Key Concepts

The YOKC system is designed to influence a child’s positive self-perception. Research shows that academic achievement cannot be raised and sustained without simultaneously raising and sustaining the child’s self-perception and self-confidence. To achieve this, we have woven the following critical elements into the curriculum:

The YOKC system is designed to influence a child’s positive self-perception. Research shows that academic achievement cannot be raised and sustained without simultaneously raising and sustaining the child’s self-perception and self-confidence. To achieve this, we have woven the following critical elements into the curriculum:

  • School Connectedness: I feel cared about at school.
  • Joy of Learning: Learning is fun.
  • Educational Purpose: What I learn is important to my future.
  • Academic Efficacy: I can work hard and be a good student.
  • Experience or Enactive Attainment: The experience of mastery over concept.
  • Modeling, or Vicarious Experience: Examples of successful people who are similar to students’ gender, ethnicity and background.
  • Verbal Persuasion: Encouraging messages of empowerment and success.
  • Coping Mechanisms: Strategies for stress reduction.
  • I am smart. College is for me.
  • I can succeed. I will succeed.
  • I’ll work hard and stay in school.
  • I’ll get all the help I’ll need.
  • I will dream, get good grades, and the money will be there.
  • I’ll get a great career and be able to help my family.

* concentration on the first 4 for Early Childhood

Learning Objectives

  • YOKC Intro–College Names & Mascots: Your child can name three colleges in San Antonio.
  • Careers: Your child can name three careers they can have after college.
  • Skills for Success: Your child can explain three skills they need to be successful.
  • School Connectedness: Your child can explain three ways they are cared about in school.
  • Work Hard: Your child can explain what it means to work hard and give three examples.
  • Handle Stress: Your child can explain three ways to handle it when they feel bad.
  • I’m on my way: Your child can explain something special about themselves.
  • Review Week/Month: Your child can explain what college is, how they can be successful and what they have learned in YOKC.