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Is Online High School Right for Your Student?

Posted by Crystal Thomas on February 23, 2010 at 11:55am

Over the past several years, Colorado families have been the
beneficiary of the growth of online high school options. Colorado
online high schools have proven to be a valuable education choice for
many students and their families who are looking for an alternative to
the traditional school setting, whether because of learning style, life
or family circumstances. For many, virtual high schools have meant the
difference between giving up on school or graduating.

Whenstudents and their families begin to explore high school courses
online, what they find attractive is a quality education that features:

individualized learning plans,

courses tailored to students’ specific learning styles and levels,

flexible scheduling, and

real-time monitoring of student progress and success

“In a traditional school, time is fixed and learning is variable.At Provost Academy, learning is fixed and time is variable,” says Audie
Rubin, Executive Director of Provost Academy (www.co.provostacademy.com), a state-authorized public virtual high school that is free of charge to residents of Colorado.

Asa result of online educations ability to cater to the specific learning
needs of a student and its flexibility, Colorado’s online high schools
have been attracting a variety of students including those:

Seeking a more challenging learning environment,

Needing support and tutoring in order to stay on track for graduation,

Looking for a learning option that accounts for their personal learning style,

Trying to balance a full work schedule with their classes in order to help support the family, or

Pursuing long-term professional goals (such as becoming a pro athlete, actor or musician) while still trying to complete their highschool degree.

Once a family or student has determined that online high school maybe appropriate for their situation, choosing the one that meets the
needs of the student can be a challenge. Provost Academy Colorado, one
of the most trusted online high schools in Colorado, has put together a
simple assessment to determine if online learning is right for a
student (just put a check next to the boxes that are appropriate):

Academics
□ Consistently works ahead of the rest of the class
□ Consistently falls behind the rest of the class
□ Wants to take a classes that are not offered at his or her current school

School Life
□ Has been, or is being, bullied
□ Doesn’t enjoy the social component of school
□ School doesn’t align with family values

Life Outside of School
□ Attends time-consuming elite athletic, arts or music practice
□ Has a part-time job that contributes to the household income
□ Has significant family obligations (e.g., caring for a child, grandparent, brother or sister, or parent)

Personality
□ Takes pride in individualism
□ Often takes the path less traveled
□ Works well independently

Scoring: Add up the total checkmarks and use the guide below to see whether online high school is the best choice.

8-11 Points: Perfect Fit
Traditionalschool may be too rigid for your child. Whether due to their academic
level, outside commitments, or their independent personality, a
traditional school is, well, too traditional for your student. Online
high school can offer the flexibility and independence needed to
succeed.

4-7 Points: Compatible
While your student may becomfortable in a traditional school, a flexible classroom schedule may
be the extra added ingredient they need to excel. By setting their own
schedules, determining their own learning pace and having more
individualized learning paths, students often find the incentive they
need to achieve academic excellence and realize their dreams.

0-3 Points: Option to Consider
Atraditional high-school setting seems to be working for your child.
However, the benefits of online high school are many. Adaptable
curriculum, schedules and more individualized attention can benefit
students of many backgrounds, personalities, or academic ability. You
may want to research the online education options available to your son
or daughter to compare them with your student’s current school.

Themost important objective is that all high-schoolers successfully
complete their education in the learning environment that is best for
them. Thanks to technological innovations and the commitment of
educators, online learning is a new, worthwhile option to consider in
Colorado.

Working Teens Get Ahead with Online High School

Posted by Crystal Thomas on May 14, 2010 at 4:30pm

Many benefits of online high school are obvious, customized class schedules that allow you to control your learning pace, engaging use of interactive technology, even a class schedule that allows you to take class when you want. But a little known benefit of online high school is that it can help you with a part-time job.

Landing a part-time job is becoming increasingly difficult. Colorado teenagers may think they are unaffected by recent economic struggles, but they’re not. Last summer the employment rate for teenagers dropped to a record low of 33 percent. While Colorado’s unemployment rate (8.4 percent) is lower than the national average (9.9 percent), out of work adults in the state are accepting lower-skilled positions in greater numbers; positions that have traditionally been filled by teens.

In today’s market, a flexible school schedule may be the thing that helps you gain a competitive edge over other applicants.

Get Your Foot in the Door
Having the right attitude, respect and being on time are important to landing a job as a teen. But, you also need something that is going to set you apart from the other qualified applicants. If you have the ability to shift your school schedule on a weekly, or even daily, basis as you can at an online high school, then you can take on shifts that many of your peers can’t.

