Alameda County
NAME: Lisa Cole
GROUP: Teacher
SCHOOL: Circle of Independent Learning (COIL)
COUNTY OF RESIDENCE: Alameda
Working as an advisory teacher at C.O.I.L., I feel as I have been promoted from simply selling "one size fits all" in a bargain basement (delivering one curriculum to all in the classroom) to the "haute couture" of education where I design and assist with the delivery of instruction that is "custom made" for each child I see. It is the first time in my career as an educator in which I truly feel that I am able to reach each student and also feel like I am a part of a team?working with the parent and student together to accomplish our goals (unfortunately as a classroom teacher, I felt the climate to be more parent vs. school).
In addition, C.O.I.L. not only promotes learning for its students but also nurtures the professional development of its staff members. It is truly a school that believes in life-long learning!

NAME: Wayne Lindeman
GROUP: Teacher (High School Teacher)
SCHOOL: Circle of Independent Learning (COIL)
COUNTY OF RESIDENCE: Alameda
What I enjoy most about working with COIL is the remarkable progress that I see from my students. Many of my students enrolled at COIL have previously fallen far behind in graduation units and are very discouraged. Within one semester, all of them were rapidly gaining units and receiving good grades. Most importantly, they were smiling again and feeling pride in their accomplishments.

NAME: Carol Ramos
GROUP: Teacher
SCHOOL: Circle of Independent Learning (COIL)
COUNTY OF RESIDENCE: Alameda
I enjoy working at COIL because I can make a big difference in a student's life. I meet with each of my students individually by appointment every couple of weeks. Any difficulties the student is having can be addressed in the appointment. I can offer suggestions on study tips, attitude, and design the curriculum benchmarks in such a way that the student is successful. I enjoy working with a variety of ages and ability levels. I can focus on each student in a special way for their success in academics and in life.

I also teach a Spanish Conversation class. I really enjoy the classes because the students are eager to learn. They choose to be in the class and so they are motivated to work This makes teaching a real joy.

Since I have been teaching at COIL I have learned about many learning difficulties and the resources to help each of the students. I feel more competent in my profession.

NAME: Patricia Harman-Murray
GROUP: Teacher
SCHOOL: Circle of Independent Learning (COIL)
COUNTY OF RESIDENCE: Alameda
Why I Love Working at COIL!

I've taught for 13 years with the last three as a teacher at COIL. While my other positions and school sites were wonderful, COIL has been even better. Here I work with a small staff that shares the same vision and we're here because we want to be here. COIL teachers are professional with a variety of teaching backgrounds and they're simply a pleasure to work with. As an advisory teacher I not only work with students, but parents as well. I see it as a double teaching opportunity. I also appreciate the level of flexibility afforded to me in my weekly work schedule. Working at COIL has broadened my understanding of both homeschooling and charter schools. It is a privilege to be a part of the COIL team.

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Butte County
NAME: James Bishop
GROUP: Teacher
SCHOOL: Camptonville Academy Charter
CITY OF RESIDENCE: Chico
COUNTY OF RESIDENCE: Butte
I have always wanted to teach. During my years attending UCSD I recall that whether away at school or home visiting my family many of my fondest memories were of explaining aspects of science and mathematic to my parents, friends and fellow students. I had a tremendous drive to do this and was often preoccupied with discovering an approach to an idea that would make it accessible to people with poor backgrounds in these subjects. So after deciding that a career in research science was incompatible with my higher priority goal of raising a family, it was natural for me to consider teaching as a vocation.

I went so far as to gain acceptance into the Secondary Credential program at CSU Chico in 1994 but before beginning classes and student teaching I decided to accept a software development position. I had doubts about whether I would really be effective as a teacher in the public school context. I was confident in my ability to teach but I feared that in that environment my efforts would somehow amount to very little and I would become frustrated. Over the years I have come to understand more clearly the reasons for my concern. I used to think it was the preoccupation of the public school system with liability issues, special interests and political concerns along with the numerous teacher responsibilities and worries not directly related to teaching. But I see now that there is a deeper issue that leads to or exacerbates all the others – the absence of parents. Of course one should expect problems with any significant undertaking that involves children without the intimate involvement of their parents. So I set aside the idea of teaching as a career, finished my MS in Computer Science and took a software engineering position writing medical physics software.

During my time as a software engineer my wife and I began home schooling our oldest 3 children and enrolled them in Camptonville Academy Charter. These experiences made me aware of different models of public education and I saw that by partnering with parents I could realize my dream of teaching free of the main obstacles that had turned me away 8 years ago. So last fall I accepted a teaching position at Camptonville and I have not been disappointed. Because the teaching responsibility is shared with parents I am able to have small class sizes and extended time with students who need it. Nearly everything I do has a direct influence on student learning and is at the heart of what I want to accomplish as a teacher – it is enormously satisfying.

NAME: Chris Preston
GROUP: Teacher
SCHOOL: CORE@The Camptonville Academy
CITY OF RESIDENCE: Magalia
COUNTY OF RESIDENCE: Butte
There are so many ways to learn. Children learn at different rates, times and places. Personalized learning is a wonderful way for some children to gain their education. Our country was founded on individual freedoms and the freedom to learn where a child learns best if a wonderful gift. I teach in a traditional classroom, and that is great for many children, but I also know that the formal classroom is not the best place for some children to learn. Let us never take away the right of a child to learn in a personalized setting.

NAME: Patti Russell
GROUP: teacher
SCHOOL: CORE@The Camptonville Academy
CITY OF RESIDENCE: Chico
COUNTY OF RESIDENCE: Butte County
I have had my teaching credential for 30 years and finally feel at home working in personalized learning through Camptonville Academy. I worked for Chico Unified for 20 years and have been teaching with this awesome school for 2 years now and look forward to every day, watching students learn and grow. In several weeks, we will be concluding this school year and already we are in the planning stages for next year. So many wonderful things to look forward to in personalized learning, I can hardly wait to see what happens next.

NAME: Marlene Kenyon
GROUP: Teacher
SCHOOL: CORE@The Camptonville Academy
CITY OF RESIDENCE: Chico
COUNTY OF RESIDENCE: Butte
I have been a credentialed teacher for over thirty years. The Personalized Learning approach has been a wonderful experience. As a teacher, I feel like I can truly help each and every one of my students. Plus, the growth I’ve seen take place in their lives, and the knowledge they’ve acquired as a result, has been tremendous! They are truly in a learning environment where they can excel.

NAME: Debra Moon
GROUP: Teacher and Evaluator
SCHOOL: The Camptonville Academy
CITY OF RESIDENCE: Chico
COUNTY OF RESIDENCE: Butte County
Personalized Learning is Good Medicine for Students
by Debra Moon
I became intimately acquainted with Personalized Learning when I became an evaluator for one of the programs in February, 2001. I paid close attention to the methods and the welfare of the students, once I was assigned 16 students to monitor last year. All of my students were new to Personalized Learning. I was hired in February to take the “overflow”. Right away, I noticed the organized reporting system for student progress, and the wealth of materials we had to choose from for each student’s curriculum. Then I began to notice more subtle things. The students produced a lot of work. Rarely were assignments unfinished or missing. Thought and hard work went into to their studies and their writing. They appeared grateful for the opportunity of Personalized Learning. When I spoke to them, or their parents, they were thrilled how much they seemed to be learning, how the struggles for school work were over, how they were progressing, earning their graduation credits. To let you know some of the details, I am going to change the names of the students I worked with, so that I can relate their stories without embarrassing them.

