For Education Professionals
Understanding ISP from a research and policy perspective
Overview
Iowa Sports Prep (ISP) is a private school designed for student-athletes. This page provides information for education professionals — teachers, counselors, administrators, and researchers — who want to understand our model, evaluate our approach, or consider referring families.
The Research Foundation
ISP's instructional model is built on established learning science research. We don't claim to have invented new pedagogy — we've applied what the research already tells us works.
Benjamin Bloom — The 2 Sigma Problem (1984)
Bloom's research demonstrated that one-on-one tutoring produces a 2 standard deviation improvement in student outcomes compared to traditional classroom instruction.
| Finding | Implication |
|---|---|
| 1:1 tutoring produces 2σ improvement | Small student-to-coach ratios matter |
| Mastery learning produces 1σ improvement | Don't move forward until students demonstrate understanding |
| Combining both approaches is optimal | ISP pairs mastery-based curriculum with 1:100 SSC ratio |
ISP application: Our Student Success Coach (SSC) model maintains a 1:100 ratio — more than 5x better than typical school counselor ratios. Combined with mastery-based curriculum, we approximate the conditions Bloom identified as optimal.
John Sweller — Cognitive Load Theory
Sweller's research on working memory constraints informs our instructional design.
| Principle | ISP Application |
|---|---|
| Working memory is limited | Lessons are chunked into manageable segments |
| Extraneous load harms learning | Minimal distractions in the learning environment |
| Intrinsic load varies by expertise | AI adapts difficulty to student level |
| Germane load builds schemas | Deliberate practice and spaced repetition |
ISP application: Our TimeBack curriculum uses worked examples, scaffolded problems, and adaptive difficulty to manage cognitive load effectively.
Edward Deci & Richard Ryan — Self-Determination Theory
SDT identifies three psychological needs essential for intrinsic motivation: autonomy, competence, and relatedness.
| Need | Traditional School | ISP Design |
|---|---|---|
| Autonomy | Limited choices | Students choose SSC, learning pace, training schedule |
| Competence | One-size-fits-all pace | Mastery-based progression, visible progress (OVR) |
| Relatedness | High ratios, weak connections | 1:100 SSC, pods of 4-6, athlete mentors |
ISP application: Our MyPath system, SSC relationships, and athlete partnerships are designed to satisfy all three SDT needs.
Richard Mayer — Multimedia Learning Principles
Mayer's research guides our instructional video and content design.
| Principle | ISP Application |
|---|---|
| Modality principle | Audio + visuals, not redundant text |
| Redundancy principle | Don't show text that matches narration |
| Coherence principle | Remove extraneous content |
| Segmenting principle | Break long lessons into chunks |
Norman Webb — Depth of Knowledge
Webb's DOK framework informs our assessment design.
| DOK Level | Description | ISP Application |
|---|---|---|
| DOK 1 | Recall, reproduction | Baseline assessments, fact fluency |
| DOK 2 | Skills, concepts | Daily mastery checks |
| DOK 3 | Strategic thinking | Project-based learning, complex problems |
| DOK 4 | Extended thinking | "You Teach" — students create content explaining concepts |
ISP application: Our "You Teach" component asks students to create content teaching others what they've learned — DOK 4 extended thinking that deepens understanding while building communication skills.
Curriculum Standards
Iowa Core Alignment
ISP curriculum is aligned to Iowa Core Standards across all subject areas.
| Subject | Alignment | Provider |
|---|---|---|
| English Language Arts | Iowa Core | Alpha School / TimeBack |
| Mathematics | Iowa Core | Alpha School / TimeBack |
| Science | Iowa Core | Alpha School / TimeBack |
| Social Studies | Iowa Core | Alpha School / TimeBack |
NCAA Eligibility
ISP courses are designed for NCAA Eligibility Center approval.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Core course compliance | 16 core courses meet NCAA Division I/II requirements |
| 10/7 Rule tracking | Built into student dashboard |
| No "Foundations" courses | All courses are standard track (not remedial) |
| Documented instructor interaction | Required for online course approval |
| CEEB code | Applied (required for NCAA/SAT reporting) |
Mastery-Based Progression
ISP uses mastery-based progression rather than seat time.
| Traditional Model | ISP Model |
|---|---|
| 50 minutes = 1 credit hour | Mastery = advancement |
| Move on with the class | Move on when you demonstrate understanding |
| Grades reflect average performance | Grades reflect demonstrated mastery |
| Time is constant, learning varies | Learning is constant, time varies |
Research basis: Mastery learning is well-established in the literature (Bloom, 1968; Kulik, 1990).
