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- 2. Anywhere, Anytime, Anyplace Learn about the advantages of distance learning while living abroad or in transition. Come away from this workshop better prepared to consider distance learning as a viable and respected educational option. Learn that there are distance-learning programs that have a strong relationship component. Including: dedicated teachers who guide students through the curriculum, an college placement success comparable to the top American college preparatory schools.
- 3. As parents, educators and counselors we are concerned about educational options for our children. Living abroad can present opportunities, and challenges in meeting our educational goals. Relocation requires children to adapt to a new country, home and school all at the same time.
- 4. What are your options? Virtual charter schools Private distance learning schools with accreditation Concurrent enrollment at a distance learning school to supplement international or local school curriculum There are educational options other than international schools, local schools, schools run by the DODEA or homeschooling on your own:
- 5. Take your school with you. Distance learning allows you to take your school with you wherever you go. Maintaining consistency with a school can help smooth your child’s transition. A good distance learning school will assure that students meet standards from state and country of origin. Maintaining enrollment at one school means all of your child’s transcripts, records and credits are in one place.
- 6. Distance learning is the future of education. According to data released recently by research firm Ambient Insight , over the next five years the number of students taking courses online will jump to more than 10 million by 2014. The Home School Legal Defense Association, which represents some 80,000 member families, says the number of students learning at home is between 1.7 and 2.1 million. 24 US states offer state-led online programs.
- 7. Michigan passed a law requiring an online learning experience requirement for high school graduation In California, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger announced an initiative that would replace some high school science and math texts with free, “open source” digital versions. “ In five years, I think the majority of students will be using digital textbooks,” said William M. Habermehl, superintendent of the 500,000- student Orange County, California schools. “They can be better than traditional textbooks.”
- 8. What are the advantages of distance learning while living abroad or in transition? From any location, students can prepare for placement in American colleges and universities through an accredited college prep distance learning program. Students can maintain enrollment through the same school no matter how many times the family relocates. Students can create meaningful relationships with their teachers and peers through distance learning. They’ll develop a support network accessible from any country.
- 9. As families live, move, work, and learn throughout the world, a consistent educational community is an invaluable resource. Distance learning uses technology as a social and educational tool that fosters community and deeper relationship. The goal is to avoid isolation as students immerse themselves in 21 st Century technology. Technology opens the door for TCKs to connect across any border.
- 10. What is the difference between homeschooling and distance learning? Homeschooling is generally when the parent teaches their children without the support of an institution or organization. Parents research and purchase curriculum that they feel suits their child’s needs. Parents teach, grade, monitor and guide children through the learning process. Distance Learning is generally considered to be home-based through a program or school. Distance learning schools can be accredited institutions, private or public. Distance learning can be correspondence-based with textbooks, completely online or a combination of both. Good distance learning schools have teachers, staff, diplomas, transcripts, multiple curriculum options, AP and Honors courses, foreign language courses, etc .
- 11. What about socialization? Many people have the misconception that students studying at home are isolated with little or no contact with the outside world. This couldn’t be further from reality for most families. Students studying at home have a full social schedule Positive socialization does not always take place in school.
- 12. Students studying in a distance learning program will have many opportunities to learn and practice social skills as they will be interacting with the real world on a regular basis. Global Families view the world as their classroom. Children are not age segregated and learn how to create meaningful relationships with children and adults of all ages.
- 13. What about education requirements? Each US state has its own education requirements Distance learning in an accredited private or public school follows policies similar to a site-based private or public schools Homeschooling requires parents to be responsible for their child’s education
- 14. What about transferring student credit from a distance learning school? Student credits should be accepted at schools in the US. Consistent school enrollment ensures that hard earned credits are not lost in the translation. The best US private and public distance learning programs are accredited by one of the six regional accreditation bodies.
- 15. How can a college prep education be completed through distance learning? Students must be enrolled in an accredited distance learning program that offers a college prep academic track. Students should receive the assistance of a credentialed School Counselor to ensure College Applications are filled our correctly and in a timely manner.
- 16. Students must fulfill the requirements of the colleges and universities of their choice. Example of a College Prep Academic Track. 4 Years of English 3 Years of History 3 to 4 Years of Math 3 to 4 Years of Science with Lab 3 Years of Language 1 Year Fine Arts 1 Year PE
- 17. Choose a school that involves students in collaborative Learning Opportunities Clubs Forums Symposium (for parents and teachers) How to maintain consistency with schools, peers and a school community? Chat Room partitioned by grade and age Opportunities to collaborate online with teachers and students
- 18. Can students learn through a distance learning program in elementary and middle school? Distance Learning is now available to all ages and grades. Younger students should have the opportunity to choose between the following curriculum: text, online, project-based. Some children need a customized curriculum based on academic needs, goals, interests and talents.
- 19. Will students succeed without interaction and support of teachers? 1:1 Teacher support must be available. Students should work with a teacher who is assigned to them for the entire year. The teacher should communicate weekly with their students via email, learning management systems, phone and collaborative learning tools. The student/teacher ratio should ensure the teacher has the time to provide students with regular attention.
- 20. Is my child a good candidate for distance learning? Is my child a creative thinker? Is my child inventive? Is my child organized? Does my child enjoy independent learning? Is my child gifted? Is my child moving to a new country and needs time to assimilate to his new environment? Is my child an elite athlete or actor? Does my child have special learning requirements? Does my child have a health issue?
- 21. About Laurel Springs Established as a premier college prep program in 1991, Laurel Springs School (LSS) provides a unique distance learning program for grades Kindergarten through 12. Laurel Springs emphasizes standards-based curriculum and individual one-to-one teacher support for every student. Parent, advisors, teachers and students collaborate to personalize each student’s course of study based on their post secondary academic goals.
- 22. Every lesson is graded and students have daily access to their teacher(s). They choose from among state-adopted texts and/or online coursework aligned to CA standards. Flexible scheduling and one-to-one feedback from teachers assist students in overcoming challenges to achieve their academic goals. Laurel Springs School offers over 284 distance learning courses, in the following mediums: Text-based study (Honors, college prep), Web-based (Honors, college prep, AP) Gifted and Talented, Project-Based study (K-8).
- 23. LSS provides each student with an enrollment advisor, college placement team, 1:1 teacher service, academic advisor and five curriculum options. LSS Students score higher on SAT scores than State and National Averages. Laurel Springs is accredited by Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and is a member of the National Honor Society (NHS). Courses are approved by the University of California and NCAA.