James, a quiet student in the 10th grade went from the C’s and D’s that I saw on his transcript, to A’s in all subjects. He was sensitive, and the peer pressure and anxiety he experienced in the regular classroom distracted him from his work. In the Personalized Learning program, he not only produced straight A’s, but also several publishable articles and stories during the semester. The stories were published in the student tabloid and enjoyed by many people. James discovered that he was a writer, something he never suspected, even though his mother is a writer of children’s stories, he never thought of that as a vocation until last year.

Steven was also a 10th grader reading at a 10th grade level out loud but unable to comprehend any of what he had read. He had been in Special Ed, but just was unable to even do basic math and had never memorized his times tables. Between February and June, Steven memorized all but the 8’s and began reading and keeping daily journal of the story line in a small notebook. He would pull out the notebook and we would discuss those stories when I came to evaluate. I would never have had the time I spent with Steven if we were in a conventional classroom, but in this system I had an hour or two every week just for him. He began to look forward to the discussions and to his ability to remember a little more from his notes, that he was getting better and better at discussing the stories. It was like he had become a literature buff over a period of a couple of months. I was really proud of him, but the greatest thing was how proud he was of himself.

Melinda, an 11th grader this year was assistant editor of the school newspaper before transferring to our program for Personalized Learning. She is a very sharp girl, who is actually too mature to really enjoy high school. She is doing Personalized Learning for some courses, and earning concurrent credit in others by attending community college courses. She is doing great, and she feels that she is wasting far less time with her present plan of education.

Gil graduated last year with almost two years of college completed upon his graduation from high school. I wrote an article about him. When I went to do the interview three days after graduation, he was studying physics. I thought he was enrolled in a summer course through the college, but he said that he wasn’t. He was studying physics because he was going into engineering and he thought he might need to know it.

One of my students this year had to start out the year with a greatly reduced curriculum because of illness and lack of self-confidence. He is now studying guitar, algebra, history, geography, writing, life science, a special reading course, and physical education, and is almost up to a full curriculum load. I would say he has more than tripled the amount of work he is able to cover in a month since the start of this school year last September.

Teachers in conventional school cannot really imagine the true love of learning, the magical transformations, or the pleasant stability and contentment that we observe in our students in the program at The Camptonville Academy. This is what happens when we remove them from constant peer pressure in the learning situation, offer the opportunity to meet with other students sometimes for classes if they wish, offer a program that increases their interaction with their parents, give them their teacher’s undivided attention when they do make home visits to see them, and purchase materials that are especially for them with Educational Units from the school. This way, they may study music, have art materials, have brand new University preparatory textbooks in every subject if they choose. Families do get to make some choices in their child’s education. The students’ needs are met. There are a variety of configurations to choose from in designing the curriculum, setting, and sociability of the learning environment.

Lastly, I must say, that if public school teachers knew what the Camptonville Academy Personalized Learning Program was like and how much it helps students, they would call off the efforts of the Teachers’ Union in lobbying against it. Most teachers really do care about how students fare in the system. They want the best for the kids. What I want to know is why has the CTA chosen to overlook that aspect in their decision to lobby against our program?

Another question to consider is, how many of these Personalized Learning students will ever return to public school even if programs like Camptonville are not funded? It’s hard to keep them down on the farm after they’ve seen what we have to offer. A parent I spoke to today said, “If I have to leave the country, I’ll do it rather than send my child back into that [public school] system. I know how to educate my child and she is doing better than ever. I won’t give that up!”

Please spread the word. And those who have the power to effect any influence to keep these students on the path they have freely chosen, a path that results in quality education, check your consciences before you make any changes.

NAME: Michele Steele
GROUP: Teacher
SCHOOL: CORE at the Camptonville Academy
CITY OF RESIDENCE: Chico
COUNTY OF RESIDENCE: Butte
I have been an Independent Study Personalized Learning teacher with CORE at the Camptonville Academy in Chico, California, for almost four years. I have had the privilege of working with dozens of children from kindergarten through high school.

I have seen how the personalized approach can truly help turn lives around. Some of my students have come to me struggling to keep pace with the “regular” school system. Many of them have slight learning disabilities or personal challenges that make the formality and the “one-size-fits-all” approach very challenging. Many of these youths, with hard work and effort from them, their parents, and their teacher have returned successfully to the regular school. Others find they prefer to stay and thrive in this personalized educational environment. The success comes from the desire and the desire comes from finding purpose and success.

I currently help teach several extremely bright children who simply are not learning at the prescribed pace in all subjects. Visual memory problems, dyslexia or other reading problems – whatever the cause – these children are smart, capable young people. With a personalized approach, they can move forward in subjects that are easy for them while getting extra help in weak areas. Sometimes they don’t even realize they’re “behind.” They are free from the social stigma of the Resource Room. We (teacher and parent and student) are free to use hands-on materials or multimedia or computers or Socratic discussion or literature-based or thematic units or expeditionary learning or traditional textbooks or…whatever it takes to help these kids succeed.

There is not one “right” approach to educating a child any more than there is one “right” way to learn. That’s what Personalized Learning is all about.

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Madera County
NAME: Mindy Klang
GROUP: Teacher
SCHOOL: Mountain Home School Charter
CITY OF RESIDENCE: Oakhurst
COUNTY OF RESIDENCE: Madera County
I began my teaching career in a traditional classroom-based setting in 1994. In the past 5 years, I've had the privilege of working in a personalized learning school. I am a teacher working with and supporting home-schooling families and have seen the valuable, positive benefits to children from personalized learning. I support this type of learning because I've seen students thrive, both academically and personally! Students in personalized learning enjoy customized curriculum tailored to their needs and interests, are given the opportunity to explore topics in depth, and have the freedom and attention to develop weaker skill areas while accelerating in stronger areas of learning. I enjoy being a part of this learning environment!

NAME: Donna Fiannaca
GROUP: Teacher
SCHOOL: Mountain Home School Charter
CITY OF RESIDENCE: Oakhurst
COUNTY OF RESIDENCE: Madera County
For the past 14 years I have worked as a facilitator/teacher in the personal learning field. I began this career in Northern California and currently am working in Central California. Regardless of location or demographics, I have seen students flourish in a personalized learning environment. Time after time, I have observed students come to us from a traditional classroom setting where they were not functioning. It has been exciting to see these students increase their performance academically and develop an unprecedented enthusiasm for learning! The one-on-one customized education creates opportunities for a student to pursue academic interests in depth, to receive proper diagnosis in areas of weakness, and to be taught specifically to his or her learning modality. I truly believe that it is a privilege to work in this area of education.

