Outstanda is an educational organization focused on transforming lives and communities by raising living standards through impactful education. Central to Outstanda’s mission is the belief that learning is the key to unlocking potential, preparing students for future success, and strengthening communities. Outstanda aims to foster deep comprehension, encourage practical application, and create inclusive learning experiences for students of all backgrounds.

1. Mastery and Application

One of the core principles at Outstanda is mastery learning. This approach emphasizes the importance of fully understanding each concept before moving on to more advanced material. Students progress only when they demonstrate a clear grasp of the subject, allowing them to build a strong foundation. This principle also emphasizes the practical application of knowledge, which equips students to use what they learn in real-world scenarios. Mastery learning helps students develop skills that are relevant to both their academic pursuits and their future careers, establishing them as lifelong learners.

2. Stronger Understanding of Core Principles

Outstanda's curriculum focuses on fundamental principles in each subject area, encouraging students to deeply understand key concepts that support growth across disciplines. By prioritizing core principles, students can develop a broader understanding that connects multiple subjects, giving them the ability to approach complex issues and solve problems from various perspectives. This approach not only strengthens foundational knowledge but also enables students to make connections between subjects, enhancing their overall comprehension.

3. Developing Work Ethic and Teamwork Skills

At Outstanda, a strong work ethic and teamwork skills are essential components of the educational experience. Through project-based learning, students engage in assignments that require dedication, collaboration, and perseverance. Working on projects as part of a team teaches students the importance of accountability and dependability. These projects also foster cooperation, which is a valuable skill in both the workplace and personal life. This approach helps students understand the importance of individual effort as well as collective responsibility, preparing them for the demands of future workplaces and community roles.

4. Enhancing Comprehension and Critical Thinking

Critical thinking is a major focus within Outstanda’s educational model. Students are encouraged to analyze, question, and deeply explore topics, which cultivates the skills necessary for assessing information critically. By developing comprehension and analytical skills, students are better prepared to navigate complex real-world situations. This principle encourages students to become thoughtful problem-solvers who can make informed decisions, an invaluable skill in today's information-rich world.

5. Empowering Families

Outstanda recognizes that empowering families plays a key role in a student’s success. Through a unique pay-for-success model, Outstanda provides students with opportunities to earn rewards for academic achievements, which can help them meet some of their own financial needs. This approach not only instills a sense of responsibility and accomplishment in students but also supports their families by allowing additional income to be allocated to other essential needs. By engaging students and families alike, Outstanda creates a collaborative support system that strengthens students' learning experiences while promoting financial empowerment within the family.

6. Fostering a Respectful, Diverse, and Bias-Aware Environment

Creating a learning environment where respect, diversity, and bias awareness are prioritized is a key principle for Outstanda. By using teaching materials and practices that actively address and mitigate bias, Outstanda promotes inclusivity in the classroom. Students are encouraged to engage in respectful discussions, gaining exposure to a wide range of perspectives and learning to appreciate diversity. This approach helps foster a sense of belonging and mutual respect among all students, supporting a well-rounded education.

7. Local Control over Controversial Topics

In alignment with its commitment to inclusivity, Outstanda encourages local school districts to manage controversial topics according to their community values. By allowing local authorities to make decisions on sensitive topics at the K-12 level, Outstanda ensures that students are introduced to complex discussions at an appropriate pace. This approach respects community perspectives while preparing students for the critical thinking required for more advanced discussions at the college level.

8. Outcome-Driven Focus

Outstanda’s educational model is outcome-driven, with a focus on preparing students for success in assessments, higher education, and careers. By setting measurable goals and milestones, Outstanda helps students work toward tangible outcomes, such as excelling in standardized tests or developing the skills needed for their chosen career paths. This outcome-oriented approach ensures that students are well-prepared for the demands of the future, from academic settings to the professional world.

9. Instructor Support

Outstanda also prioritizes instructor support, making classroom management smoother and more efficient. Because student behavior is positively influenced by the opportunity to earn rewards, instructors experience fewer disruptions and more engaged learners. Outstanda’s tools for instructors are designed to be intuitive, requiring only a few clicks to confirm student progress or open assessments. This streamlined process saves time and simplifies classroom tasks, allowing educators to focus more on teaching and less on administration.

