Commonly Asked Questions
Is parent involvement necessary?
The use of a college attendance schedule for grades K-12 must naturally recognize that minors are involved. As a result, supervision is an added factor that must be addressed and can sometimes be a challenge for single-parent households or when both parents work full-time outside of the home. But it does not always have to be the child’s parent (or legal guardian) providing the supervision. Instead, a parent-representative (grandparent, aunt, close trusted friend, etc.) can assist that parent. However, there must always be a parent or legal guardian who serves as the primary contact between the school and the home (the parent-of-record). This ensures that the parent is continually included and is regularly aware of their child’s progress in a College-Simulated K12 School.
What if a parent does not feel qualified to be involved?
Simply being willing to devote the time to be engaged in their child’s education is the primary parental qualification for a College-Simulated K12 School. With that qualification met, the school then helps guide all parents through the various opportunities and roles they will experience as their child moves from one grade to the next. The school will also help provide parents with the tools needed to be effective. And as their child’s independent learning skills develop, less direct time and involvement will be needed by the parent.
Will College-Simulated Learning work for children with learning disabilities?
Yes! As in any public school, children with learning disabilities will receive the needed services outlined in their Individual Education Plan (IEP). But in a College-Simulated K12 School, they have the added benefit of an involved parent strategically included as part of that plan. An issue for some disabilities might be the pace of College-Simulated Learning, but most obstacles can usually be addressed and overcome as part of the IEP.
Can parents be involved if they do not speak English?
It’s important that parents of all nationalities remain engaged with their children throughout their educational journey in a CSL School. Thanks to the many advances in technology, communication between the classroom teacher and the parent at home can now be quickly translated into many different languages. The same is also the case when an online curriculum is used as part of the teaching and communication process.
How are parents “equipped” to help their children in a CSL School?
Training parents for success involves an essential program in a CSL School that is commonly referred to as the Parent-Equipping Program (PEP). Notably, this program will look different in each CSL School since it should be tailored to meet the various needs of the families directly involved. But common aspects of the program are generally divided into 3 categories: (1) Academic Education Training where parents are equipped to help guide their children with their academic work throughout the school year. (2) Character Education Training where parents have a key role in fostering the vital character traits and values needed to support their children’s academic success. And (3) Partnering with Parents where the PEP typically focuses on social activities designed to help build relationships between parents, students, and teachers at convenient opportunities. All of these “equipping” opportunities are held to help strengthen the school-family partnership that is foundational in a CSL School.
How Does CSL Differ from Blended Learning and Hybrid Learning?
Blended Learning and Hybrid Learning are normally synonymous with each other, and both always involve a combination of 2 delivery methods: in-person instruction and some form of online instruction. College-Simulated Learning focuses instead on a successful college experience that is modified to be a K12 school alternative. In addition, online curriculums are not required in a CSL school. Blended & Hybrid Learning also have broad applications (models) directed primarily at the upper grades, while CSL is narrowly defined based on a traditional college experience that involves all grades K-12. With Blended and Hybrid Learning, some models are 100% on-campus where students simply rotate between online work and face-to-face instruction, and some models extend off-campus where students simply observe classroom teachers via their computer. CSL, however, can never be accomplished 100% on-campus since a significant timeframe must involve independent study off-campus, as in college. To expand online curriculum options, Blended and Hybrid models frequently have designs that avoid or minimize parental involvement. CSL Schools always require parental involvement, and the level and type of involvement will differ appropriately for each grade level. And since parents are recognized as key factors in their children’s success, equipping parents is viewed as an essential role in a CSL School.