NAME: Susan Mackenzie
GROUP: Teacher
SCHOOL: Mountain Home School Charter
CITY OF RESIDENCE: Oakhurst
COUNTY OF RESIDENCE: Madera County
Personalized learning through Mountain Home School can be a good choice for families whose situation allows it. The wonderful thing about personalized learning is that it takes into account that each child is unique. Since there are many ways to learn, a parent can research curriculum and find ones that are right for their child’s learning style. A parent can take time to get to know their child’s strengths and weaknesses, likes and dislikes. As a teacher I have noticed that learning is greatly enhanced by working with a child in the context of his whole family. For example, in science and social studies often everyone is involved in the learning process, which may include field trips and hands on projects. Sometimes other families are included. The parent who can make learning enjoyable with patient and kind guidance has helped his child become a life long learner.

NAME: Kathi Bales
GROUP: Teacher
SCHOOL: Mountain Home School Charter
CITY OF RESIDENCE: Coarsegold
COUNTY OF RESIDENCE: Madera County
I have been employed for the last two years as a charter teacher monitoring the learning of students in a personalized learning school. Each day is a unique learning experience for me as I meet with students who are strengthening their academic skills by pursuing individual interests. These students are enthusiastic learners, who have developed valuable skills while finding answers to their questions and interests. I believe that each child wants to learn.

Personalized learning taps this innate desire and affords the student with this opportunity free from distraction. Having previously worked in a traditional classroom setting, I became keenly aware of the dilemma the classroom teacher has in meeting the needs of a variety of students. Even though valiant attempts are made, the fact remains many needs go unmet. On the other hand, personalized learning students receive one-on-one instruction and immediate recognition of personal strengths or weaknesses as it broadens a self-starting, "I-can" attitude. This is the very attitude that college professors desire incoming students to possess. I am excited to be a part of a program that promotes learning at its best.

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Nevada County
NAME: Eleni Cardona
GROUP: Teacher
SCHOOL: Forest Charter School
CITY OF RESIDENCE: Nevada City
COUNTY OF RESIDENCE: Nevada
I have been a teacher in both the public and private sector for the last 23 years. The last five years, I have served as a teacher in a Personalized Learning School. I have to say that the Personalized Learning approach is the most innovative, creative and thrilling experience of my career.

As a certificated teacher, I work in partnership with parents, students, other teachers and a myriad of community organizations/resources to provide a completely unique and tailor-made educational program for each of my students. The focus is on providing the best possible learning environment or modality for the individual student in each of their subjects. Each student has an educational team behind them that can respond to help them to succeed as specific learning challenges present themselves. One student may need to be in accelerated programs for some subjects, while moving more slowly in others. Another student may thrive on working with computer based curriculum in some subjects, while needing a group setting to explore their creative side by taking, for example, drama, art, sports or music classes. Still another may follow a rigorous traditional curriculum and plug into local Community College courses to round out their course of study with a foreign language, laboratory sciences, or in-depth computer classes.

The variety of educational choices and settings help students to prepare for a lifetime of learning. I tend to see that my students are already learning how to independently manage their time in order to get work done, they interact well with people of all ages, and they think "outside the box" because they have not been indoctrinated in one standard way of thinking, learning or behaving. Their individuality is honored and nurtured and as a result, they have high self esteem.

In short, I have had the great pleasure of witnessing dramatic results. Often students will come to our program feeling discouraged and disenfranchised from "school" and from the learning process itself. After working with their own personalized program, which they help to design, they frequently find themselves loving school, feeling successful, and actively participating, rather than resisting their educational process. Seeing their smiles, helping them to succeed where they once felt they had failed, and watching as they bloom as the individuals they were meant to be is just the greatest reward any teacher can have. I am honored to be a part of a school that can offer this depth and breadth of choice for students and parents.

NAME: Stuart Naramore
GROUP: teacher
SCHOOL: Camptonville Academy
CITY OF RESIDENCE: Grass Valley
COUNTY OF RESIDENCE: Nevada County
I am a public school teacher with nearly fourteen years of classroom experience. A few years ago I left the classroom because I kept seeing the deterioration of the educational experience due to a number of factors. As an educator I was very discouraged.

Last year I accepted a position as a home-schooling teacher with Camptonville Academy. Wow! What a difference. For the first time in all my years of teaching I really see students being happy in their schoolwork. I see parents who no longer feel frustrated with their students' academic achievement. And I see real progress in students who had been struggling with their work. Home school truly works when parents, students and teachers work in concert to assure progress. I would recommend this course of study to anyone who has the inclination and dedication. Thank you.

NAME: Sherry Shulse
GROUP: Teacher
SCHOOL: Camptonville Academy
CITY OF RESIDENCE: Nevada City
COUNTY OF RESIDENCE: Nevada County
I have been a Personalized Learning Teacher for 1 1/2 years now, after teaching in traditional classrooms on and off for 7 years. I have seen students succeed who would have fallen through the cracks in a traditional setting. For example I have a student who is 14 years old and tested in the 99th percentile on his PSAT. He was not being challenged sufficiently in a traditional school. He is now able to have a personalized curriculum that allows his talent to grow. On the other end of the spectrum, I have student who really struggles, yet does not qualify for special education services. She is one of those students who is on the cusp. With our personalized approach she has been able to excel. I believe that students and parents should have a wide variety of choices to meet their individual needs. I have never seen a model that provides more choice than Personalized Learning.

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Orange County
NAME: Laura Ballance
GROUP: Teacher
SCHOOL: Dehesa Charter School
CITY OF RESIDENCE: Laguna Niguel
COUNTY OF RESIDENCE: Orange County
As a teacher overseeing home-schooled families I have seen this school meet a variety of individual needs that traditional public schools were unable to meet. Students in this school are improving and accelerating faster than years before. Parents are more encouraged with the progress their child is making when their child is now interested in doing school work, due to the variety of methods introduced to them through this program.

NAME: Jessica Pohl
GROUP: Education Specialist/Teacher
SCHOOL: Eagles Peak Charter School
CITY OF RESIDENCE: Irvine
COUNTY OF RESIDENCE: Orange County
When I first came to work with Eagles Peak, I was hesitant about the charter school system. My educational background was strictly in the public school system, specifically high school. I had great reservations about the ability of a charter school, especially a "parent choice/homeschooling" school to meet the needs of students (especially high school) and provide an education that would prepare them to compete with other students across the nation. Through working one on one with many parents and students, I have been amazed at the level of education they are provided and even sought out themselves. I have found that most of the high school students I have worked with have taken college level courses and even at a local community college. I know I cannot say the same for the high school students I taught in the public school system.

Due to the parents involvement and commitment, the elementary students I have worked with at Eagles Peak have extended their educational experiences beyond the traditional textbooks and "projects" to encompass the entire community and educational resources available. I have been amazed at the level of work most of them succeed at, majority at above grade level. I have witnessed students with special needs/learning disabilities given the essential one on one support and skills they need. In my experience, teaching a class with 40 students and 55 min each period, it was impossible to accomplish that most of the time. As with any system, there are issues that arise and changes that could be made to improve it. However, I speak as a teacher who LOVES teaching in a traditional classroom and I have seen that Eagles Peak Charter School serves a purpose that most if any traditional schools do not. I truly feel that one of the most blessed things about our Country is that we have freedom and the ability to utilize choices, one of those being finding the best education for our children, each individually.