Gain Valuable Experience
Attending online schooling for high school means teens can apply for jobs that are normally out of reach because of the constraining traditional school hours. When you can take math class at 6:00 p.m. instead of 10:30 a.m. you’ll have the option to apply for office jobs. In an office setting you can gain critical skills that you may not have learned until your early 20s. Not only will an office job provide you the opportunity for higher pay but having office skills are important for landing future internships and jobs. A job that is rare among teens can also give you a unique experience to write about for your college admission essay.

Contribute to Household Income
You may work because you need extra spending cash, but increasingly there are teens like you who are taking jobs to supplement their family’s income after a parent has been laid off. For those teens, online high school means the ability to take on more hours. Teens over the age of 16 have no limit to the number of hours or days they can work. By attending school when it works for your schedule, you can pick up extra hours and help contribute to the household income.

While online high school may not be a good fit for all students, it can be very beneficial for students who want to or need to work. By providing the flexibility to land higher paying jobs or work more hours students can develop skills that serve them for the rest of their lives while earning their high school diploma online.

Distinguished Colorado Online Educator To Lead Provost Academy

Posted by Crystal Thomas on February 16, 2010 at 3:48pm

The Executive Director of Colorado’s new public online high school, Audie Rubin brings not only his years of experience in education as both an administrator and teacher; but also his leadership and vision as a pioneer in the use of online education technology to open the classroom and accelerate learning for Colorado students.

“The challenge facing education today is to close the gap between how students live and how they learn,” Rubin said. “At Provost Academy Colorado, we are excited to meet this challenge with our pro-learning, pro-student, pro-success focus to help all students achieve their goals.”

Provost Academy is a state-authorized public virtual high school that is free of charge to residents of Colorado. Backed by EdisonLearning’s experience in preparing more than 1 million students for college and the workforce, Provost Academy provides students personalized learning plans adapted to meet their schedule and specific academic needs.

As a leading advocate and pioneer of online education in Colorado, Rubin brings a valuable knowledge and innovation to his new position. As Director of Student Online Learning for the Jeffco Public Schools, he developed full time online programs, and partnered with district high schools to implement hybrid learning opportunities. During his tenure, Rubin increased the number of students learning online throughout the district from 150 to over 3,000 and the number of online teachers from 20 to over 200 in 18 months. As a principal with Colorado Virtual Academy, Rubin designed and successfully launched the academy’s online high school.

“I have seen the strides students make in their academic success when they are truly engaged in the online experience, and their education matches their individual learning style. But I also know that not all online schools are the same,” Rubin said. “Unlike other online schools, Provost Academy has a robust offering of more than 100 courses, developed in collaboration with faculty of Stanford University’s School of Education. It is also backed by EdisonLearning, the nation's largest partner to public school districts and communities nationwide including here in Colorado.”

In addition to his work in schools, Rubin is advancing online opportunities for Colorado students as a member of the Colorado Department of Education’s Committee for Online Learning. Outside of the field of education, Rubin has partnered with Sun Microsystems and Microsoft to develop educational initiatives in the United States as well as in Japan and Australia. He received his Master’s in Educational Leadership from Colorado University-Denver, and his undergraduate degree from San Jose State University.

“We are extremely pleased and honored that Audie Rubin, a solid educator and true innovator has accepted the leadership role at Provost Academy,” said Jeffrey Popiel, President & CEO of Geotech Environmental Equipment in Denver and chairman of the Provost Academy Colorado board. “Mr. Rubin’s commitment to the mission of Provost Academy and experience adds tremendous value and quality to the education experience our students will receive.”

Provost Academy Colorado is currently enrolling students in grades 9 through 12 for the school year starting August 2010 online at www.co.provostacademy.com or by phone at 888.472.2656.

Is Your Child STEM Ready? Their Future May Depend On It

Posted by Crystal Thomas on March 22, 2010 at 12:16pm

According to a report last month from University of California at Los Angeles’ Higher Education Research, the number of college freshman choosing fields of study within science, technology, engineering and mathematics has been rising for the last 15 years across all races. That is good news for the United States as the jobs of the future and America’s competitiveness depends on students with knowledge in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). And that knowledge starts in high school.

The push for more STEM focus in K-12 education has become a national priority. In fact, recently, President Obama launched “Educate to Innovate,” a campaign to engage more of America’s students in the study of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. “Educate to Innovate” calls for leading companies, foundations, nonprofits, and other organizations to find ways to encourage students to participate, not only for the future of the country, but also for the future of those students.

So, why are STEM subjects so important to the United States, and our students? For at least three reasons:

STEM is Key to Global and Career Competitiveness
First, in order to remain competitive with workers around the world, it is necessary for Americans to have strong skills in the areas where innovation and new thinking will create opportunity. Some of these areas include biotechnology, aeronautical engineering, environmental sustainability, and materials science.

