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jaded
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Posted: Mon May 5th, 2008 03:16 am |
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| Terrific. Thanks for the info!
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GEM127
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Posted: Sun May 4th, 2008 01:23 am |
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| AZVA has Academic Outings and Regional Outings. During the Academic Outings, the teachers teach a specific unit and lessons from the curriculum. Regional Outings have consisted of trips to Challenger Space Center, Wildlife Zoo, Phoenix Zoo, bowling, the park, museums, theaters, Luke AFB, and many more. There is also a PE program. Coach sets up activities around the Valley and asks parents to assist and to help keep the activities running. There are also parent-led outings. Parents organize trips and then invite other families. Most outings are grouped by age.
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jaded
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Posted: Sat May 3rd, 2008 11:44 pm |
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| GEM, are you a parent-educator, or an AZVA employee? I'm curious about informal get-togethers with kids close in age to my own. Is there anything like that, or is everything scheduled and formal and following an agenda? That would be fine, if that's all they had. I'm just hoping for the informal together with the formal.
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GEM127
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Posted: Fri May 2nd, 2008 05:22 am |
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Welcome Aboard
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jaded
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Posted: Fri May 2nd, 2008 04:23 am |
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| I went to the AZVA 'meet and greet' at chick-fil-a tonight and was impressed by the teacher and administrator that I met there. They were able to reassure me about the socialization issue, and to clarify the record keeping requirements for time spent. I can't wait for Fall!
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AZmamateach
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Posted: Tue Apr 22nd, 2008 10:54 pm |
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We've enrolled in a virtual school for the fall. My dd is very bright (1st grade) and largely unchallenged in school. Her teachers are great, however as an educator myself, I know that she needs more. She's above grade level in all academic areas and is at least at grade level (possibly above) socially as well. She's not self-motivated because she's bored and I know from experience the damage that can do to a bright/gifted kid!
I'm a public school teacher (not currently - new baby at home), but am a big homeschooling/charter school advocate. I think it's important for parents to have a choice in the way their children's educational needs will be best met.
Aside from not being sufficiently challenged, one of my biggest issues with my dd's schooling is with the district in general. Things seem to be run very poorly (my mother used to work for the district and always complained about it and apparently nothing has changed since then). A district that is poorly operated/managed with 6 schools is certainly going to have issues running smoothly with 21 schools.
As an example, we were informed that teachers are not allowed to give grades of 'meets' or 'exceeds' standards until the 4th quarter (by two different teachers) despite the fact that this is absurd and renders report cards (and the whole idea of tracking a student's progress throughout the course of a year) completely useless.
I think a virtual school is ideal for our family at this time. My daughter tested a grade level above in the virtual school for language arts (though I've asked for her to be placed in her actual grade since language arts encompasses so much more than reading comprehension, which is all the placement test focuses on). She will be free to focus more time and energy on things that interest her (geography, science, and writing) while still putting in the required time for reading and math.
There are pros and cons to ALL forms of schooling, you just have to figure out what is most suited to you and your child(ren)! Right now, for us, it's virtual schooling.
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jaded
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Posted: Fri Apr 11th, 2008 04:55 pm |
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Something you said really hit a nerve. "time with your kids". What a concept. We're older parents, and feel the VALUE of time spent with our little one. When she's in school full time and doing homeowork after school, we had no real TIME with her, just hurrying through the assigned work from school, then dinner, bath, bed. Fortunately, I can be home full time, and she craves our time and attention, so AZVA seems to be the best fit for us. She gets a good education, and we all get the time together that we all really want and truly value. As for PE, well, we'll see what the Fall semester brings. We take the puppy to the park a lot and she meets new and interesting people of every age every time we go. There's our exercise AND our socialization. Have a great day!
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Surprised_Mom
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Posted: Fri Apr 11th, 2008 04:48 am |
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Just wanted to say that it is okay to do what works for your family (duh!). We home schooled for 10 years before using a VA. Then we used a VA for 2 years. Now we're home schooling and virtual schooling since we have kids in both situations. Do what works best for you and your family. With that you will find freedom to enjoy your life and your time with your kids.
