Wouldn’t it be great if your child had a personalized learning program designed especially for their specific needs? Charter schools in Orange County, such as Springs, are reimagining education by doing that very thing.
The official definition of a personalized learning program is a unique combination of classroom and out of classroom learning activities, tailored for a child specifically. In reality, these programs are so much more.
To further understand what makes up a personalized learning program, let’s look closer at how learning is personalized for each student, and the available programs offered at Springs Charter School in Orange County.
Learning Outside the Box
Charter schools in Orange County understand that not all children learn the same. That is why a one-size-fits-all approach to education is counterproductive. Learning needs to be tailored to the individual in order for them to remain engaged and cooperative in their own learning goals.
They also recognize that building relationships between students and their parents is a key component in personalizing the learning experience. This sets the stage for a “give and take” environment which builds leaders through team-work.
Students in a personalized learning program are given extensions of their classroom studies into the community, encouraging real world application and reasoning. It is also one of the major benefits of homeschooled children to accompany their curriculum.
Lessons Learned
One of the biggest benefits of a personalized learning program has to be giving students a choice of classes that actually peak their interest (and their parents), which keeps them involved in the learning process. This always increases a child’s success in any program.
Another age-old proven fact – smaller classrooms yield higher student success. More than that, a personalized learning environment involves a team-oriented approach and fosters closer friendships among students. Everyone recognizes that each individual brings their own unique contribution.
Learn As You Go
In addition to evolving from the traditional classroom, teachers in a personalized learning program adapt their styles to fit the particular needs of the student. They study how a student learns and understand some respond better to verbal instruction versus visual aids. By customizing those lessons, a student can play to their strengths and adapt what they learn to their own situation.
Not all children take the same path towards their learning goals either. Teachers in a personalized learning environment can help a student set goals, but also provide multiple paths that can only lead to them achieving them.
Setting Parents Up For Success
All of this sounds wonderful, but how does a parent know where to begin when trying to choose a personalized learning program? At Springs in Orange County, there are several programs available guaranteed to take the guess work out of this important decision.
Children who are homeschooled often miss out on a more rigorous curriculum, but also the interaction with other students and peers. The Santa Ana Learning Center offers workshops and classes to help fill in the gaps for parents teaching at home.
These programs are driven by independent study styles so that students can work at their own pace, but still have access to classmates and teachers weekly. There are even programs that combine in-class and remote learning for homeschooled children. Now more than ever a child can achieve a great education that rivals public schools.
The Keys College and Career Prep strongly promote an environment where students take a personal responsibility for their learning and path to future success. In order to help a student achieve a major educational goal (such as college), a personalized plan is made and the program is designed to help them reach that goal. More so, it gives them a great sense of what college life will entail, as they must monitor and turn in their own work.
What if you’re a parent who doesn’t live anywhere near Orange County? Venture Online (K-12) was designed specifically to meet the needs of the remote, 21st Century student. This program still allows for a personalized learning plan, customized to meet the individual needs of the student, but is available anywhere and anytime! A major component to this program is allowing students to study, but also achieve their dreams of passion. One student loves how she has more time to practice her violin.
A personalized learning program is as individual as the student in it. We are starting to realize that adapting to our differences is more productive than trying to fit everyone into one category. Why wait until adulthood to learn the importance of balancing your “work” and your life?
Learning is more than books, but also how to apply that knowledge in the world in your own unique way. A personalized learning program can inspire students (and parents), to become passionately engaged in their education.
