Schools

FAQ’s

Parents:
What is I AM 4 Kids?
I AM 4 Kids is a cutting-edge program created for second through fifth graders that teaches children how to create an empowering identity for themselves. It walks them through the identity building process where they finish the thought, I AM… The children develop their own identity and sense of self. As a result, they are less likely to be influenced by peer pressure or bullying.

Designed to integrate into core subjects such as Language Arts, Social Studies, Music and Art.
Effective at every level of development because it focuses on the person rather than static content.
Capitalizes on the Mind/Body Connection to assist the children to be more receptive to learning.

What are the benefits to my child and the school?
Short term:
I AM 4 Kids was tested in five classrooms in the Chicago area and suburbs. In those classes:

62% of the childrens grades improved
In class disciplinary actions decreased over 70%

Long term:
More than 1.2 Million students are dropping out of school every year. That’s more than 6,000 each day and 1 every 26 seconds. Once they drop out, their future prospects are dim in a world where more and more jobs require advanced skills and education. When kids go through I AM 4 Kids, they will associate their identity (the core of who they are) with school since that is where they experienced it. Over time, school will become the new cool.

Library:
When I AM 4 Kids is implemented in a school, The I AM 4 Kids Foundation will present the school librarian with a voucher for $500 on behalf of our sponsors to be used for new books of the librarian’s choosing.

How long has I AM 4 Kids been around?
The I AM 4 Kids program was created in November 2008. Research and development, testing, and production timelines allow for a national launch in the 2011-2012 school year. The I AM 4 Kids Foundation was formed in January of 2010. Its mission is to implement I AM 4 Kids is every public elementary school in the country within five years at NO COST TO THE SCHOOLS.

Schools:
What are the requirements to run I AM 4 Kids?
The program is designed to be completely self-contained. There are two requirements for a school to implement I AM 4 Kids:
1. The means to show the program. I AM 4 Kids is media based. Your school can either receive DVD’s or the program can be streamed over the Internet.

You will need a TV, projector, smart board, etc. so the kids can see the media.
Each child will receive his/her own I AM 4 Kids workbook. This workbook is where the child will keep his/her identity and goals for the year.
Each teacher will receive her/his own teacher’s guide.
A parents’ letter is also furnished to explain the program along with additional resources for the families.

2. There is to be no “steering”, “guiding”, or “discouraging” of the children in any way.

My class time is already stretched thin. How much class time does this program take every day, week, month?
I AM 4 Kids was designed with input from schoolteachers and social workers. Flexibility was a requirement from the beginning.
The “learning” portion is designed to take a total of 90-120 minutes of class time. This is done one time – preferably early in the school year. It can be done in the following ways:

All in one day. This is what we recommend.
A segment a day for 5 days. Each video segment takes approximately 7-12 minutes. The associated exercise can then be done immediately following in class or sent home as homework.

The children should revisit their identity on a daily basis. This usually takes less than a minute of class time*. We recommend this be done as part of a routine to start the day. For example:

Settle into classroom
Pledge of Allegiance
Daily Announcements
Recite Identity to self
Prepare to Learn

* Note: When creating a new behavioral pattern, the first 21 days are critical. We recommend that the children recite their identity every time they come back into the classroom (after recess, lunch, gym class, etc.) during the first three weeks.

The “action” or “service” portion is done outside the classroom. Nothing is required on the teacher’s part. If you opt in, we will email you a weekly summary of your students’ activities. This is NOT a requirement.

Do I need to make a progress report? If yes, how often and to whom?
The I AM 4 Kids Foundation does not require that teachers report anything to us. The schools are asked to provide raw anonymous data at the end of the year to track results in grades, test scores, disciplinary actions and attendance.

What data is tracked?

# of classrooms per grade level
# of students per grade level
% increase and/or decline in grades (GPA)
Avg. amount of change (+ or -) in GPA
# of disciplinary actions per grade level
Attendance per grade level

How much training do I have to go through?
None is required. The I AM 4 Kids Foundation will provide online resources for those who choose to immerse themselves in the program.

Do I need to be certified?
No.

Does I AM 4 Kids meet state learning standards?
Yes. I AM 4 Kids satisfies Social-Emotional learning standards.

Budgets are fragile. How much does I AM 4 Kids cost my school?
Zero. In fact, your school’s library will receive a voucher for $500 in new books of the librarian’s choosing as part of the implementation.

The foundation has a team dedicated to securing donors and corporate sponsors for the schools. Those dollars are then applied on a first come – first served basis in order of when the school signs up to receive the program.

Does I AM 4 Kids need to be school-wide or can I use the program if the rest of the school doesn’t?
That is a discussion between the teacher, the principal, and the local school governing body. Our delivery model is based on school wide implementation.

Is I AM 4 Kids a multi-year commitment?
No. It is assumed that a school will continue the program once it has been implemented, but the school can “opt out” if they choose. That school would then be removed from the sponsorship queue and the others would move up one spot.