How to Demystify the Hidden Curriculum for Academic Wellness | Estella Evans Hamilton | TEDxUTulsa

Key Concepts

• Hidden Curriculum: Unspoken norms, values, and behaviors within a school's culture.
• GPA (Grade Point Average): A numerical representation of a student's academic performance.
• Credit Sufficiency: Earning enough credits to progress and graduate on time.
• Transcripts: Official academic records.
• GAP Life: Goal setting, action planning, life skills framework for academic success.
• Engaged Empowerment: Students taking ownership of their academic journey.

The Problem: Ignorance of the Hidden Curriculum

• Many students navigate high school "obliviously," lacking understanding of GPA, credit sufficiency, and transcripts.
• The speaker recounts an anecdote about a student mistaking "GPA" on a poster for "grandpa," highlighting the lack of awareness.
• In 2016, two students were at risk of repeating freshman year due to a lack of understanding of these concepts.
• This ignorance is not unique to one school or state; Oklahoma is ranked 49th in education, suggesting a broader issue.

GAP Life: A Solution for Illumination and Activation

• GAP Life is a system designed to help students "own and chart their academic experience."
• It aims to illuminate the hidden curriculum by fostering credit sufficiency, strong GPA, and transcript awareness.
• The program emphasizes that simply informing students isn't enough; activation is necessary for true understanding.

Three-Step Monthly Interaction with GAP Life

1. Reflect: Think about GPA achieved on the last progress report.
2. Calculate: Figure out current GPA, set a goal of one letter grade higher, and write an action plan.
3. Adjust: Make adjustments to progress and action plan as needed.

Components of the GAP Life Folder

• Instructions for calculating GPA and charting credit sufficiency.
• Three opportunities throughout the year to achieve credit sufficiency and a solid GPA before transcripts.
• Goals paired with action plans, emphasizing that "a goal without a plan is just a wish."
• A "credit ridge" depicting the long-term goal of graduation broken down into short-term goals for each year (freshman, sophomore, junior, senior).
• Each year is broken down into two semesters, requiring students to pass classes for credit sufficiency.

Benefits and Outcomes of GAP Life

• Students experience a "light bulb" moment, gaining a clear understanding of their academic standing.
• Progress reports become interactive tools for discussion with parents.
• Reinforces life skills: intrinsic motivation, attendance, self-regulation, and self-advocacy.
• Students feel a sense of control and ownership over their academic experience.
• Parents become accountability partners, providing incentives for goal achievement.
• Teachers align lessons with student goals.
• Counselors encourage credit sufficiency and strong GPA.
• Administrators support the implementation and maintenance of GAP Life.

Data and Statistics

• Before GAP Life and during the pandemic, 40-45% of students were "obliviously navigating" and off track for graduation.
• The first implementation of GAP Life resulted in 85% of students being credit sufficient, a 20-25% increase.
• The freshman class of 2027 achieved 99% credit sufficiency.
• These percentages represent a population of 1,000-1,300 students across demographics and achievement levels.

Conclusion

GAP Life is a multi-dimensional process that empowers students to take control of their academic journey by illuminating the hidden curriculum and fostering essential life skills. The program's success is demonstrated through significant improvements in credit sufficiency and student engagement, ultimately leading to higher graduation rates and greater opportunities for students.