Students in India, China and other countries are being trained to excel in these areas now. If our students are left behind academically, we will lose these high-paying jobs to overseas companies.

Technology is a Part of Almost Every Job Today
Second, almost all jobs today have some sort of technology component to them, and any student unfamiliar with the basics of science, technology, engineering and mathematics will find it difficult to build a solid career without these skills.

STEM courses are as important for students who do not plan to attend college as for those who do, because being smart about science, technology, engineering and mathematics will open up higher-paying job opportunities for high school graduates and help with career advancement for years to come.

Career Opportunities for Women and Minorities
Third, the STEM professions are actively looking for women and minorities to recruit in order to create more diverse thinking and participation in these professions. So female and minority students have a special incentive to pursue courses in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

While STEM education is a national priority, getting students the education they need for success starts at home. Today, parents can make choices in their K-12 educational options to seek out programs that focus on STEM. For example, in Colorado, a new online charter high school, Provost Academy (www.co.provostacademy.com) recently launched with an intensive focus on STEM courses. Having coursework in these subjects helps position students for college application, and job opportunities after graduation. These are high-paying, challenging jobs that can be found everywhere―in corporations, in government, in research institutes, and in the military. STEM knowledge is one of the best career assets any high school graduate can have.

Is Your Child STEM Ready? Their Future May Depend On It

Posted by Crystal Thomas on March 22, 2010 at 10:30am

Online High School Helps Students Gain an Advantage for College and the Workforce

Posted by Crystal Thomas on April 27, 2010 at 1:20pm

The U.S. Department of Education released a new education plan calling for increased technology integration into all levels of education. The plan states that by engaging students early with online tools, schools better prepare their students for college and the workforce. Educators at Colorado online high schools couldn’t agree more.

“Students today want to be active participants in their education,” says Audie Rubin Executive Director of Provost Academy, an online high school in Colorado. “They want to learn the same way they live, utilizing what they are familiar with such as blogs, podcasts, and instant messaging to create an interactive environment in which they can thrive.”

A More Complete, Authentic and Meaningful Education
The U.S. Department of Education’s National Educational Technology Plan 2010, titled “Transforming American Education: Learning Powered by Technology” calls for all education levels, primary, secondary and higher education, to find increased function for online learning.

The authors make the case that technology creates the opportunity for a more complete, authentic and meaningful education for today’s students. Arguing that technology-based learning systems will not only change the way students are learning today but will help improve the education system in the future.

The Advantages of Technology
According the National Educational Technology Plan, using technology in the classroom also prepares young minds for life after high school by:
• helping students develop skills such as self-discipline and motivation that are known to promote success at higher education institutions.
• giving access to web tools such as wikis, blogs and digital content that are integral parts of many of today’s careers
• putting them in real-world situations and preparing them to be productive members of a globally competitive workforce

Online high schools have been on the forefront of incorporating technology in the classroom. But unlike traditional schools, online schools can provide the additional benefits of customized lesson plans and individual attention that help young students move at their own pace to earn a high school diploma.

“I know many students who have benefitted from the flexible schedule that online school offers,” says Rubin. “They could be an elite athlete or musician who needs to travel for competitions, a student who is helping to support their family with a job or a teen mom who needs care for her child but doesn’t want to sacrifice an education. Online school gives these students the chance to earn a real high school diploma.”

Weighing Technology in School Choice
Technology has become ingrained in our lives. It has changed the way we shop, find information and connect with people so it is no surprise that it is changing our classrooms. Parents should factor in technology when weighing their school choice options. The next generation needs to engage with technology in a productive way, beyond texting and online video games. Online high schools can provide the avenues for students to use technology in a way that reflects both college and a career.

Provost Academy Stands Out Among Online High Schools for Focus on Student Success

Posted by Crystal Thomas on June 14, 2010 at 1:30pm

When parents and students are considering online high schools, they’ll find a number of choices, both private and public. The private schools may stress their high-quality curriculum but often charge high tuition. Public online schools are free but may not provide the best academics or student support. Is there a third choice? Yes. A new education option that combines the best of all online school options is now being offered in Colorado.

At Provost Academy, Student Success is Key
Provost Academy is a free public online Colorado high school whose mission is to ensure that students are successful in their courses and that they master the knowledge necessary to provide them the greatest opportunities in their careers or college studies. For students and families who are seeking a challenging curriculum in a non-traditional, flexible environment, this new online high school may be the perfect choice.

