Frequently Asked Questions
What makes NuLink Charter School unique?
How is NuLink Charter School Preparing Students for the Future?
What grade levels are served by NuLink Charter School?
How does 8th grade differ from grades 9-12?
Are NuLink teachers fully certified?
What technological supplies will
students need?
What if a student has difficulty with online courses?
How do students choosing to participate in online courses
build social skills?
How does NuLink Charter School accommodate students with
special needs?
How are parents involved in NuLink Charter School?
What is a Charter School?
Charter Schools are self-managed public schools that are approved by the state and local school districts. They are created and controlled by parents, teachers, community leaders, or universities. Charter schools operate free from many educational mandates, except for those concerning nondiscrimination, health and safety and accountability. Charter Schools offer alternatives in education using strategies that improve student performance and allow for more diversified educational pathways.
Charter Schools were established by Act 22 in 1997 to improve pupil learning, encourage the use of different and innovative teaching methods, and provide parents and pupils with expanded choices in the types of educational opportunities that are available within the public school system. (http://www. portal.state.pa.us) Charter schools operate on three principles: choice, accountability, and freedom. Families have a chance to choose the school that will best serve the needs of their children. Charter schools must show that they can meet rigorous standards. Instead of dealing with the red tape that confines traditional public schools, charter schools have the freedom to focus on setting and reaching high academic standards for their students. (http://www.edreform.com)
At the heart of these beliefs is the idea that charter schools will serve as laboratories of innovation on behalf of all of Pennsylvania’s schools. A successful charter school system must be grounded in accountability for academic success with an emphasis on developing and broadly disseminating best practices, in the context of ensuring the flexibility and innovative atmosphere that are inherent to charter schools. (http://www. portal.state.pa.us)
What makes NuLink Charter School unique?
NuLink Charter School was designed by a team of teachers from a rich variety of educational backgrounds. Our combined years as educators and parents established the background to create new pathways for students. NuLink Charter School is an innovative opportunity for students and families to be in charge of their own learning and to explore topics that are not available in a traditional school.
NuLink Charter School incorporates the latest in research and technology. Students are engaged in active learning through team collaboration, using what they have learned to create projects and share information with others. Although academics are stressed, students have rich opportunities to participate in the arts, literature, science, and technology. NuLink provides a high-quality education with rich and diverse opportunities for students interested in a different path for learning.
How is NuLink Charter School Preparing Students for the Future?
Developments in technology have changed the dynamics of communication, economics, and social relationships around the world. It is important for students of today to build strong critical thinking skills in order to evaluate the expansive information at their fingertips. In the midst of our global technological revolution, students must understand the concepts of sustainability and systems thinking. NuLink Charter School courses are designed to facilitate discussions about real-life situations, examining issues with a focus on the future and paying attention to unintended consequences.
What grade levels are served by NuLink
Charter School?
NuLink Charter School serves students in grades 8 through 12, although students are not separated into traditional grade levels. Classes are kept to a maximum of 20 students so students can receive the attention they need to succeed.
How does 8th grade differ from grades 9-12?
First year students are asked to attend the physical building daily so teachers are able to evaluate their individual strengths and needs. Alternate schedules are available for students who have other commitments, such as athletic training or medical restrictions.
During this first important year, teachers help students
develop their Individual Graduation Plan (IGP), which will guide their
learning. Teachers will work closely
with students to identify strengths, interests, and areas of need. Students and families will take an active
role in setting goals and directions for the future.
In Grades 9-12, students will have the opportunity to participate in online options for some of their learning experiences. In their senior year, students may take capstone courses and complete a comprehensive senior project.
Are NuLink teachers fully certified?
All NuLink teachers are state-certified and highly qualified. Many of our teachers have Masters Degrees in their fields. NuLink Charter School hires teachers on full-time and part-time basis so that we can offer extended options for our students.
What technological supplies will students need?
Every student at NuLink receives their own personal Apple i-pod Touch to help them stay in touch with teachers as well as other students. At home, students will need an internet connection, preferably wireless, and access to a telephone. Students may use their own computer and printer, or they may apply for a technology starter pack which includes a computer and printer. The starter pack program makes it possible for all students to have opportunities to benefit from technological pathways of learning.
What if a student has difficulty with online courses?
Even when a student is taking an online course, teachers will contact students on a regular basis. Any student who is having difficulty completing online learning options will conference with the teacher at the physical building to re-evaluate the Individual Graduation Plan. The IGP can be modified during regular teacher-student conferences as needed. Additionally, students will be able to attend school on Saturdays or over the summer to extend their learning options.
How do students choosing to participate in online courses build social skills?
This is an important consideration for NuLink Charter School because we firmly believe in the importance of education for the whole child. This is one of the reasons that NuLink emphasizes the first important year of attendance at the physical building. Even when students attend online course, there are requirements for online collaboration and sharing. Online courses also hold occasional face-to-face events, class meetings, and ceremonies. Additional opportunities for students to join clubs and activities encourage students to get together with other students.
How does NuLink Charter School accommodate students with special needs?
The Individual Graduation Plan puts students’ needs at the center of their educational plan. Teachers are sensitive to the different ways that students can achieve, and watch closely the success of students in different learning environments. Extended time is available beyond a traditional school day, including evening and Saturday classes, to dedicate as much time as students need for courses, tutoring, and intervention. Some students with special needs benefit from online learning experiences for several reasons. Lessons can easily be repeated and scaffolded, with various levels of support. There are many opportunities for practice with different skills. Online practice sessions give specific and immediate feedback, allowing teachers to target areas of need for students. Learning can take place in shorter blocks, to allow students to work at a comfortable pace. Students with physical disabilities often find that they can communicate, write, and learn more easily with specialized technological tools. Every effort is made to help students with special needs reach their highest potential within their personal limits and energy.
How are parents involved in NuLink Charter School?
Parents have an active role in each child’s education. Teachers conference regularly with parents through face-to-face meetings, phone calls, and email. Homework for each course is posted on the website to make sure parents and students can access this information at any time. The NuLink News is updated on the website to help families stay abreast of current events and information.
Policy decisions are always made in the best interests of the students, and NuLink Charter School is committed to transparency in all departments. Any changes or decisions made in the operation of NuLink Charter School are open to the public on the website and on the Parent Bulletin Board. School issues and upcoming events are addressed in monthly Organizational Meetings to which all parents are invited to attend.
For more information
Center for Educational Reform - http://www.edreform.com
Pennsylvania Department of Education - http://www.education.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/pennsylvania_department_of_education/7237