Engaging and Passionate Teachers Make All the Difference

Recently, when I spoke to Carly, a junior attending George Washington University Online High School, she shared with me that her absolute favorite thing about her school was the staff and teachers. Time and again, the students I have spoken with at GWUOHS share with me stories about what makes their school unique, and about the dedicated teachers and administrators who go above and beyond to engage their students, to help them focus and achieve their educational goals.

Cassi Brownlow is one such teacher. Cassi is an English teacher at GWUOHS who is passionate about American Literature, but more passionate about engaging her students in exciting projects, sharing her love of literature and writing, and showing her students that English is “more than just grammar.”

Steps to Success: Elementary to Middle School Transition Strategies for Parents and Students

Recently, I wrote a post on navigating the transition from middle school to high school.  For students in online schools, this transition can come as a shock, as the K12 high school program is quite different from the K-8 experience. For students transitioning from 5^th to 6^th grade, the shift is more minimal, but still noticeable.

Just as in the early grades, middle school courses are still flexibly-paced. There is more work involved however, with a more in-depth examination of topics than students may be used to. Students are also expected to work more independently. Learning Coaches continue to work closely with students, but they may spend less time doing so, typically 2-4 hours a day, rather than 3-5 in elementary. In many schools, students begin to have a few content-specific teachers, rather than just one teacher for all subjects, a good preparation for the high school system.

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?".   

I recently came across the iLearn Project. The iLearn Project , based in Washington, equips families, educators, and school leaders with information about 21st century digital learning to spur innovation.  As a part of their Summer of Success: True Stories of Lives Changed by Digital Learning series, they offer videos highlighting the many different faces of online and blended learning, and share the many different reasons families choose this educational path. 

Below is a video of Breon Johnson, a bright and energetic student who was having a very hard time learning.

Breon struggles with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and was having to endure the effects of racism and discrimination since he began elementary school.  A school counselor suggested that his family look into online schooling as a way to help Breon flourish.

After one year, with the support and guidance from his teacher, along with the flexibility and structure that online schooling can provide, Breon is now an honor roll student!