Personalized Learning
ACA offers a blend of the values of the homeschool community with the strengths of an accredited charter school. We develop a personalized learning experience for each student based on their educational needs and interests. Parents and students work with Education Specialists (ES) to develop Personalized Learning Plans that address individual learning needs, styles, and preferences, with the goal of working toward mastery of the Oregon State Content Standards. Educators help facilitate learning and guide instruction and are trained in teaching a variety of learning styles.
Our foundational belief is that it is critical for education to create freedom of choice within a given structure. ACA combines the flexibility and personalized approach of homeschooling with the structure and resources of an accredited charter school. A cornerstone of the educational approach is the concept of “a classroom without walls”—in other words, the world as a classroom. Personalized educational options include traditional classroom instruction, independent study, credit for proficiency, small group instruction, home school, community-partnership-based learning, service learning, tutoring, multimedia, internships, online classes, apprenticeships, and college courses.
Parent Involvement
Alliance Charter Academy was founded by parents and continues to thrive through strong parent involvement at all levels, from governance to daily activities.
As a parent, you have the opportunity to be involved in the life of Alliance Charter Academy in variety ways:
- Teaching/supporting learning at home
- Collaborating on Personalized Learning Plans
- Meeting regularly with teachers
- Serving on the Board of Trustees
- PTO participation
- Volunteering in school operations
- Attending school meetings and events
Education Specialist
Alliance Charter Academy supports our students by providing each with an Education Specialist (ES). In partnership with parents and students, the ES helps identify each student’s unique learning style, creates individualized educational goals and objectives, and guides in the selection of a curriculum that will support the Personalized Learning Plan. Each student meets with their ES for a weekly support session.
- The ES provides support for the student’s academic journey by:
- Allowing students and parents to ask questions and get needed support
- Sharing teaching strategies, suggesting activities, and recommending resources
- Offering direct instruction and academic support
- Assessing growth and discussing work samples
- Ordering curriculum and facilitating class registration
- Completing the required paperwork and documentation for each student
- Communicating with families concerning school policies and procedures
Learning Records
The ES is responsible for compiling required documentation of the student’s progress on a weekly basis, including verifying that work is aligned to the State Standards and the completed work is equal to, and representative of, a complete body of work for a student’s particular grade level. A monthly Learning Record includes corresponding work samples, state standards met, curriculum materials used, method of instructional delivery, and assessments.
Weekly Meetings
The Education Specialist (ES) meets weekly for face-to-face meetings with the student and parent for a total of three hours per month to review progress, provide guidance, and support learning. During these meetings, the ES reviews completed work, assesses understanding, and helps students meet state content standards.
On-Site Program
Alliance Charter Academy operates a site-based program to support students who benefit from group instruction. Our optional classes run Monday through Thursday, with Fridays designated for home or community learning. Classes are offered in a variety of subjects and may feature mixed-age student groupings that reflect skill level rather than grade level.
Our site-based class offerings are determined by student need and interest, annual surveys, school improvement goals, and staff recommendations. Class enrollment is not guaranteed, so parents should be prepared to homeschool subjects as needed.