shoaglund's blog

What do you think about when you hear the words online education?  How about choice or help or hope? Parents, who once felt helpless, as they witnessed their child struggle in the traditional brick and mortar school, now have an opportunity to take an active role in their education. 

Welcome to a new approach towards learning that can be customized to each child's needs.  An approach that is engaging, interactive and challenging; with a mix of online and offline, including textbooks and hands-on materials, and lessons created to accommodate diverse learning styles. 

As you explore educational options for your children, make sure to download our new program guide. The updated guide includes stories about online education families, actual results and lots of information about the dynamic world of online learning, including the popular question of "how does it all work?".   

Leave a comment on this weekly challenge post with the following:

• Book Title
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• A short review

It can be hard to try something new. No doubt about that.  But each time we step outside of our comfort zone, take action and make necessary changes, we are building up a reserve from which to pull from in times when life doesn’t go as planned. And, when does life ever go as planned? 

For some families, making the choice to enroll in an online school can be daunting and a huge leap out of their comfort zone. 

As part of the decision making process and to help you feel more confident,  you will obviously want to hear from other parents - how it works for them, how they get it all done, how they run their homes, and where did they learn it all. Learning from others who have been there, done that can go a long way in helping you feel comfortable, supported and most importantly, not alone. 

Sally Ride, the first American female astronaut died yesterday at the age of 61 from cancer.  I had no idea before yesterday that she was a leader in encouraging young people to pursue their interest in the STEM fields and even started her own company to help "make science and engineering cool again". 

I have written before about STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) education about.the part it plays in preparing for and succeeding in the kind of workforce our country needs. It's a topic I am passionate about exploring and am even more inspired by this new found knowledge of a shared passion with Sally Ride. 

Recently, I wrote an entry on my personal blog about how important it is for athletes to stay hydrated. I have been experiencing some headaches after some particularly rough exercise sessions that seemed to linger on long after I recovered. I did some research and found that most likely they are being caused by dehydration.  In addition to the headache, I now realize I had other clear signs of dehydration such as fatigue, weakness, and dizziness.

After reading my blog entry, a K¹² colleague left me a comment about research showing that when a brain is slightly dehydrated it performs 10-15% more slowly.  So, what does this mean for our kids/students?

Water makes up about 80% of the brain and is essential in neurological transmissions.  Poor hydration affects mental performance and learning ability by reducing the brain’s ability to transmit and receive information.  Studies show that once thirst is felt, mental performance including memory, attention and concentration decreases by as much as 10%.  Increased dehydration will cause even greater loss of mental performance.

Hoosier Academies, a K¹² partner school,  is now the proud sponsor of the Muncie Children’s Museum Magic Science Mobile that will host experiments that offer “magical ways to look at science.”  Fun experiments like Frosted Flakes (a lesson in minerals) and pennies (cleaning them with soda pop) will be featured regularly that will not only teach kids about Science but give them a chance to learn some cool tricks as well! 

According to the museum,  "Children will journey through the world of science using magic and mystery. This interactive show teaches children about the magic behind everyday items such as pennies, pop cans and cereal! Children will participate in these fun-filled experiments and learn cool tricks to impress their friends."

Mobile science carts are just one of many ways to engage with students and teach them through engagement that science can be fun.  Recently, Slate magazine created a special issue looking into science education.  They asked their readers to come up with ideas on how to fix science education in America. They received over 100 proposals with ideas ranging from public policy changes to engaging 'fun' experiments for kids.  The list is full of great ideas and some can be done with your kids at home.

16 year old Pianist and Arizona Virtual Academy student Anna H. won the Stecher and Horowitz Foundations’ sixth New York International Piano Competition last month.The invitation-only event for pianists between 16 and 21 brought together 22 performers from around the world.

Anna first showed an interest in piano at the young age of 5 when her parents started her in piano lessons “for fun.” That fun has turned into a passion. She has already performed with the Phoenix Symphony Orchestra — twice, and won first prize at the 2011 New Orleans International Piano Competition for Young Artists and the International Institute for Young Musicians International Piano Competition, a title she also won in 2008.

In order to focus on her craft and properly prepare for competitions, Anna has to spend sometimes up to seven hours a day practicing her skills. She is able to devote so much time to practice and truly pursue her passion because of the flexibility she has found by attending school online through Arizona Virtual Academy.