In Summary

Outstanda’s commitment to mastery, inclusivity, and outcome-driven education creates an educational experience designed to help students achieve their fullest potential. By supporting deep understanding, critical thinking, and practical skills, Outstanda empowers learners to pursue success in academics, careers, and life while fostering a mindset that is prepared for the future.

Outstanda’s Learning Gigs offer a unique way to engage students by allowing them to work at their own pace, practice their skills, and earn rewards based on their academic achievements. This model empowers students to take greater responsibility for their learning while giving instructors flexibility to adapt these gigs to meet classroom goals and individual student needs.

Supporting Individual Pacing with Guided Mentorship

In Outstanda’s approach, students move through their projects and assignments at their own pace, with the opportunity to take an assessment once a day after an instructor verifies they’ve satisfactorily completed their project work. This daily, proctored assessment allows students to demonstrate their understanding in a structured setting, reinforcing both accountability and mastery.

This approach frees up instructors to act as mentors rather than solely as lecturers. While instructors can still lecture, play videos, and review material with students, a large part of their role shifts to mentoring students on their project work and reviewing completed assignments. Students, meanwhile, are responsible for doing their readings, watching related videos, practicing skills, and studying during class and on their own. They are encouraged to ask for more examples or request alternative explanations if they need extra support on specific concepts.

Creating a Supportive and Lively Classroom Environment

The Outstanda Learning Gig model might initially seem chaotic in comparison to traditional classrooms. However, this approach often leads to greater student engagement when they realize their learning accomplishments can result in earned rewards. Many students quickly become more focused, diligent, and motivated to progress through their work as they see the link between their efforts and tangible benefits.

Adapting to Classroom Needs

Each classroom is unique, and Outstanda encourages instructors and schools to adapt Learning Gigs based on their students' needs, available resources, and teaching styles. This flexibility allows teachers to create a lively, productive environment where they can move freely around the room, engage in small group discussions, and observe students’ teamwork dynamics. With the freedom to tailor Learning Gigs to the specific characteristics of their classroom, instructors can create a culture of achievement that resonates with their students and aligns with their curriculum goals.

In summary, Outstanda’s Learning Gigs provide a versatile framework that enables instructors to foster a culture of responsibility, autonomy, and productivity in the classroom. By blending structured assessments with self-paced learning, students develop both academic and life skills, helping them progress toward their goals in a way that is personalized, meaningful, and rewarding.

Outstanda is designed to be a flexible learning platform that supports the unique needs of all students, including those with special needs. With customizable settings and strategies, instructors can make thoughtful accommodations to create a supportive and inclusive learning environment. Here are some key strategies to help students with diverse learning needs thrive in Outstanda.

Extended Time for Assessments

Outstanda provides instructors with the option to extend assessment time for students who may benefit from additional support. Typically, students complete a 10-question multiple-choice assessment in 20 minutes. However, for those who need more time, instructors can adjust the settings to allow up to 60 minutes (This will be shown in the software video). This extra time enables students to approach questions at their own pace without feeling rushed, which can be essential for those who process information differently.

During this extended period, schools and instructors are encouraged to provide support in a way that respects the student’s independence. It is essential to avoid guiding or hinting at correct answers. The focus should remain on ensuring the student feels confident and supported as they work through the material on their own. Additionally, students can retake the assessments each day if needed, providing them with multiple opportunities to succeed.

Collaborative Projects and Inclusive Teams

Outstanda’s project-based learning approach also enables students to work in teams, giving instructors the opportunity to create diverse groups that include students with special needs. This practice helps students learn the values of patience, inclusion, and collaboration. By forming inclusive teams, instructors foster an environment where all students feel valued and supported. Working alongside their peers not only benefits students with special needs but also encourages all students to develop empathy and a greater understanding of diversity.

Encouraging Positive Responses to the Outstanda Model

For some students with special needs, Outstanda’s model can provide a new, positive learning experience. Many students who may have struggled in traditional classroom settings respond well to Outstanda’s project-oriented work, mastery assessments, and reward-based incentives. The opportunity to focus on one skill at a time, combined with the clear structure of assessments, often helps these students build confidence and motivation. As they begin to see progress and earn rewards, some students may even close learning gaps and make significant improvements.

