KA International School: Visible Learning & Research-Based Results

KA International School (KAIS), located in central Tokyo, is redefining international education in Japan. With its recent Visible Learning certification, KAIS is the first school in the country to earn this recognition. This commitment is a bold step toward building classrooms where research-backed teaching strategies and student voices drive success.

What is the Visible Learning framework, and why does KAIS use it?

The Visible Learning framework, developed by education expert John Hattie, draws on more than 2,000 global studies and insights from 300 million plus students to identify the most effective teaching strategies. At KAIS, teaching is not based on guesswork; it is driven by this powerful, evidence-based framework.

By working with Corwin, the official partner of Hattie’s research, KAIS successfully underwent a rigorous, three-year certification process. This intensive process was a full-team effort, allowing teachers to collaborate closely to create a consistent yet flexible approach to teaching that makes full use of tried and true strategies.

Maha Sadi, a teacher at KAIS says, “The teaching team is deeply committed to doing what works—and through collective efficacy, we refine our practice to help every student grow.”

How does KAIS implement “High-Impact Teaching” in the classroom?

Educators at KAIS emphasize clarity, ensuring continuous dialogue with students about their learning and progress. With the Visible Learning framework, every lesson ensures teachers and students consistently answer two key questions:

• What are we learning?
• How do we know we’ve learned it?

Rather than relying on instinct, teachers and students engage in continuous feedback, making learning more transparent and transformative. Students are actively given the opportunity to reflect on their own learning and evaluate their progress.

How does KAIS develop confident and globally-minded students?

Academic excellence is just one part of the KAIS experience; the school is dedicated to developing confident, compassionate and globally-minded students.

KAIS provides a personalized and supportive learning experience through:

• Small school environment
• Low student-to-teacher ratio
• Personalized support in a warm, inclusive setting

Students are challenged appropriately and encouraged to reflect on their learning journey every step of the way. The school also emphasizes character development, guided by nine core culture words such as “welcoming” and “resilient,” which are embraced by students as young as five.

“Our goal is to create a safe, supportive environment where students challenge themselves and one another to grow beyond what they thought possible,” explains Maha.

FAQ

Is KAIS the only Visible Learning certified school in Japan?

Yes, KA International School is the first school in Japan to earn the rigorous Visible Learning certification. This three-year process ensured the entire faculty was aligned with research-backed, high-impact teaching strategies.

Where is KA International School located?

KA International School is conveniently located in central Tokyo, making it accessible for international families across the city.

What is the core focus of the KAIS experience?

The KAIS experience focuses on academic excellence through research-based teaching, paired with robust character development guided by nine core culture words. The goal is a joyful, forward-thinking education that prepares students to thrive anywhere in the world.

Ready to Learn More?

If you are an international family in Japan for the long term or even just a few years, KAIS offers a joyful, forward-thinking education that prepares students to thrive anywhere in the world. Discover the difference evidence-based teaching can make for your child.

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