NAME: Starlene Arel
GROUP: Teacher
SCHOOL: Eagle's Peak Charter School
CITY OF RESIDENCE: Santa Ana
COUNTY OF RESIDENCE: Orange County
Throughout my childhood I dreamed of becoming a teacher. I was part of a small percentage of children that excelled in academics, no matter who the teacher or what the subject or approach. I thought that was how it worked for everyone. Almost ten years ago I made my dream a reality by attending a university and obtaining my teaching credential. As part of my training and my personal career, I have experienced a wide spectrum of educational environments - from private schools, to what might be called an "average public school," all the way to what many would consider among the most difficult of environments - public schools in the inner cities of Los Angeles and Santa Ana. Despite the wide spectrum, there is one thing that remained true in each and every one of the environments - no matter how outstanding OR deplorable the teacher, school, neighborhood, etc. - - there were students that excelled and students that failed.

In contrast, for nearly three years now, I have worked with a charter school that provides and supports a wide variety of personalized learning options. I have yet to find a student that I would say has failed or is failing. There are certainly students that struggle but, given the appropriate learning opportunities and approaches, I have seen every single child succeed and most even excel. Many of these approaches demand a great amount of effort on the part of the educator and the child. However, providing students and parents the support, ability, and means to do so, is the catalyst for their success.

Research has established that there are many varying ways to learn, not to mention ways to demonstrate learning. It is just plain impossible for EVERY child to succeed at what may be their individual level of success UNLESS each child is allowed the opportunity to learn and demonstrate learning in the manner individual to him/herself. I mentioned that I was part of a small percentage of children that was academically successful regardless of the teacher, subject, or approach. No matter how hard our schools try, we will never be able to make every child fit that description. It is time to recognize that it is not a waste of time or money or effort to recognize, encourage, and facilitate the many different ways that children learn. We must admit that the idea of "No Child Left Behind," while inspirational and a noble goal, is impossible in a traditional educational environment. This is not because of any short-falling of educators, lack of resources, or blame on anyone's part, but rather because of the inherent qualities of learning - many children NEED individualized approaches to be successful. The statement that, in nearly three years, I have not yet seen a child fail academically given the opportunity to follow his/her individual learning path, is something that needs to be acknowledged and rewarded, not scorned and seen as something that must be stopped.

NAME: J. Windham
GROUP: Education Specialist (teacher)
SCHOOL: Eagles Peak
CITY OF RESIDENCE: Rancho Santa Margarita
COUNTY OF RESIDENCE: Orange County
As an education specialist for Eagles Peak, I have seen first hand the importance of offering a multitude of learning opportunities, choices, and pathways. The homeschooled students I supervise are incredibly successful and are receiving highly individualized instruction in all subject areas. Public schools generally offer limited options for differentiation. Many students get bored from moving too slowly or get lost from moving through material too quickly. My homeschooled students are receiving instruction gauged directly at their level, ability, and pacing. They work efficiently and independently. They have the time to pursue all subject areas, including areas such as art, music, and science, which are often underfunded or cut out completely in public schools. The parents and students at Eagles Peak feel empowered because they are able to have, and make, educational choices rather than fitting into the cookie cutter system of our underfunded public education system. Charter schools need continued state support.

NAME: Karen Fleischli
GROUP: Parent/ Teacher
SCHOOL: Julian Charter School
COUNTY OF RESIDENCE: Orange County
Personalized learning through Julian Charter School not only has been instrumental in the education of my two children but also in the development of myself professionally. As a parent I am able to participate in choosing curriculum that addresses state standards as well as meets my child's academic needs and interests. My children thrive in a one on one student/teacher setting where they are able to progress as quickly or slowly as they need without labels being placed upon them.

Personalized learning allows me as a teacher to really know my students and to individualize to their needs accordingly. In the public classroom with 30 plus students I could rarely do this and felt much frustration. It is a joy to work with so many dedicated and talented professionals whose goal is to provide an environment where children can thrive. My sons enjoy the opportunity to learn according to their interests, something they probably would not be able to do in any other school. Kudos to personalized learning.

NAME: Camille Zimmerman
GROUP: Teacher (Educational Facilitator0
SCHOOL: Julian Charter School
COUNTY OF RESIDENCE: Orange County
“ For the students that I oversee as an Educational Facilitator for Julian Charter School, personalized learning offers numerous advantages over the traditional classroom format. Parents, in consultation with professional educators, are able to choose a curriculum that is consistent with their values and is best suited for the learning style and interests of their child. Students are able to progress through the curriculum at their own pace. When they encounter subjects of particular interest they are able to extend their learning experience by delving more deeply into that subject. Additionally, parents may choose curriculum in science, social science and/or electives that allow siblings in different grades to work together, albeit at different levels. In short, personalized learning affords flexibility that is not feasible in a classroom, but with adequate structure and accountability.”

NAME: Lorie Taylor
GROUP: Teacher and Parent
SCHOOL: Julian Charter School
CITY OF RESIDENCE: Lake Forest
COUNTY OF RESIDENCE: Orange County
This year has been so great! I am a facilitator for Julian Charter School (which I love!!) but also a first year homeschooling mom to my kindergarten son. As I got to know some of the parents that I actually facilitate, we began to form a wonderful co-op between us that has led us to share holiday parties and field trips together. The children have formed great friendships and the moms have gained much support with one another. Between the four families, we have four kindergarteners. This last week, we had a small graduation picnic for them: grad hats, diplomas, words of honor, the works! It was very special.

Now, we are looking forward to next year and are adding 2-3 more families into our group. This summer, we are meeting to plan our next year. Everyone is so motivated to share their ideas for curriculum, field trips and special activities that we can do together. I am looking forward once again to the sense of community and support that we have with one another. It is incredible to watch each child grow academically, socially, & emotionally. I feel very blessed to be so much a part of the lives of my students and my own children!

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Placer County
NAME: Lois Langehaug
GROUP: Teacher
SCHOOL: Camptonville Academy charter school
COUNTY OF RESIDENCE: PLACER

I support Personalized Learning because not all students learn at the same rate, level or have the same strengths and weaknesses. What a great way to teach students!

