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Preparing for Summer Courses at a PA Cyber School

PA cyber school

With Original Full Credit summer courses underway and registration for original credit courses worth 0.5 credits, Credit Recovery, and Course Recovery classes ongoing until June 7th at 21CCCS, it is safe to say that cyber school students across Pennsylvania are preparing for a successful summer school cycle.

21CCCS recognizes that students and their guardians naturally may have questions surrounding summer school and how they can best prepare to meet their goals.

Here, we explore a few simple ways that cyber school students can get properly set up for summer courses at a PA cyber school and get the most out of their experience.

Optimize Your Learning Area

We’ve talked about organizing your workspace plenty at 21CCCS, and for a good reason. The importance of an organized, optimized workspace cannot be overstated, as it is vital to the success of cyber school students — especially during summer school. If you are a cyber school student during the regular school year, you probably already have a workspace that is comfortable and sets you up to perform your best. During summer classes is a good time to think about your workspace and if it is as helpful as it could be. Are your materials easily accessible? Are your sitting arrangements working for you? Preferably you will set your workspace up so that you can hunker down for a while without needing to search for what you need during class time.

Check Your Tech

Students who are 21CCCS will already have a laptop that they can use for their summer courses. Before summer school gets fully into swing is the perfect time to check your technology to ensure that it is in proper working order. Screen, battery, or hard drive issues can really get in the way of success when your work is primarily done through a computer. If you are enrolling in 21CCCS classes for the summer and are not a student during the regular school year, it is even more crucial that you give your own laptop a test run to be sure it is ready to go. We recommend checking that you can open applications, get to your email, and get online without any problems.

Consider Your Schedule

At 21CCCS, summer classes are either synchronous or asynchronous. With synchronous online learning, students are required to be logged in and participating in class at a specific time of the day. This is in contrast to asynchronous courses, in which course work can be accessed at different hours. High School students taking original credit courses have an asynchronous format if they are taking a course for the first time and a synchronous format if they are taking Credit Recovery courses. Middle school students take their Course Recovery courses for remediation in a synchronous format. Students have access to 21CCS summer courses 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with synchronous courses held Monday-Thursday from 9am to 1:30pm.

PA cyber school


Regardless of the type of course you are taking in summer school, it is always important to think about your schedule and make it work best for you. Planning time to get done your schoolwork successfully is a huge help and will keep you on track as you learn. Another benefit of considering your schedule early on is that it can help you make time for other activities as well. Students who are able to balance their schoolwork with fun activities with their friends and loved ones often come back refreshed and more ready to learn than ever. In the past, we’ve discussed a few ways that cyber school students can keep their minds sharp during the summer and find that these methods can be excellent for summer school students as well!

Get Mentally Ready

We know that some students may not be happy with the idea of summer school, but overcoming that mental obstacle is a great way to get prepared and perform your best. What you’ll find is that summer courses offer more than just the opportunity to get caught up or get ahead in school, they are an excellent way to get individualized attention, connect with our 21CCCS student and teacher communities, and learn strategies that will help you during the regular school year as well! With that in mind, it always is a good idea to get mentally prepared for your summer schedule. Having set goals in mind, knowing what areas you may want to practice more, and maintaining a positive attitude as you get ready for your courses can make the experience so much more valuable. Get in your zone and the rest will fall into place!

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help

A common misconception summer school students have is that summer courses mean less support. This is simply not true, and one of the most important things to remember about summer courses is that you are not on your own. Your teachers and 21CCCS community are here for you and are dedicated to offering the support that you need to have a successful summer course cycle.

Our courses are all taught by our PA-certified teachers who are available to answer questions and provide assistance. Teachers for Credit Recovery classes can be reached Monday-Thursday from 9am-1:30pm via email, phone, and our Virtual Office, while asynchronous students can connect with their teachers in the Virtual Office 9am-1:30pm Monday-Thursday. Summer courses are always easier when you can draw from your resources and get the help that you need throughout the session. Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you are struggling with a lesson or need clarification on any of your coursework.

Preparing for Summer Courses Can be Simple

It is natural to feel a bit nervous when preparing for summer courses at a PA cyber school, but setting up can be a simple process when you know where to start. Parents looking for more information on our summer courses such as enrollment information, course catalog and requirements, course costs, and drop periods can check out our Summer School page. Middle and high school who will be attending classes with us this summer, we wish you all the best and are excited for another season with our 21CCCS community.