Assessment Philosophy
MyPath OVR (Overall Rating)
ISP supplements traditional grades with a holistic development metric: the Overall Rating (OVR), a 0-99 score across multiple dimensions.
| Dimension | Weight | What It Measures |
|---|---|---|
| Academic progress | 40% | Curriculum completion, mastery, assessments |
| Life Skills | 30% | Nutrition, financial literacy, sports psychology |
| Engagement | 20% | Streaks, pod participation, challenge completion |
| Communication | 10% | Content creation, "You Teach" submissions |
This "balanced assessment system" provides "multiple indicators of student performance" beyond traditional grades.
Formative Assessment
| Type | Frequency | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Mastery checks | Per lesson | Confirm understanding before progression |
| Adaptive practice | Daily | Identify and address gaps |
| SSC check-ins | Weekly | Qualitative progress monitoring |
| MyPath dashboard | Continuous | Student self-monitoring |
Summative Assessment
| Type | Frequency | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Unit assessments | Per unit | Cumulative mastery verification |
| ISASP | Annual | State accountability |
| SAT/ACT | As needed | College readiness |
| "Boss Battles" | Quarterly | Applied learning (real-world projects) |
Student Support Model
Student Success Coach (SSC)
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Ratio | 1 SSC : 100 students (max) |
| Background | Former college athletes (relatable to student-athlete population) |
| Training | ISP certification in learning science, motivation, intervention |
| Contact | Weekly pod calls + monthly 1:1s + as-needed |
| Scope | Progress monitoring, motivation, parent communication, early intervention |
Learning Coach
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Ratio | 1 LC : 500 students |
| Qualifications | Iowa BOEE licensed teachers |
| Role | Academic intervention, remediation, specialized support |
| Engagement | SSC referral when students need subject-specific help |
Intervention Pathway
Student struggling
↓
SSC notices (dashboard monitoring)
↓
SSC adjusts approach (motivation, pacing)
↓
If academic issue persists → Learning Coach intervention
↓
If serious concern → Parent conference + support plan
How ISP Partners with Educators
Referral Relationships
We welcome referrals from educators who identify families that may benefit from ISP's model.
| Good Fit Indicators | Why ISP May Help |
|---|---|
| Student-athlete struggling with schedule conflicts | Flexible 2-hour academic day |
| Gifted student bored in class | Mastery-based = move at their pace |
| Family seeking private school but can't afford tuition gap | ESA covers 100% |
| Rural family with no private school options | ISP serves all 99 counties |
| Student-athlete with NCAA aspirations | Built for NCAA compliance |
Contact for referrals: educators@iowasportsprep.com
Collaboration Opportunities
| Opportunity | Description |
|---|---|
| Guest speakers | Educators can contribute to Life Skills curriculum |
| Research partnerships | We welcome academic research on our model |
| Professional development | We can share learning science training materials |
| Community events | Co-hosted events for student-athletes |
Common Professional Questions
Q: Does ISP issue official transcripts?
A: Yes. ISP issues official diplomas and transcripts that are recognized by colleges and other schools.
Q: Do ISP students take state assessments?
A: Yes. All students in grades 3-11 take the ISASP annually.
Q: Will ISP publish test scores?
A: Yes. We're committed to public transparency on academic outcomes.
Q: How does ISP handle students with IEPs?
A: We accommodate many situations on a case-by-case basis. We don't have a full special education department, so families with complex needs should contact us to discuss fit.
Q: Is the curriculum rigorous enough for college-bound students?
A: Yes. Iowa Core aligned, NCAA compliant, AP courses available for high school students.
Q: How do you prevent students from "slacking off" in an online environment?
A: SSC monitoring (1:100 ratio), pod accountability (peer visibility), mastery-based progression (can't move forward without demonstrating understanding), and parent communication.
Q: What's the research on mastery-based learning?
A: Bloom (1968, 1984), Kulik et al. (1990), and subsequent meta-analyses consistently show mastery learning produces significant learning gains.
Q: How does ISP compare to K12/Connections Academy?
A: IVCA and Iowa Connections Academy are public virtual schools. ISP is a private school with smaller ratios (1:100 SSC vs. 1:50+ teacher), athletic focus, Training Credits, and eligibility for ESA funding.
Data & Transparency Commitment
| What We Measure | What We'll Publish |
|---|---|
| ISASP scores | Aggregate results by grade level |
| Mastery completion rates | % of students meeting mastery standards |
| Enrollment demographics | Student composition data |
| Retention rates | Year-over-year student retention |
| Post-graduation outcomes | College enrollment, athletic outcomes (future) |
No private school in Iowa currently publishes comprehensive outcome data. ISP is committed to transparency.
Contact for Educators
General inquiries: educators@iowasportsprep.com
Research partnerships: research@iowasportsprep.com
Referrals: educators@iowasportsprep.com