NAME: Sharon Mandon
GROUP: Parent and Teacher
SCHOOL: Camptonville Academy charter school
CITY OF RESIDENCE: Auburn
COUNTY OF RESIDENCE: Placer
My daughter was a creative, bright, very confident girl. She had been homeschooled in our program (one to one) until mid first grade. She then entered school, due to my health. From then until the beginning of third grade, she really struggled with her work. She is dyslexic and could not read up to the standards being expected in very low grades. Soon she became stressed about school. She started to feel like she was stupid. By third grade she not only was struggling academically, but socially as well. Other kids where labeling her. They were calling her names. She started being very explosive and moody at home. She started telling big lies to make herself look important. It was very hard to watch this happen to her.
We decided to bring her home for just fourth grade. She joined Camptonville Academy. It has been a transformation. I want to share with you some of the ways she has benefited from our program.
First, she does have some learning problems, but she is very gifted in other areas. Being at home she is able to explore and excel in art, music, creative writing, poetry, and lots of other things. This is such a great boost for her self esteem and gives her greater confidence to tackle the subjects that are hard for her. She has taken classes in these areas at the center in Auburn and has really enjoyed the fun, positive interaction with peers there.
Second, because Katie has some reading issues, I am able to deal with them in a proactive, specialized way at home. Our program has provided her with a special reading and spelling program called Barton which I feel is very helpful. Katie has time at home to curl up with a good book and actually love to read. She has someone with her who helps her in areas she is weak in without any fear of teasing. I read with my child. I know her and can really gauge improvement and areas that need more work. And, I can tell you, she has made great improvement this year.
Katie went recently on a living history field trip to Sutter's Fort. About 40 kids from Camptonville where there. It was such a great experience all around. I was struck, as a parent and teacher, by the students. We did a lot of hands on stuff. Not one kid gave us a hard time. No one gave up or refused to try. The big joy for me was at the end of the night when we had a band and a square dance. The kids got up and danced without any coaxing, acting silly or being embarrassed. That shocked me. I felt it showed such a security and confidence in themselves. Peer pressure was so much less of an issue for these kids. In our time that is priceless.
Numerous people have commented on the change in Katie since being in Camptonville. She is blooming, socially, emotionally and academically. The support she gets from the classes, curriculum and field trips is such a gift to her and our family. My husband recently said, "I don't want to put Katie back in school next year. She is doing so great that it would be foolish."
Thanks Camptonville!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

NAME: Chris Dunlap
GROUP: Teacher
SCHOOL: Camptonville Academy
CITY OF RESIDENCE: Meadow Vista
COUNTY OF RESIDENCE: Placer County
To Whom It May Concern,
I have been a school teacher for twenty years and have taught in both public and private schools. During these years, I have taught in grades first through eighth. In my teaching experience, I have seen many kinds of students. Many students do well in a site-based setting but not all. The ones who do not, have experiences that range from unpleasant to horrible. When this happens, the teachers, administration, and parents do their best to help but the usual result is a continuous struggle and success is measured by how well the student survives, not by how much he or she learns.

The students I am referring to do not fit into one or two categories for easy grouping and placement. Some are geniuses and others are considerably behind the other students intellectually. Some are so social that the school setting is a hindrance and others so painfully shy that just looking at them is painful. Some are physically fit and others are teased unmercifully because of their weight or looks. Some are so creative that they literally can't do another ditto and others so set in their ways that any change in the daily routine makes them cry. Some watch T.V. and know all the shows while others haven't watched any T.V. and can't even enter into the conversation. (It is amazing how much a student is ostracized for not watching T.V.). Some like to always be around people while others are loners. Some like commotion and noise and to others noise can make them physically ill.

I could go on but the point is that a classroom setting is not for everyone. This should not be surprising; who really wants or expects everyone to be the same. I now teach in a charter school that is has a home-based, personalized learning program. The students I have mentioned above are many (but not all) of the ones I work with. The are doing very well, are successful in their studies, have good social skills, and are happy. Thank goodness there are now choices. Please support public charter schools.

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Riverside County
NAME: Sandra Kling
GROUP: Teacher (Educational Facilitator)
SCHOOL: Dehesa Charter School
COUNTY OF RESIDENCE: Riverside County

I have been implementing the “Personalized Learning” concept in my work since I became an educator over five years ago. This is the only way to work with students! In my view, it does not make sense to force the same curriculum and assessment on every student when they all have different learning styles, academic/developmental levels, and most importantly, unique interests. It is wonderful to see students thrive when they can learn in the manner that best suits him/her and at a level that they can understand. I am a huge supporter of this concept and hope that the State will recognize the benefits of this concept in education our nation's future! My motto has always been “Educating Kids One at a Time.”

NAME: Catherine Lambert
GROUP: Teacher
SCHOOL: Dehesa Charter School
CITY OF RESIDENCE: Riverside
COUNTY OF RESIDENCE: Riverside County

Having just relocated to California from the East Coast, I was dismayed at the overall mediocrity of most of the schools I visited. I was looking for a teaching experience that would not only be enjoyable, but that would allow me to reach students at a level of interest that would let them take ownership of what they were learning.

Dehesa Charter School, with it attention to each students needs and desires, has let me become not just an educator who regurgitates facts for students to assimilate, but rather someone who gives students nuggets of ideas and lets them find the jewels of knowledge they will keep forever.

In general, my students never complain of repetition or dullness in their daily lives because they have been given the choices to learn in the way that they personally find most interesting. I am constantly amazed at the caliber and quantity of work my students are anxious to show me at our weekly and monthly meetings.

Overall, my time at Dehesa Charter School has been very well spent. My only regret is that something like this did not exist when I was bored out of my mind during my early school years.

NAME: John P. D'Onofrio
GROUP: Teacher
SCHOOL: Dehesa Charter School
CITY OF RESIDENCE: Canyon Lake
COUNTY OF RESIDENCE: Riverside County

Personalized Learning has benefited several of my students. One eleventh grader was sent to a continuation school in order to get caught up because he didn't complete his credits as a freshman. He complied and was re-admitted into regular High School. Then the school made a mistake and put him into a class for which he already had the credits. When they discovered this they said he could no longer attend high school because he wasn't carrying enough credits. He went back to continuation school, completed some very unchallenging courses, but soon lost interest completely. Realizing that his future economic success will start with a H.S. Diploma, and under parental pressure, he found Dehesa Charter School. Within a few weeks I determined that his young man was capable, but required positive stimulation, encouragement, and self-discipline. His desire to pursue music lessons and the vendor we are supplying has been a major contributor to his success. We have been able to select curriculum that is both interesting and challenging for him. I am a taskmaster, and must help at sometimes more than other times based on his personal situation, which is also often troubled. This young man now has confidence in himself. This semester he is finishing his core curriculum requirements for graduation, along with music, Auto Shop, and Computers. By December 2003 he will qualify to graduate from High School with a can do attitude toward future education and life. I'm afraid without the personalized Learning approach of Dehesa Charter School this young man would have been among the many dropouts destined to be turned down for employment opportunities for many years. Maybe he would not believe he could succeed, which would make success impossible.

NAME: Terri Novacek
GROUP: Teacher, Parent
SCHOOL: Dehesa Charter School
CITY OF RESIDENCE: Canyon Lake
COUNTY OF RESIDENCE: Riverside
Before my son was five, he scored above the level that suggested he was academically ready for Kindergarten. However, I was advised to hold him back another year "because he was a boy." Having taught in the classroom for ten years, I did have a first-hand understanding of that logic. However, now that it was my own child, I felt it a shame to hold him back. Although he is a well-behaved boy, I knew if I sent him, he would be considered a behavior problem because he would have difficulty sitting still. If I held him back, he would be considered a behavior problem because he would be bored. I decided to provide personalized learning for a year and re-evaluate the situation the following summer. It's been three years now. He is a happy, active second grader, who is still eager to learn. I know if I would have put him in the traditional school setting, he would be unhappy and struggling.

