Are All Virtual Schools More Or Less The Same?
- Monday Aug 31,2009 01:22 PM
- By article king
- In Uncategorized
As a experienced curriculum manager for private schools, I am finding that online education is as valuable as traditional classroom instruction, while improving the level of opportunity, flexibility, and convenience.
However it cannot be said that all online schools are created equal.
CRITERIA FOR PICKING AN ONLINE SCHOOL
While looking for an online school alternative for your child, make sure that the schools you look into meet the following criteria:
1. The school is accredited and is a member of a nationally accepted agency
2. The school has “demo” classes that you can review
3. A full sequence and scope of all study programs can be examined
4. All educational units meet national/state standards
5. The education provider is a “full service” school - offering FREE substitutions of courses
6. They offer official accredited transcripts that meet national/state requirements
7. Their accreditation standing can be verified
8. You can talk with an educational professional at the school, whether that’s an administrator or a guidance counselor
9. Your child must have certificated teachers assigned to each module.
Frequently we find new online schools appearing on Google or Yahoo. Some of these newly-arrived schools “piggy-back” on other internet schools which offer a curriculum to prospective young people, but they can do little for you in regards to college preparation and guidance counseling services.
ONE IMPORTANT TEST YOU CAN APPLY
If you are unable to reach a “real live” educational professional when you phone the education provider, this may not be the school for you.
Full service private schools retain educational professionals on staff. They are able to offer you assistance on curriculum choices that meet your individual child’s needs. A good curriculum director is able to insure that your child’s transcripts will meet your state requirements - as well as your college choice.
One of the most important considerations in choosing an online school is the curriculum offered. A good online school offers college preparatory and advanced classes that are supported by certified teachers.
THE EDUCATION OF THE FUTURE, BUT…
Online education is an excellent choice and it is the wave of the future but it will not suit everyone. That’s why you should choose an online school that offers FREE substitution with good old fashioned textbooks - if it isn’t a good option for your child.
Online education can be costly but when you pick an online school with a guarantee of textbook-aided instruction, it is the best homeschool option on hand today.
For additional information, please visit http://HighSchool-Online.com
Christian Online School
***
Meet the Curriculum Director/Administrator.
This article is based on a blog post written by Mrs Z, so let me tell you about her.
When she was providing home schooling for her own children, Deborah became totally frustrated by the lack of satisfactory teaching materials available so she began writing curriculum. Soon she was also teaching children with special needs along with designing curriculum packages for private schools and distance learning students.
With a BA in Theology and Education, she began teaching students with a range of kinds of learning challenges in private Christian schools in California, and then in Florida. With that wealth of educational experience, Mrs Z went on to become the head teacher and curriculum director for three private schools.
Having long ago discovered the huge need for quality educational materials to serve the private schools, she went on to write curriculum for students who were having trouble with reading – and so it was that the ministry of the Christian Educators Company began.
You can see what it has become today at http://Christian-Educators.com
Florida HomeSchooling
Mrs Z. has a total of over 27 years of educational experience.
For more information on Christian K-12 education online:
Virtual Christian School