways in which college graduates benefit the financial status of the community, region, state, or nation in which they live. These benefits might include things such as taxes, charitable contributions, or filled jobs.

• Personal social capital relates to a person's individual development. This can cover a broad range of skills like critical thinking, understanding of international perspectives, and interpersonal skills.

• Public social capital refers to the social benefits to a community. This can include civic engagement, building a community of shared values, and involvement in nonprofits, teaching, and healthcare.

Display slide 14. Use the sticky notes once more to discuss with the group what the participants notice and wonder about research-based approaches.

Transition to slide 15. Point out the following approaches on the infographic:

• Authentic learning

• 5E Lessons

• Professional Developments (PD)

• Instructional Strategies

• Tech Tools

• Tech-Integrated Strategies

Emphasize that all approaches are centered around research. This includes working to improve and modify practices through feedback, surveys, and research studies.

Wrap up this activity by answering any sticky note questions you may have missed.