One way to approach assessments is by offering only the standard 20-minute timeframe for the first attempt and then providing the extended time on subsequent attempts if needed. This approach can encourage students to attempt assessments under typical conditions first, allowing them to challenge themselves while knowing that additional time is available if necessary.

Flexibility to Meet Student Needs

Instructors have the flexibility to customize these accommodations based on their knowledge of each student’s needs and learning preferences. By balancing support with independence, instructors can help students gain confidence and master new skills at their own pace, while ensuring that each student has the resources they need to succeed. Remember, the goal is to provide the tools and support for each student to achieve their best without providing direct answers.

In summary, Outstanda offers a range of flexible options to support students with special needs, from extended assessment times to inclusive project teams. By using these tools thoughtfully, instructors can create an educational experience that empowers all students to reach their full potential within a supportive and inclusive environment.

Outstanda’s platform offers streamlined tools that make it easier for instructors to track student progress, manage approvals, and foster student engagement in a highly efficient way. This reading covers essential functions of the platform, ensuring instructors can maintain clear, consistent records while supporting each student’s progress.

Student Management

In Outstanda, each student is assigned a license for a Learning Gig, along with an instructor to oversee their learning progress. The platform prioritizes ease of use, helping you manage students quickly and efficiently. Instructors can access all assigned students, using a powerful search tool to quickly locate individuals. Additionally, by using tags, instructors can organize students into specific groups, such as classes or periods, allowing for quick filtering and viewing of specific students. Tags are flexible and can be customized to meet each instructor’s unique classroom organization needs.

Approving Projects

When a student completes a project and is ready to take an assessment, they will submit a request for approval. The instructor’s first step is to mark the project as “completed.” This one-time action confirms that the student is eligible for assessment without needing repetitive approvals. Later in this training, we will provide guidance on project assessment and optional grading if you decide to incorporate grading with Outstanda.

Opening Assessments

Outstanda includes two buttons to open assessments: one for standard time and one for extended time. To protect the integrity of assessments, instructors should only activate an assessment if the student is visible and their identity confirmed. Once activated, students have 30 minutes to begin the assessment and 20 minutes to complete it. It’s important to avoid activating assessments at the end of class, as students may start the assessment outside the classroom, potentially compromising their focus or access to resources.

Managing Behavior Incidents

Outstanda offers an incident management feature that allows instructors to record behavior incidents for students. When an incident is logged, depending on its severity, it may temporarily lock the student's ability to make purchases or request payments. Rather than using traditional consequences like detention or suspension, instructors can apply a “freeze” on the student’s rewards. During the freeze period, the student can still fully participate in learning activities and continue to earn rewards, but they are unable to access their earnings until the freeze is lifted. This approach provides a constructive consequence that allows students to stay engaged while encouraging improved behavior.

Additional Features for Classroom Flexibility

Outstanda also offers a few other technical tools to enhance classroom flexibility:

1. Multiple Organization Access: If assigned to multiple organizations, instructors can switch between them seamlessly.
2. Open Access Permission: With open access permission, instructors can select another instructor and temporarily act as them. This function is especially useful for substitutes or instructors covering other classes, ensuring continuity for students in case of staff absences.

Payment and Record Management

Outstanda handles student reward credits directly within the platform. The system operates on a pass/fail basis, with an automatic assessment determining whether a student achieves the required 80% pass rate. If a student does not pass, they can retake the assessment once per day as needed, which needs to be proctored and reactivated each time by the instructor. No traditional grades are recorded in Outstanda; instead, the system only tracks whether a student has passed or if they need to retake an assessment. This streamlined approach keeps the focus on mastery, allowing students to continue progressing toward their goals without added grading complexity.

While the buttons and tools on Outstanda are intuitive, becoming an effective educator within this new system may take some time. Embracing the platform’s features will enable you to create a smooth, engaging, and supportive learning environment for your students.

Managing Student Identity and Assessment Integrity

Schools and educators play a critical role in ensuring the integrity of assessments, with special attention to verifying student identity and enforcing a secure testing environment. When students take assessments, teachers are responsible for ensuring that each student is accurately identified and that the assessment process remains fair, honest, and conducive to individual work. The guidelines below offer detailed strategies for upholding assessment integrity.