Jaded - As for PE, try calling the school and see if you can get an email address for Coach Kevin, he has all the AZVA PE info. Last I knew he also had a website up with all the dates and such. The activities were held all over the state of AZ, meeting regularly on different days of the month. There was one in Peoria/NW Valley area but I was never able to make it with my kids so I don't know how well attended it was.
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jaded
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Posted: Fri Apr 11th, 2008 01:30 am |
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| Surprised Mom-Thank you for your informative reply to my questions. I'm excited about AZVA. Can you tell me where and when and how well attended the PE classes are? Thank you!
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jaded
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Posted: Wed Apr 9th, 2008 03:56 pm |
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Yep! I certainly know what you mean.
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CatholicMom
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Posted: Wed Apr 9th, 2008 04:22 am |
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jaded wrote: CM, just a random thought wandering unsupervised through my head---You like the FREEDOM of homeschooling but the STRUCTURE of organized sports, religion and scouts? Don't get me wrong, it's not a criticism. My child is in scouts and will continue. I may also look into gymnastics, and we're active at church although there isn't anything for young kids besides Sunday School. I just thought it ironic that you like the freedom of homeschooling, but don't have time for play days in the park due to organized activities. Like I said, just a random thought, wandering unsupervised.
My son's soccer coach doesn't tell him what books to read and my daughter's Brownie troop leader takes a vote on what activities to do. I have a say, I have a vote, and I have the freedom to choose. It took me a long time to find a soccer program and a brownie troop. (In other words, they assign you a teacher at AZVA - I got to "shop around" for my children's teachers.) And I hardly think 1-2 hours a week is considered highly structured.
So, in a nutshell, sports and scouts are things I purchase....whereas AZVA is purchased for me on someone else's dime. And when someone else is footing the bill....then you are held to their standards and expectations. Leaves very little wiggle room.
That being said, I have no problem with AZVA or its families. I just hope you understand that AZVA is a PUBLIC school first, and a HOME school second.
And no, I don't have the time for homeschool park days. I work at home during the day and can't get out until after 5pm. If that weren't so, I might be compelled to join a homeschooling group. I just couldn't do both, kwim? We'd never have time for schoolwork!
CM
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jaded
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Posted: Wed Apr 9th, 2008 12:34 am |
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| CM, just a random thought wandering unsupervised through my head---You like the FREEDOM of homeschooling but the STRUCTURE of organized sports, religion and scouts? Don't get me wrong, it's not a criticism. My child is in scouts and will continue. I may also look into gymnastics, and we're active at church although there isn't anything for young kids besides Sunday School. I just thought it ironic that you like the freedom of homeschooling, but don't have time for play days in the park due to organized activities. Like I said, just a random thought, wandering unsupervised. Last edited on Wed Apr 9th, 2008 12:35 am by jaded
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CatholicMom
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Posted: Tue Apr 8th, 2008 07:11 pm |
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jaded wrote: Freedom is also a learned process. Right now, I'm a 'baby' homeschooler, new to the process and new to the methods. I feel comfortable with someone more informed than I choosing the curriculum, providing the materials and guiding me, than if I just pulled her out of school and threw her education to whim and chance.
I understand.....it is trial and error - and most certainly overwhelming. I started when my oldest was 4 (he's now 13). Confidence takes time. But, you wouldn't be throwing her education to whim and chance, because 90% of the education occurs outside of the textbooks and curriculum It's a way of life really.
I know a lot of people started off the charter way, and then moved on towards a more independent method.
I do have a slight issue with public school admins making it seem that we "need" them. As if they are the educated ones, they know everything - no mom in her right mind could possibly educate the kids like they do. *rolling eyes*
It is also a bit unnerving for homeschoolers hearing public school admins (especially Unions) wishing to have ALL homeschoolers follow the public charter/virtual school route. It's a slippery slope that I really wish wasn't there....I wish all the best for K12's schools, yet I don't want them being the only option either 
The free computer, free printer, free internet, the free supplies are very enticing...I dunno, for me (and this is just ME!), it felt like I was being bought. I tried AZVA for a week...and still have two rows in my bookshelf of their materials - all paid for by the tax payers. And those 2 rows are AFTER I returned what they asked for.
(And yes, my son's teacher told me to put down 2 hours for a lesson, even if it took 30 minutes, if that was the suggested time frame.)
