2.01 The 30/40/30 Model
Understand the purpose of the 30/40/30 Model and how a balanced classroom creates leadership opportunities and positive peer influence.
What is the 30/40/30 Model?
The 30/40/30 Model is a strategic way to structure the makeup of an LIA class. It is based on the idea that students' strengths can complement the growth areas of other students.
Rather than creating a class made up entirely of high-achieving students or students who need additional support, LIA intentionally creates a balanced learning environment where students can learn from one another.
The Three Student Groups
High Achievers (30%)
- GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Taking rigorous courses such as AP, Honors, or Dual Enrollment
- Involved in extracurricular activities
- Have clear college or career goals
The Invisible (40%)
- Average GPA (approximately 2.3–2.9)
- Limited extracurricular involvement
- Often overlooked despite their potential
- Tend to "get lost" within the school system
Untapped Potential (30%)
- Lower GPAs (approximately 2.0–2.3)
- May struggle with attendance
- May not yet have post-secondary goals
- May include ELL/Emerging Bilingual students
Why Does the 30/40/30 Model Work?
The 30/40/30 Model is a critical component of the LIA program because it creates opportunities for students to learn from one another.
Research shows that students learn through social interactions, observation, collaboration, and positive peer modeling.
By intentionally creating diverse groups of students, LIA helps students develop leadership skills while supporting the academic and personal growth of their peers.
Research Supporting the Model
- Students learn through social contexts by observing and imitating others.
- Learning is often most effective when diverse perspectives are present.
- Diverse groups tend to demonstrate stronger collective problem-solving abilities.
- Students who need additional support often benefit from positive peer modeling.
- Both higher-performing and lower-performing students benefit from collaborative learning environments.
Think about students at your school. Which students might fit into each of the three groups? How could the 30/40/30 Model help create leadership opportunities and support student growth?