Key Steps in Verifying Student Identity

• Direct Supervision Requirement: Instructors should only permit a student to begin an assessment if they are physically present with the student or have already confirmed their identity in a secure virtual setting. Knowing the student’s identity in person is preferable; however, in cases where this may not be possible, virtual verification methods—such as live video with photo ID verification—can serve as alternatives.
• Checking ID for Older Students: For high school or college-level students, instructors may verify identity by cross-referencing a student ID card with the school’s official student system. This typically involves checking the student's photograph, name, and unique identification number in the system. These methods help confirm the identity of students who may be unfamiliar to the instructor or when multiple students have similar names.
• Reviewing Attendance Records: Instructors should use classroom attendance records to confirm that the student taking the assessment is the same individual who has attended class sessions. For virtual learning settings, this might involve reviewing attendance logs and engagement records to confirm consistent identity throughout the course.

Maintaining Assessment Integrity During Testing

• No Reference Materials: Students should be informed that they do not need additional resources, such as textbooks, notes, or electronic devices. The assessments are designed to measure individual understanding without reliance on external help, so all materials must be set aside or put away.
• Independent Work: Students should complete the assessment on their own, without discussing questions or responses with others. The rule is simple: no talking and no looking at other screens. Even a glance at a peer’s screen is discouraged, though most questions are randomized and tailored to each student, making it unlikely that two students have identical questions at any given time.
• Detecting Signs of Cheating: Proctors and instructors should be vigilant for common indicators of cheating, including prolonged conversations, excessive eye movement around the room, long pauses, or repeated screen shifts. If a student is visibly distracted or continually looking away from their assessment screen, instructors should gently intervene to bring the student’s attention back to the task.
• Handling Suspicious Behavior and Documenting Incidents: If instructors observe suspicious behavior, they should document it without disrupting the test environment. If the instructor is certain a student has attempted to cheat, the student may still continue the assessment. However, instructors should record an incident of cheating in the Outstanda system. Doing so will temporarily lock the student’s funds, and repeated offenses may ultimately restrict the student from using these funds entirely. After the assessment, the instructor may discuss concerns privately with the student or refer the matter to school administration if necessary.
• Setting Clear Expectations: Before the assessment begins, instructors should clearly explain these rules to all students to avoid misunderstandings and foster an environment of accountability. Reviewing the importance of honesty and the school's commitment to fairness can remind students why these expectations matter.

Additional Proctoring Considerations for Online or Hybrid Environments

• Screen Monitoring Tools: In online settings, consider using proctoring software to monitor the screen activity of each student, ensuring they remain on the assessment page without switching to other tabs or applications. Be sure to inform students about the monitoring software in advance to ensure transparency and encourage compliance.
• Secure Environment Checks: Ask students to perform a brief "room scan" using their webcam before beginning the assessment, showing their surroundings to confirm they are alone and in a quiet, distraction-free environment. This check can help instructors ensure that students are not receiving unauthorized help.
• Assessment Timing and Deadlines: Provide a specific time frame within which the assessment must be completed. Strict timing helps prevent students from seeking outside assistance and ensures that each student completes the assessment under similar conditions. Avoid extended time allowances, as prolonged sessions increase the opportunity for external interference.

Conclusion

The effectiveness of an assessment depends on both accurate student identification and a proctored environment that supports honesty and independence. By implementing these guidelines, instructors help create a fair testing environment where each student can perform to their individual potential without interference. This approach upholds the value of assessment as a true measure of each student's understanding and progress.

Adapting School Grading to Outstanda’s Mastery-Based System

Outstanda follows a mastery-based, pass/fail method rather than traditional grading. While students either demonstrate mastery or do not, we understand that schools and parents may still desire specific grades. Outstanda allows flexibility in how grades are applied, so educators can determine what best fits their school’s needs. Below is a suggested grading method that balances Outstanda’s focus on mastery with a structured grading scale for students and parents who expect more familiar marks.

Suggested Grading Methodology

This method uses three main components: project performance, assessment attempts, and pace. These elements reflect a fair, transparent grading approach that maintains the integrity of mastery learning.