For AIMS testing, a friend's son with Autism had to test in a room full of 100 kids. She was specifically guaranteed a quiet, non-overwhelming room by AZVA, and it didn't happen. There are many instances where AZVA is too big for their britches 
As for sports, I don't participate in the ultra competitive leagues with the crazy parents either. There is a homeschool sports group that meets in Surprise and I've heard good things about them too.
Sorry for rambling...it took me 3 hours to type this! (Off and on, of course!)
CM
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jaded
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Posted: Tue Apr 8th, 2008 04:33 pm |
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| Freedom is also a learned process. Right now, I'm a 'baby' homeschooler, new to the process and new to the methods. I feel comfortable with someone more informed than I choosing the curriculum, providing the materials and guiding me, than if I just pulled her out of school and threw her education to whim and chance. I've researched homeschooling, and one thing I have read over and over is how it's a trial and error process, trying to find what works for each child. Maybe as we both adjust to her being home all day, and we both learn to see me as 'teacher' and not just 'mom', then we'll spread our wings and fly solo. However, just as you wouldn't shoo your toddler out into the world unassisted, I wouldn't attempt this unassisted either. I've researched the k12 curriculum, and I'm thoroughly impressed with what I've found. As far as sports serving for socialization, I must disagree. The 'win at all costs' parents and coaches are not something to emulate. Some kids just want to play for fun, without the competition and stress of meeting adult expectations. For that purpose, play dates in the park are wonderful.
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CatholicMom
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Posted: Tue Apr 8th, 2008 03:16 pm |
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GEM127 wrote: Jaded;
Your children will enjoy and you will have some freedom with your lives.
I think 'freedom' is a matter of perspective. Remember, with AZVA you have to report to a teacher, use a traditional school calendar, use someone else's lesson plans, use books you didn't choose, take AIMS, count hours, turn in work samples, and conduct phone conferences. That is a LOT of work.
I like independent homeschooling --- Nobody telling me what to do, what to teach, what to test, what to prove, and what to say. If I want to take a day off - I can. If I want to school during the summer (after all, what else is there to do when it's 115 outside, I can!) THAT'S freedom!
Socialization? That's what sports, scouts, and church are for. We don't even belong to a homeschooling group. I don't have time!
Good luck!
CM
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jaded
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Posted: Tue Apr 8th, 2008 05:17 am |
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| After reading your replies, I'm even more excited about AZVA. Thank you kindly all for your help. We're going to the get-together at Chick-fil-a on May 1st. Maybe I'll get to meet some of you there.
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GEM127
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Posted: Tue Apr 8th, 2008 01:11 am |
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Jaded;
Surprised Mom seems to be very well educated about AZVA.
Good luck in your enrollment.
Your children will enjoy and you will have some freedom with your lives.Last edited on Tue Apr 8th, 2008 01:12 am by GEM127
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GEM127
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Posted: Tue Apr 8th, 2008 01:07 am |
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Surprised_Mom wrote:
We have been using virtual schools for the last three school years. My children have been enrolled in AZVA and Arizona Connections Academy. My kids do way more schoolwork in a day than kids in a typical public school class room, probably twice as much every day. They are getting an excellent education since these virtual schools are using a national curriculum, not the dumbed-down 48th-in-the-nation stuff that is served up in our Arizona public school classrooms.
As for attendance hours - while enrolled in AZVA and Connections Academy, we were instructed to input attendance for activities which were educational and that could help students meet their lesson objectives. Examples: music lessons, drama classes, sports program participation, extracurricular activities that our students attend such as educational field trips (zoo, plays, museums), educational games, personal reading time, and things of this sort.
I never had a teacher tell me to input attendance for trips to the store or to add an hour if the assignment said to take two hours and we finished early. All of the teachers we were assigned to and the AZVA POG states that if a student finishes a lesson early, they can either go on to the next lesson or fill the time with a school approved activity (such as those that I listed above).
Thank you that was very well stated. You speak like a teacher also? What grade levels are your children in math?
I think what CM was told was that if she went to the store with her children, and they would help with figuring out the prices of thing and what is the best value then that would be a good math lesson. The same would go for baking also. That could count as math time.
They use shopping as a figure of speech when they speak to parents about the educational benefits of AZVA.
