What we teach matters, but more importantly, how our curriculum is delivered and who delivers it is what drives outcomes.
The role of the Learning Coach is critical to Ascend’s success. Our Learning Coaches serve as our individualization experts; they develop deep relationships with Ascend students, getting to know the ins-and-outs of who they are not only as learners, but also as complex human beings with a range of social-emotional needs. Our math instruction is about more than teaching discrete skills; rather, it serves as a vehicle for instilling in students the strategies of lifelong learners.
For these reasons and more, the training and development of our Learning Coaches is pivotal. Our Learning Coaches are paired with Ascend’s instructional coaches, who provide consistent support and feedback. On a weekly basis, Learning Coaches receive one-on-one coaching and training from this team of seasoned, expert teachers, with a focus on instructional coaching and analysis of student understanding, which informs our task planning and learning progressions. This rigorous process is what allows us to individualize at high levels.