1) Project-Based Grading (60% of Total Grade)

Projects are a crucial part of Outstanda’s learning process, as they allow students to demonstrate understanding and apply knowledge. In this suggested grading model, projects should represent the majority of the student’s grade.

• Project Rating to Grade Conversion: Assign grades based on the project’s star rating:
  • 5 Stars = A (100% or 60 points)
  • 4 Stars = B (80% or 48 points)
  • 3 Stars = C (60% or 36 points)
  • 2 Stars or below indicate a need for improvement, and students may need to revise their work to achieve mastery.
• First Attempt vs. Revised Submission: You may choose to count only the student’s first project attempt to encourage thorough effort on initial submissions. Alternatively, you might allow students to improve and resubmit a project for a higher grade if the first attempt does not meet mastery standards. Be aware that allowing only the first attempt to determine the grade can increase motivation to submit high-quality work initially, reducing the number of incomplete or poorly done projects.

2) Assessment Attempts (30% of Total Grade)

Assessments in Outstanda are pass/fail, designed to confirm a student’s mastery of the lesson material without tracking detailed scores. If your school wishes to include assessments in the grading process, consider assigning a grade based on the number of assessment attempts required to pass:

• 1 Attempt: A (100% or 30 points)
• 2 Attempts: B (85% or 25 points)
• 3 Attempts: C (70% or 20 points)
• 4 Attempts or more: D or F, depending on school policy.

Tracking the number of assessment attempts can encourage students to thoroughly prepare before each attempt, reinforcing mastery and accountability.

3) Pace (10% of Total Grade)

Outstanda encourages students to work at their own pace to deepen understanding. However, maintaining a steady pace can be beneficial, especially if school timelines or requirements necessitate a certain pace. Including pace as a portion of the grade rewards students for staying on track and discourages prolonged delays.

• On-Time Completion: 100% (10 points)
• Up to 1 Week Late: 50% (5 points)
• 2+ Weeks Late: 0% (0 points)

Setting points for pace helps students stay motivated to keep up with their work, while still providing some flexibility.

Sample Grade Calculation

With this structure, a student’s total grade is determined by combining points from the Project (60%), Assessment (30%), and Pace (10%).

Example
A student receives a 4-Star Project (48 points), completes the Assessment in 2 attempts (25 points), and submits On-Time (10 points):

Total Grade = 48 (Project) + 25 (Assessment) + 10 (Pace) = 83/100, equivalent to a B.

Summary of Suggested Grading Weight Distribution

• Project: 60% of total grade (12 points per star)
• Assessment: 30% of total grade (30 points, with deductions of 5 points per additional attempt)
• Pace: 10% of total grade (10 points on-time, 5 points up to 1 week late, 0 points for 2+ weeks late)

Flexibility to Adapt Grading

This grading system is a recommendation only; you are encouraged to adapt it to meet your school’s specific requirements. Educators can adjust these guidelines based on the needs of their students, the school’s standards, or expectations from parents. The focus remains on allowing students to master material while also providing a clear and fair grading structure.

Objective:

Educators will explore a selected Outstanda Learning Gig, analyze its implementation potential, and participate in collaborative discussions to adapt its features to their classrooms.

Materials:

• Access to Outstanda Learning Gigs
• Internet-enabled device for platform navigation and discussions
• Collaborative tools (e.g., video conferencing software, online discussion boards, or physical meeting space)

Instructions:

1. Gig Selection and Review:

   Access and select a Learning Gig from Outstanda's library. Thoroughly explore its components, including objectives, instructions, and assessment design.

2. Classroom Application:

   Reflect on how this gig can be tailored to fit your classroom dynamics and student needs. Consider adaptations for special needs, inclusivity, or subject alignment.

3. Discussion Participation:

   Join an online forum or schedule a group discussion with other instructors to share insights. Provide feedback on others’ reflections and discuss potential challenges and solutions.

4. Documentation:

   Submit a short summary of your review and key takeaways from the discussion, including specific ideas for classroom integration.

Evaluation Criteria:

• Depth of analysis and reflection on the selected gig
• Relevance and creativity in proposed classroom adaptations
• Quality of participation in discussions, including constructive feedback and engagement