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Surprised_Mom
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Posted: Mon Apr 7th, 2008 09:13 pm |
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jaded wrote: I'm in the process of enrolling my child in AZVA for 2nd grade in the Fall. I'd be interested in hearing comments (pro and con) about their organization. I'm mostly concerned about get-togethers, as my child is an only child and we'd like to get to know some other kids.
jaded,
AZVA is a virtual public charter school. When you enroll your child in AZVA, you are enrolling them in a public school. It is nice to have the accountability of being enrolled in a school, while having your child learn in the safety of their own home. In AZVA, your child can get services that would be available to them through a traditional public school, such as special ed. or gifted programs.
Some of the pros of using a virtual school are that you have free curriculum and general school supplies, the lesson planning and record keeping are very easy for parents to use. You have flexibility to run your day and week as best fits your family and you can keep truckin' along as long as you make adequate progress through the curriculum. There are online parent training/help sessions throughout the school year if you get stuck and the teachers are helpful and professional. The school has planned field trips, outings, park days, P.E. class, online clubs and classes, etc. Attendance to those activities is not required, but they are a lot of fun!
K12 curriculum is rich in literature. It is a mastery-based program meaning you can get deep into a lesson/unit if your child is an advanced learner or just cover the basics if they are not. You can even teach and reteach a lesson in many different ways until your child understands the lesson objectives. Your teacher can help give you ideas if your child is struggling or your child can get additional help by attending "class" in your teacher's online classroom.
Some of the cons (if you want to call them that) are that you are indeed enrolled in a public school. With that comes regulation and rules. Attending mandatory yearly state standardized testing, submitting work samples, attending monthly telephone conference calls with your teacher, keeping daily attendance - are the few big ones. We enjoyed the rules and regulations even though they stretched us a little. If you have never schooled at home before, it may be a little rough at first. With children in the younger grades it is like you are home schooling (you are schooling at home ) - you deliver the lesson content to your student. With JR high and high school you are available for your child, but most of the interaction and teaching is between the student and each course's teacher (they are generally enrolled in 6 courses a semester).
Any other questions?
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Surprised_Mom
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Posted: Mon Apr 7th, 2008 08:29 pm |
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We have been using virtual schools for the last three school years. My children have been enrolled in AZVA and Arizona Connections Academy. My kids do way more schoolwork in a day than kids in a typical public school class room, probably twice as much every day. They are getting an excellent education since these virtual schools are using a national curriculum, not the dumbed-down 48th-in-the-nation stuff that is served up in our Arizona public school classrooms.
As for attendance hours - while enrolled in AZVA and Connections Academy, we were instructed to input attendance for activities which were educational and that could help students meet their lesson objectives. Examples: music lessons, drama classes, sports program participation, extracurricular activities that our students attend such as educational field trips (zoo, plays, museums), educational games, personal reading time, and things of this sort.
I never had a teacher tell me to input attendance for trips to the store or to add an hour if the assignment said to take two hours and we finished early. All of the teachers we were assigned to and the AZVA POG states that if a student finishes a lesson early, they can either go on to the next lesson or fill the time with a school approved activity (such as those that I listed above).
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jaded
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Posted: Mon Apr 7th, 2008 04:06 pm |
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| I'm in the process of enrolling my child in AZVA for 2nd grade in the Fall. I'd be interested in hearing comments (pro and con) about their organization. I'm mostly concerned about get-togethers, as my child is an only child (sort of) and we'd like to get to know some other kids. Last edited on Fri Apr 11th, 2008 01:21 am by jaded
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CatholicMom
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Posted: Mon Apr 7th, 2008 03:24 pm |
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Yes, attendance is a big issue. I remember when I called AZVA, they explained that you count *everything* as school. (Trips to the grocery store, going to the park, etc.)
Also, if an assignment was labeled 2 hours and you finished in 1, the parent still should input 2. It was too close to fudging numbers and it made me a bit uncomfortable.
How would they enforce Mon - Fri? There's no way to really know, when a parent inputs the hours, that the schooling was done Mon-Fri. (Not all the assignments are online - there are texts and written work too.)
But that still doesn't prove that they want to get rid of virtual schools, like the original post stated.
CM
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GEM127
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Posted: Mon Apr 7th, 2008 01:45 pm |
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| It wants to put time limits on the families. Which would include no weekend schooling. You will have to conduct all your classes Monday through Friday, just like a brick and mortar school does. Attendance is a very big issue and will require more stricter regulations.
