Summer is a time of rest and relaxation, and for most people this means putting off most, if not all, of their academic endeavors. And while taking a mental break can be a good thing and result in renewed energy for school later, this doesn’t mean that learning has to stop. It’s easy to fall victim to laziness during the summer and cease reading and learning in every capacity.
Today, the online model of K12 education impacts students on an individual level.1 Studies show that the effectiveness of education appears to have more to do with who is teaching the student than any other factor.2 Technology opens the door to new methods of learning! Yet, while the technology itself is a powerful tool, knowing how to use it well requires wisdom, knowledge, experience, and the professional judgment of teachers.
Technology allows students to have more teacher interaction since teachers can focus their attention on one learner instead of a classroom of students. Online teachers can also address student questions individually which allows students to be open and inquisitive with much less anxiety than if they had to ask the same questions in a classroom setting.
No two kids learn the same way. The “one-size-fits-all” approach in education does not cover the needs of every child. Children have different learning styles, work at different paces, and have unique strengths and weaknesses. However, many brick-and-mortar schools are struggling to meet each child's individual needs in the following areas:
The critics of homeschooling argue that homeschooled students are socially delayed due to an inability to physically meet with other students; however, modern-day online homeschooling allows students to socialize face-to-face via video group sessions1. There are also numerous socializing opportunities available to students through sports, church, and extracurricular peer-to-peer opportunities within their own communities.
As parents consider the pros and cons of homeschooling their children, perhaps the most debated topic is that of social engagement, and the topic deserves our attention. The conversation is possibly the most polarizing part of making the decision to educate a child at home. Opponents of homeschooling assert that children in a brick-and-mortar school are given the opportunity to socialize with their peers during a crucial time of development in which they learn how to interrelate appropriately with other children their age. While it is true that traditionally schooled children likely do have more interaction with their peers, parents must consider whether this is in their child’s best interest.
An individualized approach to learning has been used for decades in K-12 schools as it addresses students who need to proceed through a curriculum more slowly or immerse in a certain topic or principle to really “get” it.
Personalized learning goes beyond individualization; it seeks to understand the personality of the learner which includes the student’s preferences, interests, and aspirations. In personalized learning, instruction is tailored to each student’s interests, innate curiosity, strengths, and needs. It includes enabling student voice and choice in what, how, when, and where they learn - to provide flexibility and support to ensure mastery at the highest standards possible.
As you experience the differences of schooling with Enlightium Academy compared to your child’s previous school, you may feel the need to celebrate your journey with family and friends. Since you likely share stories with your friends and family about important milestones and events in your child’s life, along with the joys of watching them grow, we would like to empower you with this guide on how to share your educational achievements and the fruit of a sound Christian education through Enlightium. To help you celebrate your story with your friends and family, our Referral Program allows you to gift a tuition credit or Amazon gift card to anyone who enrolls and receive a tuition credit or gift card for your family per referral.
Some of the most important developments in education have happened since the launch of the Internet - online learning.
At Enlightium Academy, students have Expected Student Outcomes (ESOs) for each grade level. This means that upon completing the 8th grade, each student is expected to grow not just academically, but spiritually and socially.
One of the three academic ESOs is technical capabilities. Upon reviewing this article, students in 8th grade are expected to learn how to keep your computer secure.
Students should review this article with a parent.
At Enlightium Academy, students have Expected Student Outcomes (ESOs) for each grade level. This means that upon completing the 7th grade, each student is expected to grow not just academically, but spiritually and socially.
One of the three academic ESOs is technical capabilities. Upon reviewing this article, students in 7th grade are expected to learn how to use social media wisely.
Students should review this article with a parent.
At EnlightiumAcademy, students have Expected Student Outcomes (ESOs) for each grade level. This means that upon completing the 6th grade, each student is expected to grow not just academically, but also spiritually and socially.
One of the three academic ESOs is technical capabilities. Upon reviewing this article, students in 6th grade are expected to learn how to maintain Christian values while accessing the Internet.
Students should review this article with a parent.
Li’l Billy opens a Bible quiz. It’s his first attempt and he feels good about it. Suddenly, from the living room, “Moooom!”
The assignment shows that he has already accessed it, even though this is his first time.
The Regents Examinations are a series of standardized tests given to high school students in New York. New York requires all high school students to pass standardized tests to meet graduation requirements. While Enlightium Academy does not require its students to take the Regents, it is a method of testing available to high school students in New York that allows students to meet the minimum requirements needed for graduation.
In online school settings, the online teacher and student are separated from one another by distance and often by time, so knowing and understanding online students is an important factor in building teacher-student relationships.1 Research suggests that online students are successful if they respond to three different types of learner interactions: (1) learner-to-content (appropriateness of the course material and delivery), (2) learner-to-instructor (access and support), and (3) learner-to-learner (procedures for dialogue).2 Watson et al. (2014)3 noted that practical consideration of the role of a teacher in an online classroom similar to those of traditional face-to-face classroom is important to ensure student success.
A standardized assessment provides the student, the family, the school or homeschool program, and the state insight as to how a student is doing in their academics compared to other students around the United States who took the same assessment.
The right of parents to choose an education for their children was declared at the United Nations General Assembly in 1948: “Parents have a prior right to choose the kind of education that shall be given to their children.”1 The child is not the mere creature of the state; those who nurture and direct his or her destiny have the right, coupled with the high duty, to recognize and prepare the child for life. The state may require that all children of proper age attend school, that teachers would be of good moral character and patriotic disposition, that certain studies essential to good citizenship must be taught, and that nothing be taught which is manifestly inimical to the public welfare.2
For parents, homeschooling has been an alternative to Brick-and-Mortar schools for decades, since home education provides parents the opportunity to teach moral and religious principles to their children.1 The first families to choose to homeschool their children dealt with backlash from numerous groups including family members, educators, politicians, and neighbors who felt they were doing their children an injustice. However, proponents of homeschooling held fast and helped to establish the laws and regulations that recognized that teaching one’s children is a right.2 In the 1970’s, only 10,000 children were homeschooled, and by 2010, about 2,000,000 students were part of homeschool options.3 There are more than 3.76 million students in the U.S. who were homeschooled in 2020 and by 2022, there were 4.3 million students who were homeschooled.4
High school can be incredibly challenging, and sometimes students and parents are looking at alternatives to receiving a high school diploma. In the vast majority of cases, students should pursue a high school diploma. Earning a diploma typically results in higher wages as an adult and lets employers know that the worker can overcome a challenge.
In order for your student to use Ignitia, our online curriculum platform, you will need to have a computer with current software installed. The good news is that this is relatively simple, even for those who are not technically savvy. The great news is that our team has listed the requirements below to make this an easy process.
Flashcards are a common studying tool that have been used for decades. The basic components are:
While many cards will show both the term and definition on one side, the most effective cards will have the term on one side and the definition on the other.
