Courtesy: Microsoft Clipart
Related Articles
Did you know that even top-notch, raved about schools lose some enrollment? Why? Because different kids learn different ways. What works super for one kid—or even thousands—may not be a good fit for someone else.
That is why education variation and options are good for our kids. Before we ask ourselves if a charter school is right for your family, let’s begin with the question which applies to any type of schooling choice.
Step one: What type of charter school is a good fit for your child?
To get the answer to this you may want to hire a professional. Ask your pediatrician for a list of local educational psychologists and other specialists. There are also several on-line tools available to the self-help inclined parent (See related articles).
There are multiple learning styles and combinations. Here are some that are commonly referred to:
- Visual learners: Learn well through reading, illustrations, demonstrations and other visual communication.
- Auditory learners: Process information by listening or reciting.
- Kinesthetic learners: Absorb information by touching, writing, and project based tasks.
This information should provide clues to which education approach will be suitable for junior:
- Traditional classroom: Most people would define a traditional school setting as the classroom of several students and one instructor (perhaps with the added assistance of paraprofessionals).
- Open Classroom: An open classroom may also be called a student-centered learning environment. Learning takes place based on the initiatives of the students, and not necessarily on the queue of the teacher.
- Online Learning: A true online charter school does not require a student to attend classes in a certain facility. Instead it is a cyber school that teaches courses primarily through virtual computer methods.
- Or brick-and-mortar-online hybrid: The blended approach to online schooling can provide an alternative for students who learn well using technology, but need the structure of going to a school building.
As mentioned in Education 101:How to choose a charter school (Part 1), there are no guarantees for a happily-education after regardless of how much research is committed. Exploring this information will, however, make a well-informed parent.
For more info: How to choose a charter school is a series of several articles. Stay tuned for "Is a charter school right for our family" and "Gathering information about area charter schools." To receive updates directly via email by the Charter Schools Examiner, please subscribe above.
Karin Piper is the author of CHARTER SCHOOLS: The Ultimate Handbook for Parents (coming to bookstores fall 2009) and guest writer for Colorado Parenting Magazine Education Guide (October 2009). Parenting and education organizations interested in the topic may contact her directly at Karin@charterschoolmom.com.
Comments