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Surprised_Mom
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Posted: Mon Apr 7th, 2008 04:04 am |
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From what I have read online, the Arizona Dept. of Education wants to put restraints on virtual schools. This would make virtual schooling much less flexible for families using the virtual schools. The House Bill is in favor of not putting these restraints on the virtual schools and it also includes some improvements to the way virtual schools are run (like the addition of allowing kindergarteners to enroll in virtual schools).
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CatholicMom
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Posted: Mon Apr 7th, 2008 03:47 am |
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Ummm...I don't see where they want to get rid of them. It looks like there's just additional guidelines.
Help?
CM
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Surprised_Mom
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Posted: Mon Apr 7th, 2008 03:38 am |
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Here's what I found:
http://www.azleg.gov/DocumentsForBill.asp?Bill_Number=HB2816
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CatholicMom
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Posted: Fri Apr 4th, 2008 05:58 pm |
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GEM127 wrote: You can contact your local state legislator, where the debate is happening. They should be able to tell you what is going on with the bill.
I seached the AZ Legislative Update page and HSLDA (Homeschool Legal Defense Association) and found nothing.
Do you have a bill number?
CM
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GEM127
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Posted: Fri Apr 4th, 2008 12:52 pm |
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| You can contact your local state legislator, where the debate is happening. They should be able to tell you what is going on with the bill.
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Surprised_Mom
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Posted: Fri Apr 4th, 2008 05:48 am |
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deuce wrote: Surprised_Mom wrote in part: Another wonderful virtual school is Arizona Connections Academy.
Arizona Virtual Academy—the only K12 Certified School in the state.
Yes, AZVA is the only K12 certified school in Arizona. K12 is a company which provides curriculum to some virtual schools and also to home schoolers. Meaning, if you would like to use K12's curriculum to teach your kids at home, you can either purchase it independently from K12 (as a home schooler) or enroll your kids in a K12 virtual public school. AZVA is a virtual public school. K12 provides AZVA with their curriculum. Then K12 calls AZVA a K12 certified school. Aparently the only one in the state of Arizona,
K12 is a well-organized curriculum. I enjoyed it while my kids were enrolled in AZVA. I think Connections curriculum is great, too. Both have their pros and cons.
Any news on where the original topic of the state of AZ wanting to get rid of virtual schools came from???
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deuce
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Posted: Fri Apr 4th, 2008 05:19 am |
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Surprised_Mom wrote in part: Another wonderful virtual school is Arizona Connections Academy.
Arizona Virtual Academy—the only K12 Certified School in the state.
Last edited on Fri Apr 4th, 2008 05:20 am by deuce
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Surprised_Mom
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Posted: Fri Apr 4th, 2008 04:42 am |
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I am still wondering where the info is regarding the state of Arizona wanting to get rid of virtual schools. Anyone???
AZVA (Arizona Virtual Academy) is a great option for schooling at home. Another wonderful virtual school is Arizona Connections Academy. I have had children enrolled in both of these schools.
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LucifersLandlord
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Posted: Thu Apr 3rd, 2008 04:49 pm |
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mscarla wrote: Don't you realize the reason the state is doing this? They cannot indoctrinate your children if you have control over their education. Just look at what is happening in Surprise lately, we have the gays moving in, they will be brainwashing your children soon that their way of life is acceptable...they have been doing this in California for decades and recently did away with homeschooling so the parents have NO control over their childs education (read indoctrination).
It is truly a sad day for Surprise since Truitt and his cronies got elected...they will ruin this city and it is also sad that some of us who would like to leave here are stuck because of the housing market.
It is only going to get worse with these people pushing their agenda down our throats.
mscarla I do love your comments and they are quite entertaining. I would like to touch on the fact that it doesnt take much of and education to have children or to provide basic needs so those little outstanding upstart citizens you are raising should be a fine addition to the city of Surprise. By your very words I am not sure who is doing the indoctrinating into a brainwashing society.
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Mamazoyd
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Posted: Thu Apr 3rd, 2008 04:31 pm |
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http://www.cnsnews.com/ViewNation.asp?Page=/Nation/archive/200803/NAT20080328a.html
"McCaleb told Cybercast News Service , the case is not political.
