Valor Preparatory Academy of Arizona: Continuing to Drive Learning Outcomes Despite Unforeseen Challenges

 

Only two months ago, teachers around the world were conducting business as usual (which, on some days, could be rather unusual). Students entered the classroom – their second home – and participated in a variety of activities and assignments together. As a family. 

 

Now? 

 

Schools across the world are closing down for an indefinite amount of time. Teachers and schools are scrambling to find solutions for remote learning. Librarians are reading books using video technology – just to feel somewhat close to their students during this global pandemic.

 

So much has changed in such a small amount of time which can be disruptive to teacher instruction and student learning.

 

Seamless Learning in the Digital Age

But not for every school; Valor Preparatory Academy of Arizona continues to drive high quality learning despite these unforeseen challenges. Because they had already adopted StrongMind digital curriculum solutions in their learning model, they have been able to seamlessly continue educating students without missing a single day. 

 

Valor Preparatory Academy of Arizona serves middle and high school students using a hybrid model that incorporates digital resources into the everyday routine – both on campus in Goodyear, Arizona, and online at home. This integration of technology inside and outside the classroom has allowed students of diverse backgrounds, circumstances, and lifestyles to learn alongside each other and succeed – even amid school closures. 

Once the school building was forced to close, Valor Preparatory Academy of Arizona teachers were able resume their face-to-face lessons within their digital platform without missing a single day.

 

What made this transition easier?

 

The students were already using teacher-led digital curriculum from StrongMind for instruction and assessment. They were able to continue learning on the same path as before, without missing any assignments or needing to learn a new platform. Teachers, too, were already familiar with the learning management system (LMS) since they actively used the digital curriculum as the foundation in their face to face classroom instruction. Progress has continued to be tracked, grades entered, and important discussions happening in the virtual classroom. 

 

Of course, a few changes had to be made along the way. Rather than their daily face-to-face or group interactions on campus, teachers are conducting two live synchronous sessions per day using video technology. But everything else? No changes needed.

 

Students participate in discussion boards for each assigned course, allowing them to hold regular interactions not just with peers, but with participation from teachers. Students complete coursework with robust lessons, supported with numerous interactives like videos, games, infographics, and more. They submit workbooks, checkpoints, projects, and exams through their LMS. Teachers respond, give feedback, and guide students on a personal and group level. Valor Principal Leonard Edlund continues to report to the state using data from the LMS.

 

Business as usual (despite the unusual circumstances). 

 

Innovation in education allows for quick adaptation during crises

 

Some schools may be struggling to overcome challenges involving remote learning – and those challenges vary from school to school. But those who already incorporate comprehensive digital curriculum into their schools transition from the face to face to virtual classroom almost seamlessly. 

 

Valor Preparatory Academy of Arizona has sought to create a highly engaging experience for students using technology from day one. Modern school for the modern student.

 

What can a school do to meet the needs of students, families, and teachers during this time? Seek out a strong digital learning solutions partner to support you. Companies like StrongMind have been innovating in the industry for decades with one goal in mind: fostering the magic of learning for students, teachers, administrators, and families alike. 

 

As we work together to combat these new challenges – both within and outside of education – it is clear that schools need a lasting digital learning solution and partner that is prepared to support them so educators can continue delivering a quality learning experience to students. StrongMind is here to help.