April 24th Marks the Start of PSSA Testing

pa cyber school

Today, April 24th, marks the start of Pennsylvania System School Assessment (PSSA) testing!

With the PSSA underway and Keystone testing scheduled to begin on May 15th, we at 21st Century Cyber Charter School would like to go over a bit of information on the tests and how students can work to do their best and reduce test-related stress along the way.

More About PSSA and Keystone Testing

The Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) is annual testing conducted for students in grades 3-8 to measure proficiency in areas such as Science, English Language Arts, Math, and Technology. Students in grades 3 through 8 are required to be tested in ELA and Math and students in grades 4 and 8 are tested in Science as well. The Keystone exams were created to replace the PSSA for students in 11th grade to evaluate proficiency in Algebra 1, Biology, and Literature.

online schooling programs

How Can Students Prepare for Testing?

Preparing for standardized testing can be stressful for students regardless of how ready they are. Still, we recognize that there are a variety of ways that students can work to prepare themselves for the experience and do their best.

Reflect on Past Reviews and Use the RUN Method

Remember the practice papers and past live classes/ test prep sessions that teachers went over? They are a solid guide for working your way through tough questions. Students can also reference the RUN Method. By reading instructions carefully, underlining specific actions required by the test, and noting special requirements outlined by questions, students can more effectively follow directions and come to the correct answers.

In addition to practice papers and the RUN Method, students can also benefit from exploring online study resources from schools across Pennsylvania. These resources can help students prepare for the general format and type of questions present on the exams. Quizlet, Study Island, and the Pennsylvania Department of Education are just a few example of sites that students along with their parents can visit for more information.

Reduce Stress

Keeping stress down during testing time can be easier said than done, but the fact remains there are a variety of ways that students can work to manage stress and perform better on their exams as a result.

One of the best ways to fight test related stress is by getting enough rest the night before each day of testing. Getting to bed a bit early can help you get to your testing site refreshed and ready to go. Enough rest will also help ensure that you have time to wake up on time, eat a healthy, balanced breakfast, and get into the zone well before test time.

During testing, it is always important to remember not to panic. You have prepared for this moment! If you find yourself stressed during PSSA testing, take your time and remember to breathe. Careful, deep breaths can help you recenter and refocus your attention on what is being asked within each section of the test.

Reach out to Academic Advisors

Our Academic Advisors play a vital role at 21CCCS, assisting students with exploring available resources, answering questions related to coursework, and helping with communication between students and teachers. Academic Advisors are also available to help students handle stresses they may face during PSSA and Keystone testing, and we encourage them to reach out should they need to.

Our team of Academic Advisors consists of educators who are no strangers to PSSA and Keystone testing. With that in mind, please do not hesitate to reach out to them for more support as you prepare for your exams!

Do Your Best!

PSSA and Keystone testing should be taken seriously, however, students’ physical and mental health are extremely important and should be considered throughout the test schedule. With preparation and additional support on our students’ side, all that is left is for them to try their hardest and answer each question to the best of their ability.

We at 21CCCS wish our students good luck as they begin the PSSA and continue to prepare for the upcoming Keystone testing that will take place May 15th-19th. Remember, prepare to the best of your ability, reflect on what you have learned, reduce stress when possible, and reach out should you need any support. You’ve got this!

21st Century Cyber Charter School Promotes Mental Health Awareness

Mental Health Awareness

Proudly educating students from grades 6-12, 21st Century Cyber Charter School understands how pivotal these years are in the lives of each student. Not only does 21st Century Cyber Charter School look to provide a personalized curriculum that allows for students to reach their full educational potential, but we also look to provide a supportive educational community that boosts the mental well-being of each student. The world has taken great steps towards mental health awareness and the state of Pennsylvania is no different. Today, we will look at why mental health development is so pivotal for students during this stage of their development into adulthood.