Student Success: Engagement, Accountability, and Support
The key element of Provost Academy’s program is ongoing communication among the three partners in a student’s learning success: the student, the parents and the school.

When students first enroll in Provost Academy, they are given an initial test that helps guide their academic path. From there, families work with an Academic Advisor to plan and monitor the student’s progress.

Lessons are designed to work with the learning style of each student, and advanced students can move through lessons quickly while those students who need to take additional time on a particular subject can do so without falling behind. Each lesson provides instant feedback as students progress, and ends daily with a test so students can see where they are succeeding or need to spend more time.

Recognizing the important role they play in helping their children succeed, Provost Academy also makes sure that parents can monitor student progress regularly. Parents and instructional staff can easily view grades and the status of assignments at any time online. If a student falls behind in a given area, an “Achievement Alert” is sent and a plan of action is implemented. Progress is also monitored regularly to ensure that students remain on track.

Challenging Courses That Reflect Real-World Opportunities
Provost Academy offers a uniquely-designed academic program that gives students the skills, confidence and encouragement to graduate, while also preparing them for the workplace or college.

This academic program was developed with faculty members at Stanford University’s School of Education. It was specifically designed to combine excellence in online teaching with courses that would best prepare students for real-world opportunities after they graduate.

In fact, the school offers more than 100 highly engaging courses, including advanced placement (A.P.) and honors courses. As part of its commitment to providing students with the most in-demand knowledge, Provost Academy Colorado courses emphasize such important subjects as science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), which are increasingly sought-after in today’s job market.

Provost Academy believes that its challenging classes, and students’ ability to succeed in them, will instill the confidence and knowledge they need to easily pass state-mandated exams, including the exams required to earn a high school diploma, required of all public high school students.

A Trusted and Experienced Partner
Provost Academy is able to offer such a high-quality, reliable, and effective program because it is affiliated with EdisonLearning, the nation’s largest partner to public school districts and communities. In fact, EdisonLearning currently serves hundreds of thousands of students nationwide through successful charter schools, after school tutoring, and through academic services that are provided to school districts.

Whereas many online schools, both public and private, are new to education, EdisonLearning has nearly two decades of proven experience improving results for students across the country who are learning both online and in the classroom. Provost Academy is now enrolling students for the 2010-2011 academic year.

Green Byproducts of Attending Online High Schools

Posted by Crystal Thomas on April 22, 2010 at 9:17am

Online high schools have many benefits for individual students, but being “green” is one that is often overlooked. Many factors that can increase the carbon footprint at traditional schools such as paper waste, school transportation and energy costs are virtually non-existent online, making online school an environmentally friend educational choice.

Provost Academy, Colorado’s new online high school, is celebrating Earth Day by highlighting the top five ways online high school is greening the way high school students learn.

1. Reduced Energy Use – Did you know that on average, K-12 schools across the country spend more on energy costs for their building than textbooks and computers combined? According to the EPA, nearly 30% of that energy is wasted or used inefficiently. While the school-issued laptops at online schools consume some energy, it is not nearly the amount used at a traditional school.

2. Paperless – Each year the average American uses approximately one 100-foot tall Douglas fir tree in paper and wood products. At traditional schools worksheets, tests and textbooks make up a considerable part of the curriculum and over the course of a school year that paper waste can really start to add up. Nearly everything is administered through a computer at online schools. Even textbooks are virtual documents. Often, the only piece of paper received by an online student from the school is their high school diploma!

3. No Commuting – By attending school from the comfort and safety of the home, online school decreases the amount of fuel being consumed by families. U.S. cars contribute to half the world’s total CO2 emissions. By removing two trips to a traditional school every day, online schools make a dent in the amount of greenhouse gases families are releasing into the atmosphere.

4. Less Waste – Considering the number of students and faculty who are at traditional schools, you can imagine the amount of waste can be significant. From school lunches to school supplies, and replacing equipment traditional schools create and dispose of on a daily basis. By not having a physical building, an online school considerably reduces the amount of waste produced.

5. Recycled Technology – Most online schools, like Provost Academy, issue laptop computers to every student. However, those laptops are returned to the school once the student has completed their coursework and are refurbished for the new class of students. This type of recycle and reuse mentality helps minimize the imprint online high schools are leaving on the planet.

When it comes to helping the environment, small changes by individuals can make a difference; even when it comes to choosing a school. Online schools make smaller impacts on the environment by using fewer resources overall. Students at online high schools in Colorado are benefitting not only from an education that is customized for them, but have the added benefit of attending a school that is leaving less of an impact on the environment.

Note: this page contains paid content.

Note: this page contains paid content.

Note: this page contains paid content.