As the new year is quickly approaching, consider new possibilities for your student at Achieve Virtual Academy for 2023. Enrollment for 7|8 and high school grades starts on December 1st and ends on New Years’ Eve.
Our online curriculum aligns with the Indiana Department of Education Academic Standards and is facilitated by certified Indiana teachers, many of whom also participated in creating the lessons. We also have over a decade of virtual learning experience that is used in conjunction with our research that allows us to facilitate to your child’s unique learning needs. We strive to meet your child where they are to develop the experience you want for them with an online education program.
Ready to enroll now? Click here to begin the process.
How Parents Can Lead Their Children To Virtual Learning Success
Many parents believe that online education is a relatively novel way for children to learn. However, this is not the case. The Metropolitan School District of Wayne Township in Indianapolis first developed a virtual program in 1999 called Indiana Online Academy.
It was later perfected with the launch of the Achieve Virtual Academy in 2011. Current success is derived from the high quality of staff, curriculum, and many years of experience. It is the only full-time online school operated by an Indiana public school district.
That said, over the last few years, some parents have expressed poignant concerns regarding their child’s educational progress in a virtual environment. As a result, many of these concerns will be addressed below to help provide parents with the confidence they need to leverage the benefits of virtual learning for December’s open enrollment.
Parents, Pew Research, and Achieve Virtual’s Direction
According to the Pew Research Center, there is a high level of satisfaction regarding a child’s education, however, less than 50% of 7|8 and high school grade parents are satisfied with their involvement surrounding the input they have when it comes to what their child(ren) is learning.
While this is an overall parental perspective, Achieve Virtual realizes the importance of having parents involved in their child’s academic course selection and flexible scheduling. Being able to focus on your child’s needs through a one-on-one assessment to create an individualized lesson plan provides you and your child the confidence to know how to persevere academically. This comprehensive approach is one reason Achieve Virtual Academy has earned high ratings from many parents and students across Indiana.
How Much Does Remote Learning Cost?
Unlike traditional 7|8 and high school curriculum, Achieve Virtual doesn’t require any textbooks for remote learning so there is no cost associated with attending our online courses. Cost is only associated with textbooks for AP courses for high school students required by the AP College Board are the only exception. These costs are the responsibility of the student.
Computers will be provided at no extra cost to students in grades K-8. High school students can use any relatively newer computer or iPad for virtual learning. It is highly recommended that students have access to high-speed internet in the home or another appropriate learning space, such as a library. There could be available assistance for internet in your home if you qualify for funded programs. If you cannot access the internet, you can find out more information by calling 211 or your local service providers who may have programs in place.
All full-time students enrolled through Wayne Township schools in five or more classes have no costs associated with virtual instruction. Students from other school districts may have options for payment through their district. Achieve Virtual will check and coordinate with the school district. Students enrolled part-time will be responsible for $250 per semester class and $325 per dual credit class.
Making Decisions About Education and Virtual Learning
According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) there are several elements for parents to consider for their student(s) when choosing a remote education path. The following list will help parents make the appropriate decisions and choices regarding virtual learning.
- Parents have to make a plan for remote learning.
- Parents may have to help children with remote learning.
- Parents may have to provide internet access.
- Parents may have to provide a computer or tablet.
- Parents may have to provide a quiet place.
- Parents have to decide if remote learning is best.
- Parents have to think about everyone in the home.
- Parents have to think about work.
- Parents have to learn about the school plan.
- Thinking and learning will help parents decide.
While many of the above are just recommendations, parents who consider each one appropriately will likely have the best outcomes for their student(s).
Virtual Education Provides Students with 21st-Century Skills
According to the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) there are seven standards (or pillars) for students in virtual education. Parents and students who choose this path will gain the skills required to flourish in today’s employment market by being prepared for the rigors of the workforce or college upon completion.
- Empowered Learner
- Digital Citizen
- Knowledge Constructor
- Innovative Designer
- Computational Thinker
- Creative Communicator
- Global Collaborator
The above pillars are designed to guide staff and to help students make the academic gains not necessarily available to them in a traditional classroom.
Managing the Emotional Wellbeing of Virtual Students
The emotional well-being of a virtual learner is important to both health and performance. Parents and instructors should be cognizant of this as virtual learning can be stressful and challenging. In addition to providing a safe and productive workspace, planning for emotional well-being ahead of time and building in activities known to help alleviate stress is recommended. The following is a list of daily activities that can have a positive impact on the emotional well-being of a student.
- Journaling – This is a great way for virtual students to share their emotions. It can act as an outlet so the student(s) aren’t bottling up their stress. This can be done both online or with a handwritten journal.
- Art – Similar to journaling, art is a creative outlet that allows virtual students to communicate their emotions. This endeavor can be done on a computer or in more traditional ways.
- Physical Activity – It’s been long known that exercise helps alleviate stress. It is recommended to build this time into the daily schedule and to do it outside if possible. Many parents use half the lunch hour for this.
- Diet – Having a healthy diet using each of the food groups and staying away from sugary and fatty foods is a good practice for students to manage stress. While some provide an initial boost in energy they inevitably lead to a crash.
- Sleep – Not only is getting enough sleep important for adults, but it’s also equally important for students to get seven to nine hours a night. Maintaining this sleep schedule consistently will make for a more resilient virtual student.
- Being Social – Virtual education can be and is indeed social. However, getting out from in front of the screen and interacting face-to-face with peers is another helpful way to alleviate stress. Play-dates and activities with peers are encouraged post-class in the afternoon or early evening.
Some studies have shown that managing the emotional well-being of virtual students can be a challenge. However, the deployment of the steps above can go a long way in mitigating those challenges.
Additional Assistance When You Need It
Some students’ educational experience differs from others in that they need additional support. If your student has an IEP (Individualized Education Plan) or is a gifted student, our staff works to accommodate their needs through best-individualized strategies and placement.
Achieve Virtual teachers are dedicated in their support to their students. When a student does fall behind or have questions, they can ask for additional help from their teachers to keep them on track. And when it comes to helping outside of the classroom, guidance to counseling services is available based on the circumstances of the student in need.
The advice given above is designed to give confidence to parents in guiding their student(s) to virtual learning success. In addition, it is to help alleviate the concerns that some parents may have regarding a virtual learning environment. We work with you and your child to provide the environment and resources needed for their success in a virtual classroom.
The skills obtained from a virtual classroom environment are lifelong as students will be better prepared for the riggers of a technology-filled 21st century. They will also learn to be regimented, scheduled and confident while forming healthy habits that they can maintain well into adulthood. The tips above in the hands of parents should instill confidence that their student(s) will have a successful matriculation into virtual learning.
Enrollment has begun now for the spring 2023 semester. If you have any questions, please feel free to call us at 317-988-8450 or click the button below to begin your child’s application.