As physical health is important to performance in a child’s sport or activity of choice, mental well-being can play a crucial role in cognitive development. Being mentally healthy as a preteen or teenager means reaching certain emotional and developmental milestones and learning coping skills. Human experience leads to difficulties and tribulations for everyone. A mentally healthy person can face these trials and tribulations and come out on the other side without deterring their educational development. They can also focus on their schoolwork with a positive attitude, which can make all the difference for someone looking to retain information .21st Century Cyber Charter School understands that we play a major role in the mental health of our students. By providing a positive learning environment, students feel a sense of inclusion and care that supports mental wellness.

No One Suffers Alone

It is important to note that mental health disorders are not uncommon amongst children in grades 6-12. Parents, teachers, friends, and family can all look out for students by checking in and noticing any significant changes in mood or behavior. It’s human nature for everyone to experience moments of doubt or fear but when these feelings start to interfere with home life, school life, or friendships, they most likely need to be addressed more seriously. There are also various reasons for the development of a mental health disorder, so it is vital to move past any stigma and instead focus on taking the necessary steps to support a student in need.

The official Pennsylvania state website offers many different resources for people to take advantage of to assist their child. There’s no one set path to improving mental health. The important thing to note is that there are options for everyone, and no one should suffer in silence. 21st Century Cyber Charter School will continue to do everything in our power to support students in their educational endeavors and provide them with the confidence they need to flourish in and out of the cyber school classroom.

21CCCS’s Apple Distinguished School Recognition Extended to 2025

21CCCS’s Apple Distinguished School

21st Century Cyber Charter School is excited to announce that our recognition as an Apple Distinguished School has been extended to 2025. Our status as an Apple Distinguished School is a reflection of our ability to provide a comprehensive, engaging, and high-quality education for students, and here, we explore what the extension means for our programming.

What Does Being an Apple Distinguished School Mean?

The core of Apple Distinguished Schools is contributing a clear vision for how technology-rich environments can support diverse learning goals. While there are 689 Apple Distinguished Schools in 36 countries and 21 Apple Distinguished Schools statewide, 21CCCS stands out as the only cyber school in PA with this distinction, something that we uphold with pride.

Apple Distinguished Schools have established one-to-one programs, feature innovative use of the Apple platform, a faculty that has shown proficiency in the use of Apple products through the Apple Teacher program, and documented results of successful teaching and learning. Once schools become a part of the program, they have the opportunity to collaborate with an international leadership network of similar institutions and programs, engage with the Apple Education team to refine strategies for supporting students, and attend exclusive leadership events.

Our extension means that we have maintained these qualifications during the three-year window from 2019 to 2022 and are proud to find more innovative ways to support students on the path to their learning goals through our advanced technology and platforms.

Our Four Tiers of Application for Learning and Exploration Through Apple Technology

At 21CCCS, we recognize that our technology can be effectively used for learning and exploration through our four tiers of application. At the first tier, Apple technology acts as a conduit for learning by providing access to learning platforms that allow easy monitoring of student learning and ensure student engagement. The second tier is how Apple technology helps transform the way students learn via accessibility features and learning integration tools. The third tier includes transforming student learning through comprehensive apps that facilitate interactive engagement and an approach that values inquiry-based learning. The fourth and final tier redefines student learning through tools provided by Apple technology that enable students to create via Apple Creation apps’ integration and use.

What are the Benefits of Being an ADS School for Teachers and Students?

We are part of a community of schools that share similar goals and aspirations regarding the type of education we provide for our faculty and students. The recognition is a special celebration of our staff, faculty and students. Our faculty create learning environments that encourage students to be innovative and allow them to take ownership of their learning.

Our Future as an Apple Distinguished School

Our renewed status as an Apple Distinguished School reflects our commitment to providing cutting-edge opportunities that allow our students to successfully continue on their individualized learning paths. 21st Century Cyber Charter School’s goal remains to continue finding ways to help students become contributors rather than consumers and gain skills essential for learning and exploration in the digital age.

The Key Differences Between ONLINE HOMESCHOOL PROGRAMS AND TRADITIONAL HOMESCHOOLING

Online Homeschool Programs

If you are a parent, then you are aware of the fact that your child needs to attend school to get an education. Traditionally, parents were left with three educational options: have their child attend classes in their local school district, pay private school tuition, or homeschool their children.  While homeschooling regulations can drastically vary from state to state, these three options were essentially the only forms of getting a primary education. However, as time has progressed, another option emerged in the form of online cyber charter schools where parents could allow their child to learn virtually via the computer.

