Program Description
Overview
NuLink Charter School was created to meet the needs of students in the 21st century. Students of this generation have used digital technology throughout their lives, yet are often not encouraged to utilize these tools in most public schools. In addition, our students must be prepared for a world which values creative problems solving, cooperation with others, and a true understanding of the challenges facing society. At NuLink, students demonstrate learning through authentic application and creative expression, rather than standardized tests and worksheets. Teachers and students work together to design a unique program designed to meet the needs of the students as they develop into productive young adults prepared for the future.
Each student will create an Individualized Graduation Path (IGP) when she first comes to NuLink. This document outlines specific coursework that the student will progress through over several years to reach a graduation goal. The coursework will be unique depending on the individual’s aspirations for life after secondary education. NuLink Charter School serves students that would be in grades 8 – 12 in a traditional school, but does not assign grade levels in this way.
Students progress through coursework at different paces and may graduate once the IGP is completed. Coursework will exceed state requirements and will prepare students for a demanding future. Students who plan to attend college will be highly prepared when they graduate from NuLink. We offer Advanced Placement courses in many subjects, as well as demanding coursework in mathematics, science, and the humanities. In addition, all students are required to participate in arts education and exploration through music or the visual and performing arts. Students will be required to attend some events and courses at or facility, but are allowed the flexibility of online coursework when needed and appropriate.
The Role of the Mentor
As each student enters NuLink, he will be assigned a mentor to guide him through his time here. The first experiences at NuLink are designed to acclimate the student to new technology and the methods that will be used throughout his education. The mentor will work with the student and family to create the Individualized Graduation Plan (IGP.) This plan will state the student’s desired post-graduation goal and outline specific curses that will prepare the student to meet this goal. Courses will meet state graduation requirements and further expand the child’s education to meet the individual goal. The mentor is trained to meet the needs of each student, whether he desires to move on to higher education or into other post secondary experiences.
NuLink Charter School was created to meet the needs of students in the 21st century. Students of this generation have used digital technology throughout their lives, yet are often not encouraged to utilize these tools in most public schools. In addition, our students must be prepared for a world which values creative problems solving, cooperation with others, and a true understanding of the challenges facing society. At NuLink, students demonstrate learning through authentic application and creative expression, rather than standardized tests and worksheets. Teachers and students work together to design a unique program designed to meet the needs of the students as they develop into productive young adults prepared for the future.
Each student will create an Individualized Graduation Path (IGP) when she first comes to NuLink. This document outlines specific coursework that the student will progress through over several years to reach a graduation goal. The coursework will be unique depending on the individual’s aspirations for life after secondary education. NuLink Charter School serves students that would be in grades 8 – 12 in a traditional school, but does not assign grade levels in this way.
Students progress through coursework at different paces and may graduate once the IGP is completed. Coursework will exceed state requirements and will prepare students for a demanding future. Students who plan to attend college will be highly prepared when they graduate from NuLink. We offer Advanced Placement courses in many subjects, as well as demanding coursework in mathematics, science, and the humanities. In addition, all students are required to participate in arts education and exploration through music or the visual and performing arts. Students will be required to attend some events and courses at or facility, but are allowed the flexibility of online coursework when needed and appropriate.
The Role of the Mentor
As each student enters NuLink, he will be assigned a mentor to guide him through his time here. The first experiences at NuLink are designed to acclimate the student to new technology and the methods that will be used throughout his education. The mentor will work with the student and family to create the Individualized Graduation Plan (IGP.) This plan will state the student’s desired post-graduation goal and outline specific curses that will prepare the student to meet this goal. Courses will meet state graduation requirements and further expand the child’s education to meet the individual goal. The mentor is trained to meet the needs of each student, whether he desires to move on to higher education or into other post secondary experiences.
The Role of the Teacher
Each course is facilitated by a qualified instructor with an extensive background in the subject material. Courses are held online, in person at our state of the art facility, or in an off campus location. Some courses are designed with a blend of face to face instruction and virtual classrooms. Several courses occur in virtual worlds, such as Second Life, where students can be exposed to material otherwise impossible in a traditional classroom. Often, the same course will be offered in multiple formats, allowing the learner to choose which method is right for him.
The Role of the Student
Students at NuLink are truly active in their own learning. Each student must be an active contributor in planning for her future and participating in her own education. Most assessments are designed to allow for flexibility and student creation, demonstrating not only knowledge, but application and transfer of learning. Students will be required to collaborate with others and have a high level of personal ownership in order to be successful. Many courses will require students to design their own assessments and creations to demonstrate understanding of concepts. NuLink’s programs are designed for a student who is interested in the future and in investigating new modalities for learning.
