Fact or Fiction........

I have had lots of family and friends ask questions about our non-traditional way of schooling Elyzza. I found this article and thought I would share it.

Fact: Virtual public school is not home school
The two are very different. Virtual public schools deliver public education in the comfort of the student’s home. Like all public schools, they are tuition-free to students. State-certified teachers deliver a rigorous curriculum that correlates to state standards and provide students with a variety of curriculum materials and learning resources.

Fact: Certified teachers do the teaching
Students learn at home under the guidance of a certified teacher. Assisting the student in day-to-day activities is an adult Learning Coach, who is typically a parent, but also could be another family member or responsible adult caregiver. The teacher works directly with both the student and Learning Coach to develop an individual learning plan, provide instruction and grade assignments.

Fact: Students use textbooks, pencils, microscopes and interactive curricula
In virtual schools, the computer is a tool for teachers and parents to manage and track assignments, communicate (along with the phone) and deliver interactive curricular materials. However, students complete many assignments “unplugged,” and spend time reading textbooks, using workbooks, reading library books and doing hands-on experiments—just like they would in a traditional school.

Fact: Students regularly socialize and interact with peers
Virtual students have many opportunities to interact with each other. Just like all kids, they choose to IM, text, or talk to each other on the phone. UTVA sets up numerous field trips each month so students can get together as a group. Many of the students also find that the flexibility of virtual education makes it possible to be involved in outside extracurricular activities, such as sports and volunteering.

"A mother understands what a child does not say."