While there are numerous reasons as to why a parent would want to explore other educational options for their child, many are unaware of the clear differences between homeschooling and online homeschool programs. With that said, let’s take a look at the key differences between both of these educational options and the advantages  one may have over the other.

Teachers & Faculty

While the concept of getting an education at home is relatively the same, the structure of education can be vastly differ between homeschooling and online homeschool programs. For instance, at 21st Century Cyber Charter School (21CCCS), all the teachers are highly qualified, certified by the state of Pennsylvania, and hold college degrees. Plus, there are other certified faculty members from guidance counselors to staff administrators and more.

However, when it comes to homeschooling, parents may find themselves teaching subjects they are not very experienced or familiar with. On top of that, the parent acts as the administrator, guidance counselor, advisor, subject matter expert and any other educational role when necessary.

Curriculum

Public cyber charter schools implement a curriculum that is set and approved by the state, in which 21CCCS specifically bases their programs on the Pennsylvania Core Standards. Furthermore, online cyber charter schools can individualize the curriculum to suit the students’ learning style and varying academic level. In addition, they provide for a full range of courses that can encompass not only the core subjects, but delve into world languages, honors/AP level studies and much more.

When it comes to a curriculum for homeschooling, it’s left up to the parent to find and research an appropriate curriculum that adheres to state and national standards, then develop plans to teach that curriculum.

Attendance & Academic Policies

It is important to understand that online homeschool programs follow the same state attendance and academic policies that are already set in place, so the educational accountability is already established. This also accounts for other records like grades, testing and other requirements that are maintained from day one within the online learning management system. Additionally, cyber charter schools follow a traditional school year calendar but there aren’t any snow days or buses to catch to attend class.

On the other hand, homeschooling parents are responsible for understanding the local attendance and academic policies and are accountable for reporting those records to the state while also preparing for yearly evaluations.

Socialization

Online homeschool programs provide students with many opportunities to socialize with other students, both online and offline. They regularly schedule local activities, events, trips, clubs and other meetings that are designed to encourage and support socialization among the student body. Additionally, they offer students with activities found in traditional school settings like a yearbook committee, literary magazines and virtual drama presentations to promote creativity. Lastly, students who meet graduation requirements are eligible to attend a formal graduation ceremony to receive a diploma with the school’s name on it. They also have the traditional cap and gown experience with fellow students, faculty, staff and family members.

Socialization activities for homeschooled children are often challenging as the parent must research and find socialization opportunities on their own. It should also be noted that homeschooled children may miss out on the opportunity to participate in clubs like yearbook and other group-driven activities. Additionally, the parent is responsible for creating a diploma and graduation ceremony and some choose to receive a GED as a record of high school equivalence.

graduation With the above information, you now understand the key differences between homeschooling and an education from online homeschool programs. At the end of the day, it all comes down to providing your child with an education because they need to learn important skills in order to succeed. However, with all the above points, cyber charter school have numerous advantages and benefits that cannot be replicated through homeschooling. Set your child up for success today by enrolling them in 21st Century Cyber Charter School for the best online education in Pennsylvania.

Mental Illness Awareness Week!

October 6-12 is Mental Illness Awareness Week- I encourage each of you at some point this week to do a little investigative research to educate yourself about this condition. Most of us have assumptions or stigmas in our minds about those affected by mental illness, but in reality, 1 in 4 American’s live with mental illness om a given year. Moreover, there are a great deal of students that we serve who are affected by one or more than one illness. These may include:

  • Anxiety Disorders
  • Autism Spectrum Disorders
  • Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD/ADHD)
  • Bipolar Disorder
  • Borderline Personality Disorder
  • Depression
  • Dissociative Disorders
  • Dual Diagnosis: Substance Abuse and Mental Illness
  • Eating Disorders

There are many ways to educate yourself and become better versed in the characteristics and behaviors of mental illness. Again, I encourage you to become more aware of these so we can end the negative stigmas our society has attached to individuals living with a MI.

