Is Elementary Education Shifting Towards Non-Traditional Education Models?
Last week we celebrated National School Choice Week. This is a week where parents are encouraged to learn about all educational options available for their child. Over the past several years, many parents sought other educational school settings for their children. There are a variety of factors that have led to the shift. For example, during Covid, some parents had favorable experiences with at home learning and then continued to have their school provide learning opportunities after a safe return to school. Others opted for homeschooling where they were in the driver’s seat. Some began the process or hired a teacher to provide a private educational experience or a micro school. Whatever the reasons, there are more ways students can achieve success in a non-traditional setting. Learning can occur in a variety of ways that will match the parents’ lifestyle, finances, and values. As with everything in education, there are positive and negative implications associated with each choice. As you learn more about the diverse options for an educational setting, you can expand your reach into these markets.
School provided learning is by far the most traditional setting. However, Covid opened the flood gates to online learning. It is now mainstream and an option in a variety of settings. Some public districts provide this for students and is a cost effective option for families. Simply putting your tax dollars to work. Recently, public and private charter schools are popping up to meet the needs of parents and students. These can be “brick and mortar” or virtual schools. There are laws that dictate accreditation and standards including testing.
Homeschooling has always been an option for parents. Selecting a curriculum and coordinating this information with their state requirements, parents are the child’s “teacher of record”. As homeschooling has increased, so has ways to deliver instruction. Some parents are part of co-ops, which utilize each parent’s strengths in a curricular area. There are state requirements on hours, curriculum, and testing. Over the past several years in Montana, the number of students in our county has fluctuated. There was an uptick right after covid then a steady decline. As some parents will tell you, it is a lot of work to be a teacher.
Microschools have been a newcomer to the educational arena. “Pandemic pods” were the first type of micro school. It’s basically what it sounds like; a small school. During Covid, parents grouped together to hire a teacher for their students. Providing a smaller learning environment, typically less than 15 students, the educational needs are then tailored to each child’s needs. Even after Covid this continues to be a type of learning option that is a combination of homeschooling, private or charter school learning. Requirements for micro schools are similar to that of private and for-profit charter schools.
Conclusion
Many parents are looking for ways to continue to support their child’s learning. Traditional schools will need to look at alternatives to meeting the ever changing needs of their learners. By providing online resources, curriculum, and supplemental materials you are helping provide a 21st learning experience in traditional and non-traditional settings.There are many ways to meet the needs of all learners and you can help fill that need.
Written by: Teresa Marchant
School Librarian at LOCKWOOD SCHOOL DISTRICT 26
Teresa has been an educator for over 25 years. She holds a Master’s in Educational Technology with an emphasis in Online Instruction from Montana State University as well as a certificate in School Library Media from the University of Washington. Over the years she has served in many capacities at the state and local level. Highlights include being the Vice Chair of the Certification Standards and Practices Advisory Council to the Montana Board of Public Education, a member of the School Leadership Team and Chair of the Professional Development Committee for her school district, and a member of the Montana Library Association board. She loves learning and enjoys helping others!
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