"This whole thing spun out of one family's troubles," he said. "It wasn't part of a larger political trouble as such. This is strictly a state agency (Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services) action that started it all."
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GEM127
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Posted: Thu Apr 3rd, 2008 01:47 pm |
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deuce wrote:
Arizona Virtual Academy—the only K12 Certified School in
the state—combines the accountability of public schooling with the
highest-quality distance-learning curriculum available today
to provide an innovative, highly effective education for Arizona
students.
Arizona Virtual Academy (AZVA) is a state-approved public
online school. The curriculum is provided by K12, and is
accessed via an Online School (OLS) as well as through more
traditional methods, with materials—including books, CDs, and
even bags of rocks and dirt—delivered right to the family's
doorstep.
Parents and students are assigned their own state-certified
teacher to help guide and track their progress through the
curriculum. There are regular face-to-face meetings as well.
Student/student interaction is heavily stressed too, so AZVA
students are always well-educated and well-socialized.
Do your children attend AZVA?
My spouse is a educator with AZVA and at the moment working in PJ's.
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sometimes rational
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Posted: Thu Apr 3rd, 2008 05:13 am |
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cindisue_g wrote: mscarla, correct me if I am wrong, California did not do away with home school, they just put parameters on it. That is that the person doing the teaching must have teaching credentials. I really don't see anything wrong with this. Many people feel that they can home school their children when they do not have the knowledge or skill to do so.
I agree with you CS. Parents need not show proficiency, nor specific educational achievements and their kids, I don't think, are tested in any sort of standardized test to compare them to traditionally educated kids...The answer is to get public schools to level they should be..that requires money, committment and a plan.
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CatholicMom
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Posted: Thu Apr 3rd, 2008 04:47 am |
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mscarla wrote: The programs in California have always been associated with the district in which the child lived and they were tested regularly. Unacceptable and don't be surprised if AZ isn't far behind.
The "programs" you speak of are independent study programs or charter schools run by a public school district. Some homeschoolers choose to do it this way.
However, independently homeschooling, as a private school, is not overseen by any school district or teacher. No testing nor oversight is required. I did it for years, and CA homeschoolers continue to do it - legally and properly.
No, CA isn't nearly as bad as everyone thinks. Actually, I welcome the challenge - because homeschoolers will win. (Heck, they even have Arnold's backing!)
AZ recently ammended their homeschooling laws, say 9 years ago. We have a more solid law, specifically mentioning homeschooling, that is firmly in place. CA homeschoolers have a more ambiguous law (as private schools). So maybe the only thing that CA is going to get is a more defined law.
But as for getting rid of homeschooling? Not a chance!
CM
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CatholicMom
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Posted: Thu Apr 3rd, 2008 04:40 am |
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cindisue_g wrote: mscarla, correct me if I am wrong, California did not do away with home school, they just put parameters on it.
NO Law has been changed in CA whatsoever regarding homeschooling. The newspapers and the media had a field day with a particular ruling, but legally, homeschooling (actually, it's private schooling in CA) has not changed. Credentials are NOT required.
Check California Homeschool Network for the facts and for updates:
http://www.californiahomeschool.net
or: http://californiahomeschool.net/howTo/updates.htm
CM - a homeschooling mom from CA
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Surprise_teacher
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Posted: Thu Apr 3rd, 2008 04:13 am |
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mscarla wrote: Don't you realize the reason the state is doing this? They cannot indoctrinate your children if you have control over their education. Just look at what is happening in Surprise lately, we have the gays moving in, they will be brainwashing your children soon that their way of life is acceptable...they have been doing this in California for decades and recently did away with homeschooling so the parents have NO control over their childs education (read indoctrination).
(cut)
It is only going to get worse with these people pushing their agenda down our throats.
Do you truly believe that, though Surprise has around 100,000 people, we don't and won't have any gay residents until the new development you mention is built?
Are you saying that it was gays that did away with CA homeschooling? Even if 'these people' were to have an 'agenda,' I don't see that homeschooling would be near the top of their concerns. Most estimates state the gay population is around 10%, sometimes less. If every single gay person were politically active and all voted the same way, 10% is still not anywhere close to being able to push any sort of agenda down anyone's throats, not in CA or AZ or anywhere else. You began with "the reason the state is doing this." Please try to convince me that the majority of Arizona state legislators we have are gay.