As a teacher, I see numerous students come through that thought they hated learning, because they hated school. Now that they are in a position to take responsibility for their own learning, they are thriving. For some, they do well because they are able to participate in real-life learning. What does it matter if you learn how to count change from a textbook, or working at your parents' store. You can learn angles and measuring from worksheets, or you can help someone build something. The charter school has made it possible for parents to receive support in their effort to make their children happy, healthy, and productive citizens.

NAME: Trish Ruppel
GROUP: Teacher
SCHOOL: Dehesa Charter School
CITY OF RESIDENCE: Wildomar
COUNTY OF RESIDENCE: Riverside County
Personalized Learning has given many students an opportunity to shine in their schoolwork, along with being able to study in areas of interest more in-depth. I have taught in public/private classrooms and special education. It tugged at my heart when I could not fulfill the education needs of a child, either because of time constraints or lack of curriculum choices. With Personalized Learning, a student receives the curriculum and teaching methods that best suits their learning style and they become successful.

Benny is one example. Benny’s parents had decided to homeschool him because he was falling behind (according to his first grade teacher). The summer before second grade his parents were told by another charter school they needed to buy workbooks that covered second grade learning. His parents knew that this type of curriculum did not work for their son and they switched to Dehesa Charter School for a true individualized learning plan. I recommended hands-on curriculum consisting of no workbooks. Benny was behind in his reading (again, according to his first grade teacher) and had lost his interest in books. I recommended that the parent read to him, visit the library weekly and in time, Benny’s love for books would return. Along with other recommendations, by the middle of second grade, Benny had jumped a full year in his reading and his love for learning had returned.

This is but one story. I have many students who would have suffered in the one-size-fits-all approach of classroom teaching. Personalized Learning helps those who are struggling with school to achieve great results and allows bright students to explore options not possible in a classroom setting. Personalized Learning is a great alternative for all types of students.

NAME: Kathy Webster
GROUP: Teacher
SCHOOL: Dehesa Charter School
CITY OF RESIDENCE: Murrieta
COUNTY OF RESIDENCE: Riverside County
I've seen personally the progress made by a particular student. I have re-evaluated her curriculum and found that she needed remedial social studies, science, and language arts book. As a sixth grader, Patricia also needed math work at a 4th grade level. She has changed in her outlook and is feeling successful in the the quality of her homework. She also is receiving one on one tutoring which has helped improve her math, reading, and writing skills

NAME: Connie Valencia
GROUP: Teacher
SCHOOL: Dehesa Charter School
CITY OF RESIDENCE: Hemet
COUNTY OF RESIDENCE: Riverside County
As a public school teacher and a part time facilitator at Dehesa Charter School, I can see some phenomenal benefits of home-schooling and the Personalized Learning approach. In a classroom of twenty or more students, it is often difficult for classroom teachers to meet the individual needs, personality styles, interests and learning styles of every child. I have seen incredible examples of how these personalized needs are being met and challenged in the home-school environment. Students, parents and teachers choose curriculum, activities, lessons, literature, manipulatives and supplemental materials that support the child's needs, while covering the California standards. The students are able to engage in more first hand learning experiences through field trips and hands-on activities. There is a positive network of communication and dedication between the family, student, teachers and administration. Students have countless opportunities to socialize and interact with other students and families in the charter school and share ideas, concerns, feelings and materials in support of their educational goals. A lifelong love for learning is felt in the heart of every child who experiences education in a meaningful, personal way.

NAME: Kelly Robinson
GROUP: Teacher (Educational Facilitator and Parent)
SCHOOL: Dehesa Charter School
CITY OF RESIDENCE: Murrieta
COUNTY OF RESIDENCE: Riverside
Personalized learning is a wonderful program that allows students and families to personalize the learning experience for students. Students may work at their own individual pace and work toward skill mastery. Personalized learning can incorporate daily life skills into the curriculum and be a truly 7 day-per-week, 24 hour-per-day experience. Tailor made programming and rich 1:1 instruction allows for maximum learning and transfer of learning to other settings and situations.

Many of my students and families have greatly benefited from personalized learning.

NAME: Jessica McIntyre
GROUP: Teacher-Educational Specialist
SCHOOL: Eagles Peak Charter School
CITY OF RESIDENCE: Riverside
COUNTY OF RESIDENCE: Riverside County
I work with about 20 children in the inland empire with different needs, learning styles and families. Through the Charter school/Homeschooling approach I am able to provide freedom to cater to each of these child's needs in a very intimate way. Each has their own style of curriculum, learning day, and response forms that make their learning more meaningful to them. After working in a K/1 classroom in California public schools for 4 years, I realize this personalized education was never possible in the classroom. I am able to provide for these students in a much more meaningful way now than I ever did for the students I saw every day for 6 hours.

NAME: Katherine Cox
GROUP: Teacher
SCHOOL: Eagles Peak Charter School
CITY OF RESIDENCE: Riverside
COUNTY OF RESIDENCE: Riverside
For years, as a classroom teacher, I have watched special education students struggle in the classroom routine. Often the would begin the year academically and socially behind. Then, as the year progressed they would be pulled out of the classroom for "Help." This pull out help frequently caused them to fall farther behind and become socially more outcast.
Individualized, alternate education programs such as home schooling (Personalized Learning) with professional teaching support break this pull-out, slide behind cycle. This year, I have observed students with special needs flourish in the individual attention they receive when schooled by their parents. Additionally, they thrive socially because they are able to interact with their peers as equals instead of being "the kid who has to leave."
I have observed the awesome power of alternate learning programs for students with special or specific needs. The rest of education should look to these programs and their success as templates for what meaningful education should look like for every child.

NAME: Roxann Andersen
GROUP: teacher/education specialist
SCHOOL: Eagles Peak Charter School
CITY OF RESIDENCE: Riverside
COUNTY OF RESIDENCE: Riverside
I have worked as an education specialist for the last three years. I would estimate that about one-third of the students I work with have some form of learning disability. These are the students who would fall through the cracks in a traditional school setting. However, when they are allowed to work one-on-one with a "tutor," when they are allowed to work at their pace and with the method that suits them best--they succeed.

On the other end of the scale are the students for whom academics are a snap. The personalized learning programs available through our charter school enable these students to accomplish normal academic goals with ample time left over for enrichment. One of my students fits into this category. He was a marvelous writer, actor, and dancer. Personalized learning allowed him to graduate early and go on to college. Now, at age 20, he has performed in numerous plays and has written a musical.

The call from parents today is for more options, not fewer options. From my standpoint, personalized learning is certainly a valuable option.

