User:Agmacq/Products draft
Products
[edit]K12’s product line includes courses for elementary, middle, and high school grades, online learning platforms, and educational software. The curriculum is distributed through various channels, including online public and private schools managed by K12, sales to public and private schools and school districts, and sales directly to consumers.[1][2] The company manages state-funded virtual charter schools and hybrid schools in 29 U.S. states and the District of Columbia.[1] Schools and districts wishing to offer full-time online programs, blended programs, or individual courses can purchase curriculum and training services to implement their own programs. Homeschooling families or students who wish to supplement their education with an individual course can purchase the curriculum directly.[1]
Curriculum
[edit]In fully online public and private schools, students complete all coursework online, rather than in a brick and mortar classroom. Instruction is facilitated by the “learning coach” (typically a parent or guardian) with the assistance and guidance of a state-certified teacher assigned by the school.[1] Teacher interaction is accomplished through virtual classroom environments, telephone, and face-to-face meetings.[1] In hybrid schools, students complete the same curriculum but attend a physical building and participate in classes with other students and teachers.[1]
The curriculum for grades K–8 focuses on the core subject areas including math, science, language arts, history, art, music, and world languages. The majority of lessons in the early grades are guided by the learning coach and take place offline using textbooks, printed materials, and hands-on activities.[1]
The high school (grades 9–12) program is broader and students have more choices in terms of the courses they complete. In addition to core courses, students can choose remedial, Honors, Credit Recovery and Advanced Placement options.[3][4] Unlike in the K-8 grades, high school courses take place mostly online. Students attend live online classes and have more communication with teachers, via e-mail, phone, and online conferences. [1][5]
Assessment
[edit]In elementary and middle school, the curriculum is mastery-based, meaning students must score 80 percent or higher on an assessment before moving on to the next learning objective.[6] Short answer or multiple choice assessments are given at the end of most lessons in K-8 and are administered and recorded by the learning coach.[7][8] In high school, teachers monitor student's progress and grade tests and assignments.[9]
Parental Involvement
[edit]In elementary school, the learning coach is expected to spend 3–5 hours each day monitoring students' progress, logging attendance, and facilitating lessons; as the student advances in grade level, the learning coach's hands-on time is reduced and students work more independently.[7] In high school, the role of the learning coach transitions from direct instruction to providing support as the student is expected to manage his or her own schedule and have more interaction with teachers and other students.[7][10]
- ^ a b c d e f g h Layton, Lyndsey (November 22, 2011). "Virtual schools are multiplying, but some question their educational value". The Washington Post. Washington Post. Retrieved October 8, 2012.
{{cite news}}: Unknown parameter|coauthor=ignored (|author=suggested) (help) - ^ "Form 10-K for K12". Yahoo Business. October 7, 2011. Retrieved October 8, 2012.
- ^ "High school course list". K12. Retrieved October 8, 2012.
- ^ "Keeping Pace with K-12 Online & Blended Learning" (PDF). Evergreen Education Group. Retrieved November 1, 2012.
- ^ Hundley, Wendy (August 23, 2012). "Virtual schooling offers tuition-free education, but it's not for everyone". Dallas Morning News. Retrieved November 1, 2012.
- ^ Ash, Katie (October 23, 2012). "Flexibility, Support Build Student Independence". Education Week. Retrieved November 1, 2012.
- ^ a b c Davis, Michelle R. (February 4, 2011). "Full-Time E-Learning Not Seen as Viable Option for Many". Education Week. Retrieved October 8, 2012.
- ^ Jones, Athena (January 30, 2012). "Virtual schools on the rise, but are they right for K-12 students?". CNN. Retrieved November 1, 2012.
- ^ "How K12 high school differs from K–8". K12. Retrieved October 8, 2012.
- ^ "How a K12 Education Works". K12. Retrieved November 7, 2012.