What Can You Do? You might:
Read a book:

  • The Center Cannot Hold by Elyn Saks
  • Crazy by Pete Earley
  • Divided Minds by Pamela Spiro Wagner and Carolyn S. Spiro, M.D.
  • The Soloist by Steve Lopez

Watch a movie (and read a fact sheet about the mental illness that’s part of the plot):

  • A Beautiful Mind
  • Canvas
  • Silver Lining Playbook
  • The Soloist

Visit these sites:

www.nami.org
http://www.bringchange2mind.org/

If you would like to talk about these or other concerns, call us today! We are a resource for you!

Information in this blog post was brought to you by Ms. Erin Kline, Special Education Coordinator.

How Does Curricular Development Occur?

While students and many of our teachers enjoy a variety of things during the summer months, there is a flurry of activity in our summer office. Between the end of June and late August, various individuals are working to set and develop coursework for the school year to come. The contributing members of this process include the Curriculum Committee, Instructional Systems Design Team, and highly qualified, certified teachers.  We all work to accomplish two primary things.

Screen Shot 2013-08-13 at 9.27.07 AMFirst, the Instructional Systems Design Team must clear all information out of the courses from the previous quarter (be it summer school, or spring coursework). Gradebooks, comments, feedback, and saved assignments are all cleaned from the courses to make room for new students. So long as there are no students in a given class shell, we can easily make changes to these classes based on the previous running of the course. In some cases, this means editing content and/or assignments. We adapt lessons according to how well students understood, grasped, or liked aspects of their classes. We work to refine the things that we can for the next round of students to come.

Second, we work to develop new courses. This means building a class from the ground up. We start with curriculum mapping. We develop content and assignments that match up to PA state standards and the Common Core.  For us, this is a hugely important. Many schools use a given set of textbooks in their classrooms. Because textbooks are crafted for wide, sweeping audiences, they are not necessarily as specifically aligned to a state’s given set of educational standards. When we craft our own courses, everything is aligned in a way that is efficient and strongly supports student learning in our home state.

Next, we add in differentiated assignments and stream new videos and audio clips. This year, we are working to develop 11 brand new classes, which include classes in core subject areas (chemistry, math essentials, and middle school language arts) and electives (marketing, digital photography, and study skills).

By the first day of school, on August 28th, students will have the opportunity to take courses built just for them. They will have the chance to learn from content that is hand-crafted, adaptable, creative, and helpful to students of various learning needs.  What makes this process really special is the fact that students can hear and see our own teachers in these classes. In many cases, they record and develop their own videos. Their voices are also present in the content itself.  Within all of the text, teachers explain concepts to their students in a familiar tone. This helps to make learning fun and conversational.  In a cyber environment, we feel this is extremely important. In an age when online curricular content is frequently purchased from larger companies, we feel proud to offer our students hands-on, approachable learning that is aligned to standards.

Keep your eyes and ears open for new 2013-2014 courses! Our teachers will be working hard to continually adapt and modify these courses. We look forward to working on them with you throughout the school year!

Alumni Spotlight

Life takes each of us to a different place. Sometimes, we are pleasantly surprised to see where we land. After leaving 21CCCS, Teresa found herself in the rainforest. In this “Alumni Spotlight Blog,” read below to learn more about her incredible adventures following graduation!

 

Teresa:

tpeganA few years ago I couldn’t possibly have imagined that the summer after my freshman year of college, I would find myself in the rainforests of Malaysian Borneo, living out my dream of studying birds.  But, last summer that’s where I was: living in an idyllic cabin on a pond in the jungle, watching and filming the most beautiful birds I’ve ever seen, and helping to answer (and ask!) questions about their poorly-known biology.

I had this wonderful opportunity because I joined a research group at my college. Participating in it has taught me so much about planning international expeditions, coming up with research questions, and doing real-world science (which is a lot more exciting than reading textbooks!)  My experience with Borneo and my classes at Cornell have reinforced my desire to pursue this kind of work for the rest of my life, and I plan to continue my studies to become an ornithologist.

My advice to current high school students is that you shouldn’t dismiss your dreams, even if they’re a little out of the ordinary.  Doing what I love motivates me to work hard and do the best that I can. I wouldn’t want it any other way.
Also, get to know your professors if you go to college; they may seem a little intimidating at first, but in my experience they love what they do and they love sharing it with their students.  Some of them know of exciting research opportunities as well!

If you’d like to read about the research I helped with in Borneo (or just see pictures of gorgeous birds and other Bornean wildlife), check out my group’s website by CLICKING HERE.