NAME: Laura Nobiensky
GROUP: Parent and Teacher
SCHOOL: Eagles Peak Charter School
CITY OF RESIDENCE: Temecula
COUNTY OF RESIDENCE: Riverside
I am a parent of one child who attends Eagles Peak Charter School in San Diego, a personalized learning charter school. We absolutely love the parental choice and involvement encouraged by the school! It is a dream-come-true. My 1st grader was reading at the second grade reading level as a kindergartner. Why? I could purchase and use a variety of materials to advance her along in reading. She is at or a little above grade level in math because I am able to tailor her curriculum to meet her learning needs. She has had numerous learning opportunities with the “community as classroom” philosophy of Eagles Peak. She has been able to learn all kinds of things from the pros in the community: ballet, gymnastics, and agricultural science. Personalized learning charter schools are wonderful and should be encouraged, not discouraged.

I am also an Education Specialist for Eagles Peak and I can vouch that this kind of incredible learning has occurred with all the 20 students that I “oversee”. Some students are enrolled in on-line writing tutorials, writing the most sophisticated kinds of papers--book reviews, persuasive essays, research papers, short stories, and memoirs--as early as the 5th grade. Others are enrolled in Great Books tutorials where students at the high school level are reading, discussing, reflecting on, and writing about the political philosophies of the likes of Aristotle, Plato, Socrates, Homer, that most people just read synopses on, and those, in college. Some have pursued learning art or music classes from the experts in their fields. I love what goes on here: studious, dedicated students and parents engaged in all kinds of rich learning experiences and loving them!

We have benefited greatly from personalized learning programs. The "design efforts" of parents and students to create solid and global learning programs are impressive. Repeatedly, I have witnessed kids working beyond the conventional textbook and worksheet approaches--doing higher level thinking by working with interactive computer software (like Riverdeep) taking science and mathematics at the levels all teachers dream of taking their students to, but rarely have the time to do . Moms and their students have dissected all kinds of animals in their kitchens, employing the expertise of books and human specialists to inform their students. After learning phonics, little children are reading real, living books to practice their reading proficiency instead of the boring textbook fare or readers that the classrooms need to use for manageability's sake. Moms can listen to their little ones practice reading for hours--and can easily identify recurring errors to be addressed. How many errors are caught at this level!

Just as the free market allows for flexibility and ingenuity in providing goods and services, so do the personalized learning charter schools. If charter schools become compelled to look and behave just like the conventional schools, we would squelch the American spirit of ingenuity and creativity.

Personalized instructional approaches--the classical method, the Charlotte Mason method, the Unschooling of John Holt, the Montessori method, the Unit Studies, and Apprenticeships--are alive and flourishing in personalized learning charter schools. These are good for kids. Educators know that vast learning is accomplished by tailoring education to student needs and interests. It is not logistically possible to do that in the classroom. Personalized learning charter schools provide that unique opportunity.

It is wonderful to be able to return to the methods of learning that Ben Franklin and Thomas Jefferson used. Perhaps we will return to their greater level of thinking and creating! We can't go wrong continuing the pursuit of personalized learning. It is so worth it, for students, families, and the community at large.

NAME: Tim Sherwood
GROUP: Teacher
SCHOOL: Eagles Peak - Riverside Academy
CITY OF RESIDENCE: Riverside
COUNTY OF RESIDENCE: Riverside
After teaching in the California Public School system for 13 years I sadly saw the job-title change from "teacher of subject area I loved - music" to "teacher of HOW TO PASS STANDARDIZED TESTING..." alas, when the opportunity to work with home-schooling families made itself available I jumped at the chance and can honestly say that I have seen the valuable, positive benefits to children from this personalized learning approach. I've seen students thrive, both academically and personally and it is obvious they now love school, feel successful, and actively participate, rather than resist their educational process. I truly believe that it is a privilege to work in this area of education and I am honored to be a part of a school that can offer this depth and breadth of choice for students and parents.

NAME: Stephanie De Jong
GROUP: Teacher (Educational Specialist)
SCHOOL: Eagles Peak Charter School
CITY OF RESIDENCE: Riverside
COUNTY OF RESIDENCE: Riverside County
Deeply concerned best describes my experience teaching in the traditional public school setting for the past five years. I noticed several students were falling through the cracks even with the best efforts and intentions of the school. However, I was a bit skeptical when I first heard about personalized learning. Would students really be better served in a one on one personalized learning environment without a “traditional teacher?”

Having now worked in a personalized learning environment for two years I can unequivocally say YES. Yes, students are better served in a one-on-one personalized learning environment tailored to their own learning styles, interests and pacing. Yes, student’s personal needs are met and they no longer fall through the educational “cracks.” Yes, students still learn and receive a quality education even without a “traditional” classroom setting and teacher.

In fact, I am thrilled with the personalized attention each student receives. I am amazed at how much enrichment students gain in their education. I am delighted that students have the opportunity to excel and succeed in a wide variety of educational areas. As I discuss with the students topics they have learned I am pleased with the level of understanding and learning they have acquired.

Based on my experience, I believe that offering a program of personalized learning is a vital component to supporting some children’s educational needs and making sure no child is left behind.

NAME: Beth Kurtz
GROUP: Teacher (Education Specialist) and Parent
SCHOOL: Eagles Peak Charter School
CITY OF RESIDENCE: Riverside
COUNTY OF RESIDENCE: Riverside
As an educator and a parent I have seen and experienced the value of personalized learning in education. Five years ago my oldest son was struggling to keep up with his peers. Actually he was fine it was I who was struggling with the possibility that a child of mine could be a late bloomer. Even with two years of preschool my son who seemed so well rounded just could not make out the letters and numbers he was being taught in kindergarten. As he entered first grade though he made great strives and was beginning to "get it". He was finally able to tell me the names of the letters and the sounds. I was quite impressed but his first grade teacher was not. She said my son was almost a year behind the rest of her first graders.

Well, after much discussion my husband and I decided to homeschool to help him catch up and save his self esteem. I resigned from my teaching job and became a stay at home mom. We didn't know about personalized learning at the time and ended up with an independent study program at the local elementary. After this year of homeschooling my son returned to public school happy and adjusted. I was contemplating the idea of going back to school full time as my son was in school and my daughter would be in Kindergarten that fall. With a six month old baby I was not very eager nor excited about going back to full time teaching. Then my neighbor who had just began homeschooling her daughter told me about a charter school that offered personalized learning. She described how a facilitator visited her monthly and provided resources that fit her child's learning style and personality. As it turned out I inquired about a teaching position with this charter school. With my own experience as both a credentialed teacher and a previous homeschooling parent I was hired. This new career allowed for flexibility for a working mom. I have worked with numerous students who have been very successful students because of personalized learning. I truly believe that that one year of homeschooling my son gave him the confidence he needed. He actually gets excited about school projects and enjoys school.

NAME: Catherine Hanson
GROUP: Teacher
SCHOOL: Eagles Peak Charter School
CITY OF RESIDENCE: Riverside
COUNTY OF RESIDENCE: Riverside County
Personalized Learning has been invaluable to me as a teacher. I supervise 28 children and help their parents provide a well rounded education geared to the various abilities of each child. I help them be aware of the state standards and how to implement them into their curriculum. This way, each child is learning at his or her own level and building on their strengths and interests and helping them overcome their weaknesses. Having parent support and involvement gives each child the continuity of home and school learning, with a credentialed teacher assessing work and giving suggestions how to overcome problem areas. This has been a wonderful choice for students with learning disabilities for they get one on one help as well as for gifted students who are not held back in their eagerness to learn and grow. They have individualized education plans so that each child may grow to his or her own potential.