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Surprised_Mom
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Posted: Thu Apr 3rd, 2008 02:42 am |
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| Where can I find information regarding Arizona wanting to put a stop to virtual schools?
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mscarla
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Posted: Thu Apr 3rd, 2008 02:31 am |
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cindisue_g wrote: mscarla, correct me if I am wrong, California did not do away with home school, they just put parameters on it. That is that the person doing the teaching must have teaching credentials. I really don't see anything wrong with this. Many people feel that they can home school their children when they do not have the knowledge or skill to do so.
How many parents do you know that have teaching credentials and home school? It is my understanding that they have done away with homeschooling altogether. I have had many friends who home schooled their children and those children were better educated than those from the public school system. The programs in California have always been associated with the district in which the child lived and they were tested regularly. This is no longer the case, the children must learn the new liberal, gender neutral crap that California wants to push down their throats.
Unacceptable and don't be surprised if AZ isn't far behind.
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deuce
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Posted: Thu Apr 3rd, 2008 01:48 am |
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Arizona Virtual Academy—the only K12 Certified School in
the state—combines the accountability of public schooling with the
highest-quality distance-learning curriculum available today
to provide an innovative, highly effective education for Arizona
students.
Arizona Virtual Academy (AZVA) is a state-approved public
online school. The curriculum is provided by K12, and is
accessed via an Online School (OLS) as well as through more
traditional methods, with materials—including books, CDs, and
even bags of rocks and dirt—delivered right to the family's
doorstep.
Parents and students are assigned their own state-certified
teacher to help guide and track their progress through the
curriculum. There are regular face-to-face meetings as well.
Student/student interaction is heavily stressed too, so AZVA
students are always well-educated and well-socialized.
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surprisedude
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Posted: Thu Apr 3rd, 2008 01:10 am |
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Can you please post some supporting information on this? I haven't heard anything about it and 2 of my kids currently use a virtual school which is wonderful.
The teacher's union has to be behind this somehow, they can't stand kids not being brainwashed by their secular, twisted "education system."
This is just another thing we have to fight against. Parents have the right to educate their own children. We don't need the school teaching them things against our own values, putting them on Ritalin, "enlightening" them to the gay lifestyle, passing out condoms, etc., etc., etc.
If schools went back to teaching the basics and stopped pushing the progressive agenda on our kids, maybe we'd let them teach our kids again!
Please post links with info on what bill(s) are being considered. I'm definitely getting ahold of my reps at the Legislature right away if this is true.Last edited on Thu Apr 3rd, 2008 02:43 am by surprisedude
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cindisue_g
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Posted: Thu Apr 3rd, 2008 12:29 am |
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| mscarla, correct me if I am wrong, California did not do away with home school, they just put parameters on it. That is that the person doing the teaching must have teaching credentials. I really don't see anything wrong with this. Many people feel that they can home school their children when they do not have the knowledge or skill to do so.
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mscarla
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Posted: Wed Apr 2nd, 2008 11:39 pm |
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Don't you realize the reason the state is doing this? They cannot indoctrinate your children if you have control over their education. Just look at what is happening in Surprise lately, we have the gays moving in, they will be brainwashing your children soon that their way of life is acceptable...they have been doing this in California for decades and recently did away with homeschooling so the parents have NO control over their childs education (read indoctrination).
It is truly a sad day for Surprise since Truitt and his cronies got elected...they will ruin this city and it is also sad that some of us who would like to leave here are stuck because of the housing market.
It is only going to get worse with these people pushing their agenda down our throats.
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GEM127
Member
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Posted: Wed Apr 2nd, 2008 11:10 pm |
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Not only is California looking to put an end to virtual schooling, now the AZ State government is trying to get involved in the teaching of our youth. We have no child left behind, AIMs testing, brick and mortar schools, and virtual education.
Even though the education the children receive by attending a virtual education schooling is equal to, if not better then, a brick and mortar school. the State government can't regulate them easily, so they want to put a stop to virtual schooling by not giving the family the FREEDOM of educating their children when and how they see fit.
Just another freedom they want to take away from us.
This should be the family's choice whether to attend a brick and mortar school or a virtual school.
Not the State Government's choice.
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