Education isn’t just about teaching students the same way. It involves figuring out how students learn best and personalizing their experiences to suit their needs. This is the idea that we at Ascent Academies of Utah (AAU) adhere to. As a tuition-free public charter school, we are committed to identifying each child's individual learning preferences and fostering an atmosphere in which they can achieve success.
This article will discuss the importance of individualized learning and how Ascent Academies sets the standard with cutting-edge initiatives like the Schoolwide Enrichment Model (SEM) and the Learning Profile.
Personalized Learning: Why It Matters
Every child is unique, with their own interests, challenges, and abilities. This diversity is often challenging for traditional classroom approaches to handle, leaving many kids unchallenged or disengaged. Personalized learning flips the story by focusing on:
Personal preferences and strengths: Teaching approaches are modified to
accommodate students' preferred methods of learning.
Meaningful engagement: When students explore subjects that interest them, they
become more motivated.
Creative expression: From art projects to digital presentations, personalized
education enables students to showcase their knowledge in ways that best suit their
skills.
Personalized learning is more than just a catchphrase at Ascent Academies. It serves as the cornerstone of all we do.
Also read: The Role of Parental Involvement in Student Success at Ascent Academies
How Ascent Academies Personalize Learning
Discovering Each Child’s Learning Style
At Ascent Academies, we ask a fundamental question: How does your child learn best?
The Individual Learning Profile, a survey, assists in determining each student's:
Learning style: Visual, auditory, kinesthetic, or a combination.
Expression preference: From writing to creative projects like dioramas or
presentations.
Interests: Areas they’re passionate about exploring further.
Teachers utilize this important data to tailor classes and enrichment activities once students have finished creating their profiles. For instance, a hands-on learner could immerse themselves in interactive activities, while a visual learner might benefit from diagrams and films.
The outcome? An educational environment that fosters a love of learning, accentuates strengths, and increases confidence.
The Schoolwide Enrichment Model (SEM): Learning Through Discovery
At the heart of Ascent Academies’ approach is the Schoolwide Enrichment Model (SEM). This innovative program goes beyond textbooks, encouraging students to:
Explore personal interests: SEM provides opportunities for students to investigate
topics that excite them.
Solve real-world problems: Activities are designed to develop critical thinking and
problem-solving skills.
Engage with diverse projects: From research to creative expression, students
showcase their learning in ways that resonate with them.
Two Types of Enrichment Activities
1. Type I (Exploration): Introduces students to new ideas through guest speakers,
presentations, and videos.
2. Type II (Project-Based Learning): Hands-on activities challenge students to think
critically and apply their knowledge.
This dual approach allows students to discover their passions while building essential skills for the future.
Also read: The Importance of Arts Education: How Ascent Academies Promotes Creativity and Expression
A School Model Built for Success
Personalized learning is ingrained in Ascent Academies' overall educational approach and goes beyond individual lessons.
Multiple Campuses with Shared Resources
At its campuses across Utah, Ascent Academies provides a standardized curriculum and opportunities for all students. Technology and special education programs are examples of shared resources that guarantee all students have access to the help they require.
High-Quality Teachers
Our success is largely due to our teachers. They are prepared to provide dynamic, individualized instruction that caters to the needs of every student through professional development, cross-campus cooperation, and focused training.
Parent Involvement
We recognize that parents have a significant role as partners in education. By sharing details about their child's interests and promoting learning at home, parents help us create a truly personalized experience.
What Makes Charter Schools Like Ascent Academies Unique?
Compared to traditional public schools, charter schools have more operational flexibility, which enables them to innovate and adjust to the needs of their students.
Ascent Academies, a tuition-free public charter school, provides:
Tuition-Free Access: High-quality education for every student, regardless of
background.
Customized Curriculum: Programs such as SEM provide enrichment opportunities
while adhering to state standards.
Equity in Education: We're dedicated to giving every student the chance to achieve
success.
Personalized Learning in Action
Every classroom at Ascent Academies is a real example of personalized learning. In addition to learning information, students are also investigating subjects that are important to them, honing their critical thinking abilities, and finding innovative methods to express themselves.
Here is an example of AAU's personalized learning approach:
A history-loving student crafts a spectacular recreation of a significant event.
As a project-based learning activity, an aspiring scientist plans and carries out their
own experiment.
A visual learner uses digital tools to build an interactive presentation on a subject they
love.
This active, student-centered method guarantees that each student feels appreciated, noticed, and motivated.
Why Parents Choose Ascent Academies
One of the most crucial choices you will make is which school is best for your child.
Parents choose Ascent Academies because:
Our Learning Profile system helps uncover each child’s potential.
The Schoolwide Enrichment Model offers chances for learning and development.
Every student's success is the top priority for our devoted staff and teachers.
Join the Ascent Academies Community
We at Ascent Academies believe that education ought to be as distinctive as the students we engage with. We are equipping students for success in the classroom and beyond by fusing individualized learning with cutting-edge initiatives like SEM.
Are you prepared to witness the transformative power of personalized learning? Visit ascentutah.org to learn more and begin your child’s journey with us.