Home School FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of the educational software IAAK uses?
IAAK uses CompassLearning™, an interactive and fun program that was developed by industry experts and is currently used by 14 million students in 21,000 schools nationwide.
What types of learning activities is my child completing?
CompassLearning’s multi-media curriculum appeals to a variety of learning styles by integrating diverse instructional strategies and varied assignments. K-8 learners advance through interactive learning activities, applying their knowledge and skills throughout the module. When relevant, learners will also engage in project-based learning to connect skills and concepts to real-world applications. To assess understanding, K-8 learners are given quizzes and tests. High school learners will advance through course materials, including a multi-media lecture, vocabulary application, online content/resources, exploratory activities, and assessments (quizzes and tests). With your parent user information you may log into the program and advance through the learning activities your child is completing.
What other subjects are offered?
IAAK offers supplemental learning programs in language arts, math, social studies, and science. If you are interested in learning more about other offerings, please call 808.487.KIDS.
When can my child access the program?
We have designed the program to suit your schedule. Your child can access the program from 6:00 am to midnight, seven days a week. Given that the curriculum is web-based, your child can login and learn at a time that works for you.
How does the rewards program work?
IAAK’s performance-based rewards program provides students with the motivation to want to do their best. They earn points based on their performance on learning activities, quizzes, and tests in an effort to teach learners that with hard work, comes rewards. Learners also earn points based on overall academic improvement from pre to post-test.
IAAK has partnered with community businesses who share in its passion of helping students succeed in school, increase self-esteem, and foster a love for learning. Our partners include Meadow Gold, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, Jamba Juice, CompUSA, and Fernandez Fun Factory – and the list is growing! Students can easily access their point total and redeem rewards whenever they choose. Prizes will be mailed to your child within two weeks of redemption. We encourage you spend some time reviewing the list of rewards and help your child set some short and long-term goals, another great skill for success.
Are incentive programs effective in promoting academic achievement?
Incentive programs link achievement of academic goals with products. Incentive programs help build learner engagement which is essential to learning. IAAK realizes that although extrinsic rewards motivate students to work harder in the beginning, true engagement comes from the intrinsic rewards of learning that IAAK’s programs foster. Over 30% of graduates from IAAK’s NCLB tutoring program enroll to work independently post-graduation on its programs.
What is a virtual coach?
A virtual coach is an educational specialist who monitors your child’s performance and progress – all virtually! Your child’s virtual coach will regularly review your child’s learning path, paying close attention to performance. If it is apparent that your child has not performed well on a learning activity, it can be re-assigned to allow your child another opportunity to master the skill/concept. Or, additional supplemental resources can be shared with your child to build skills and interest. The virtual coach will send regular progress reports via email so you are informed about your child’s academic growth. We encourage you to share any observations and/or feedback regarding your child’s learning to your virtual coach.
Can I or my child communicate with the virtual coach?
Of course! Your child’s virtual coach welcomes any observations and feedback you may have. Information you provide will help the virtual coach better meet your child’s needs. Please respond to the virtual coach’s email messages with valuable feedback and/or questions.
How will I know if my child is learning?
In order to create a customized learning path to suit your child’s strengths and weaknesses, your child will begin each core concept module with a pre-test. The pre-test will help to identify specific areas your child needs to strengthen. The learning activities your child completes will address these areas. Once your child has completed a learning path, he/she will complete a post-test on the specific core concept module to determine academic improvement. Progress reports will be emailed to you on a regular basis. These reports provide information about your child’s recent work, performance and skill/concept mastery level. In addition, your parent login information allows you to view your child’s “backpack” any time to review recent work and customize reports to suit your needs.
What is considered acceptable or desirable progress?
Given that each learner is unique, progress will vary from learner to learner. By examining performance on pre and post-tests, you will be able to quickly assess how much progress your child has made. If you feel your child is not progressing at the appropriate pace, please communicate your concerns with either your virtual coach or an IAAK support specialist.
What if the learning path is too easy or hard for my child?
We certainly want the learning path to challenge your child but not be so difficult that he/she does not experience success. If you feel your child’s learning path is too easy or hard, please let the virtual coach know by responding to the progress updates via email. The virtual coach will also be monitoring your child’s performance and able to determine if the learning path is too easy or too challenging.
Can I customize my child’s program?
Yes! In fact, you play a large role in your child’s learning path. The virtual coach may communicate activities that your child should revisit due to low performance scores. You will then be able to assist your child in re-visiting these activities. Also, you may observe that your child needs to revisit a particular learning activity and may re-assign activities at any point. We encourage you to take an active role in the development and monitoring of your child’s learning path. To re-assign a learning activity simply log into www.smartkidshawaii.com using your child’s login information and select “Activity Finder” in the bottom left corner of the launch pad screen. Simply enter the activity number (provided by the virtual coach or found on your child’s Progress Report) and your child can begin the activity. For step by step directions, please reference the Guidebook for Parents.