The Role of the Family
Parents, guardians and other family members will be essential in supporting NuLink students. Since each student is unique, the family’s chief responsibility is to assist in the planning process for the IGP. Parents know the strengths and weaknesses of the child and need to communicate this with the mentor. Families also need to communicate with teachers and the mentor regularly to address any problems or frustrations that are occurring. Often, students will not communicate this with others and it is the family who can bring this vital information to the correct individuals. Teachers and mentors will also communicate with the family regarding the student’s progress. Parents need to be available for these conversations, which may take place over the phone, in person, or using other communication methods.
The Role of Technology
NuLink Charter School uses interactive technology to provide instruction and communicate with all stakeholders. Today’s students naturally use technology in all aspects of their lives and, at NuLink, we recognize how technology is changing our society. Students will be able to use mobile technology, interactive learning environments, video streaming, and digital media to demonstrate understanding and teach others. The technology used at NuLink will continually evolve and students are encouraged to introduce new methods and products to their teachers and peers. We embrace this new reality to prepare students for their future in the 21st century.
Currently, NuLink Charter School uses the following technologies (and many more):
§ Interactive Whiteboards – both online and in our facility
§ Courses offered in Moodle, Blackboard and Second Life formats
§ Simulations and Games – Used to explore and understand ideas that may not be available or possible otherwise.
§ Communication tools – Skype, e-mail, text messaging, blogs, podcasts
§ E-books – Save paper and allow for the most current information. E-books will become more interactive over time.
§ Web 2.0 – Social Networking through Ning, Facebook, and other sites allows students to communicate about their learning when face to face sessions are not occurring. Students add to the wealth of the Internet by posting their own creations.
Each course is facilitated by a qualified instructor with an extensive background in the subject material. Courses are held online, in person at our state of the art facility, or in an off campus location. Some courses are designed with a blend of face to face instruction and virtual classrooms. Several courses occur in virtual worlds, such as Second Life, where students can be exposed to material otherwise impossible in a traditional classroom. Often, the same course will be offered in multiple formats, allowing the learner to choose which method is right for him.
The Role of the Student
Students at NuLink are truly active in their own learning. Each student must be an active contributor in planning for her future and participating in her own education. Most assessments are designed to allow for flexibility and student creation, demonstrating not only knowledge, but application and transfer of learning. Students will be required to collaborate with others and have a high level of personal ownership in order to be successful. Many courses will require students to design their own assessments and creations to demonstrate understanding of concepts. NuLink’s programs are designed for a student who is interested in the future and in investigating new modalities for learning.
The Role of the Family
Parents, guardians and other family members will be essential in supporting NuLink students. Since each student is unique, the family’s chief responsibility is to assist in the planning process for the IGP. Parents know the strengths and weaknesses of the child and need to communicate this with the mentor. Families also need to communicate with teachers and the mentor regularly to address any problems or frustrations that are occurring. Often, students will not communicate this with others and it is the family who can bring this vital information to the correct individuals. Teachers and mentors will also communicate with the family regarding the student’s progress. Parents need to be available for these conversations, which may take place over the phone, in person, or using other communication methods.
The Role of Technology
NuLink Charter School uses interactive technology to provide instruction and communicate with all stakeholders. Today’s students naturally use technology in all aspects of their lives and, at NuLink, we recognize how technology is changing our society. Students will be able to use mobile technology, interactive learning environments, video streaming, and digital media to demonstrate understanding and teach others. The technology used at NuLink will continually evolve and students are encouraged to introduce new methods and products to their teachers and peers. We embrace this new reality to prepare students for their future in the 21st century.
Currently, NuLink Charter School uses the following technologies (and many more):
§ Interactive Whiteboards – both online and in our facility
§ Courses offered in Moodle, Blackboard and Second Life formats
§ Simulations and Games – Used to explore and understand ideas that may not be available or possible otherwise.
§ Communication tools – Skype, e-mail, text messaging, blogs, podcasts
§ E-books – Save paper and allow for the most current information. E-books will become more interactive over time.
§ Web 2.0 – Social Networking through Ning, Facebook, and other sites allows students to communicate about their learning when face to face sessions are not occurring. Students add to the wealth of the Internet by posting their own creations.