Cyberbullying

We all have heard way too many stories about bullying. Many families begin to consider online education because they are looking for a safe place for their children to escape the effects of bullying.  The many options available through K¹² can be that safe environment for many kids. Bullying has grown into much larger issue than many of us remember. Technology has helped create many new and powerful tools for bullies to use and has created a new form of bullying called “cyber bullying”.

"Cyber bullying" is when a child, preteen or teen is tormented, threatened, harassed, humiliated, embarrassed or otherwise targeted by another child, preteen or teen using the Internet, interactive and digital technologies or mobile phones. Sometimes, the child may even change roles, going from victim to bully and back again.

Cyber bullying can be done using direct attacks, where messages are sent directly to the victim, or by proxy, when others join in on the act, with or without the accomplice's knowledge. Because cyber bullying by proxy often gets adults involved in the harassment, it can be much more damaging. 

Deciding to enroll your children in an online school has it's own set of challenges. And because online education is still what some may consider "different", we realize that parents need robust resources and support to help - whether it's to hear about fresh ideas, gain a more indepth perspective about online education or just simply talk to someone who "gets it" and can offer advice. 

We also know that no one family is alike, which is why we offer many different types of programs and resources to help families - whether they are already living and learning the online education lifestyle or are just starting to look into the possiblities that online learning can offer.  

"Nothing you do for children is ever wasted." - Garrison Keillor 

Do you agree? 

Tips to Teach Children How to Use the Internet Safely

There is no denying that the internet provides wonderful learning opportunities, for adults and kids alike. It has revolutionized how we learn, how we connect with one another, and how we entertain ourselves. But with the potential for learning, there is also potential danger, particularly for children and teens. In order to protect children online, it’s important for parents to be aware of children’s online activities and to teach children how to use the internet safely.  These tips can help.

With all daily digital noise vying for our kids' attention, it's important to remember how vital a role, literacy development plays in our children's overall learning and development. Recent research by the National Early Literacy Panel’s (NELP) finds that encouraging young children’s language and literacy development is important in language development and it's critical that our children become proficient readers by the end of third grade.

Educators like to say third grade is when kids move from learning to read, to reading to learn. According to literary specialist, Kathy Callister, "Things change in third grade. Kids are not just learning fundamentals of reading. They are reading for meaning and to learn. If kids are struggling to decode the words, they don't get much meaning from the text and don't learn what they need to know."

Meet An Online Education Teacher

At K¹², we appreciate all that our teachers do and recognize the enormous impact they have on students and families. We’re happy to continue our new series of blog posts to introduce thinktanK¹² readers to some of our amazing and experienced teachers around the country.

Welcome to our second installment of Meet an Online Teacher! This month I’m happy to introduce you to Tennessee Virtual Academy Lead Teacher, Tonya Dingus. Tonya is in her 15^th year of teaching and has experience in just about every kind of school, from brick and mortar public, to charter, private and virtual schools. Earlier this year, Tonya was recognized for her outstanding leadership and dedication to education as a finalist for the 2012 K12 Distinguished Leadership Award. In our interview, Tonya shared with us her passion for engaging students, valuable advice for families new to online schooling, and her thoughts on the changing field of education.

It's time for the 2012–2013 K¹² Art Competition

Did you know that according to Edutopia.org, "years of research have shown that arts education is closely linked to almost everything that we as a nation say we want for our children and demand from our schools: academic achievement, social and emotional development, civic engagement, and equitable opportunity. Involvement in the arts is associated with gains in math, reading, cognitive ability, critical thinking, and verbal skill. Arts learning can also improve motivation, concentration, confidence, and teamwork."?

Giving students a fun way to explore their creative side and an opportunity to be recognized for their talents is the goal of our annual Art Competition, a K¹² program created to encourage creativity through the arts.