NAME: Amy Vahid
GROUP: Teacher and Parent
SCHOOL: Eagles Peak Charter School
CITY OF RESIDENCE: Corona
COUNTY OF RESIDENCE: Riverside County
I serve as both a teacher with Eagles Peak Charter School and I myself home educate my three children, so I can see the benefits from both sides. As a parent, I see the tremendous benefits of one on one education, from being able to focus on the strengths of my children while at the same time, help them excel at their own pace. My 7th grader is taking two high school level courses, which he would not be able to in a traditional setting. Why hold him back if he is ready to excel. Children do not fit in a "one size fits all" box. Why should their education be any different?

As a teacher I have seen the benefits of personalized education. Many students who were "labeled" at their traditional schools with ADD or other disabilities, and many times are falling behind in school, leave their schools and come to ours. As soon as they receive the one on one education from their parents, not only do they suddenly excel, by not only catching up, but also exceed their previous school's grade requirement, but also their falsely diagnosed problems simply go away.

As a society of consumers we demand choices. Shouldn't this be true of our children's education? Education will not improve unless choices are offered. If there is a monopoly, there is no incentive to improve, but if choices are allowed, not only will our families be free to decide how their children will be educated, but our existing system will improve. Many families like the traditional school setting. Many families prefer home education. Many families prefer a combination of both. Why not offer all of the above? We can only hurt our society by maintaining an educational monopoly, but we have much to gain by allowing the freedom of choice for all those involved. Who is this really about--politics, or our children. We must always keep this in the forefront of our minds.

NAME: Katherine Rogers
GROUP: Parent and Teacher
SCHOOL: Eagles Peak Charter School
CITY OF RESIDENCE: Riverside
COUNTY OF RESIDENCE: Riverside
My name is Katherine Rogers. I have been a teacher for 10 years. I have taught in the public and private sector. When it came time for my oldest daughter to attend school, I debated over many possibilities. She is a very bright child and I was afraid that she would be bored in public kindergarten. However, she is very social and I didn't want her to miss out on the valuable experience of making friends and learning how to behave in a classroom setting. Private school was too expensive. I had a friend who went through Eagles Peak Charter School. I researched it and found that it met my daughter's needs perfectly. She was able to be challenged with material that was appropriate for her. She was able to succeed at her own pace. She was able to pursue the subjects that specifically interested her. She was also able to attend a co-op with other children who had a personalized learning system. She loves it and looks forward to learning each day.

Once I became an advocate for the school and personalized learning, I wanted to contribute to it. I decided to become a teacher with the school. This has been absolutely wonderful. I am able to stay at home with my children, teach my children, and help other moms to feel like they can do it, too! I feel that my most important roles are to help educate parents on curriculum, keep them informed on any new information that arises, and to encourage them along the way. I feel like I have the best of both worlds and that my children greatly benefit because of it.

NAME: Meredith Galdeano
GROUP: Teacher
SCHOOL: Julian Charter School
CITY OF RESIDENCE: Riverside
COUNTY OF RESIDENCE: Riverside County
Hi,
I am an educational facilitator at Julian Charter School and I have seen some amazing things happen with my students and that is why I think that personalized learning is fabulous! I have had young students who were not getting the help they needed in regular school settings and were giving up on school make dramatic attitude changes and excel at their studies. The reason for this is because the way that they learned best was not the way that the teachers were teaching. This is one of the benefits of personalized learning. Much has been said and researched regarding "multiple intelligences" and it is really not possible to reach all of these "intelligences" in the classroom. With personalized learning the child can be taught all his subjects in the way that he/she learns best for all subjects, not just one or two. This causes the child to be more successful, raise his/her self esteem, and be an intrinsically motivated student.

Another benefit for personalized learning is that students can be taught using "higher order thinking" questions. Instead of just having basic comprehension questions asked, students are taught to synthesize and evaluate the material they are learning. This is a skill that they will use through out there lives and will help them to succeed beyond their K-12 school years.

I love working for a personalized learning school because I feel that I am helping to shape our future citizens in ways that will help them to be wonderful contributors to our society. Students are able to spend equal amounts of time in all subjects rather than just focusing on Math and Language Arts. I believe that neglecting subjects such as Social Studies is going to have a great impact on our society in the future. If we don't know what mistakes were made in past history, how are we going to make sure we don't make them again. In regards to teaching Science, we rely on future scientists to help to cure disease, pollution, etc. Our students need to be encouraged to pursue careers in this field as well.
Thank-you

NAME: Nancy Branchaud
GROUP: Teacher
SCHOOL: Eagles Peak Charter School
CITY OF RESIDENCE: Corona
COUNTY OF RESIDENCE: Riverside County
As a public school teacher for several years I was frustrated by many things: I could not provide all that each student needed in six hours per day; I could not choose the curriculum that would best suit each child’s learning styles and abilities; and, worst of all, I could not adequately provide support to each family. Through our individualized home study program I can facilitate the learning of each child, and watch the children and parents flourish.

Personalized learning programs in the home allow all students to succeed. Because the parents, in conjunction with professional teachers, choose the curriculum appropriate for each child’s learning style and abilities, students can work at the pace that will create enjoyment and successes. Those who struggle have the one-on-one support of their parents, and those who are advanced, and often bored in the traditional classroom, can work at their own ability levels. The children also have many opportunities to interact with peers through co-op programs that provide the classes which are sometimes difficult to teach at home, such as science and drama.

A well-rounded education seems to be a thing of the past in the traditional public school system. That is not so with our personalized learning charter school. Each child studies language arts, science, math and history, but can also explore areas of interest, such as art, drama, specialized sports and technology. There are countless options available to the families and every child wins!

NAME: Gail Kemp Collins
GROUP: Teacher
SCHOOL: Eagles Peak Charter School
CITY OF RESIDENCE: Murrieta
COUNTY OF RESIDENCE: Riverside
After teaching a wide variety of children in Southern California, ages 7-18, I have been able to see how effectively a charter school can provide a successful path for certain students. During this past year, I have seen adult students who had no place in public education strive toward their dreams. I have helped frustrated parents navigate and educational path especially for their child and his/her individual needs. Not all students are successful in public school. Not everyone can afford a private education. The charter school system is necessary to ensure success for ALL of California's students.

NAME: Letty Rising
GROUP: Teacher
SCHOOL: Eagles Peak Charter School
CITY OF RESIDENCE: Temecula
COUNTY OF RESIDENCE: Riverside County
Though I have been a teacher for Eagles Peak for a very short time, it was immediately noticeable as to how effective the model of personalized learning can be for the students I see. As a teacher in the public school system, I saw that schools generally cater to the "middle of the road" child. The children on either extreme--needing extra support or gifted--are lost to the wayside. What is interesting is that it seems that most of my students are comprised of those extremes. Many of them have stories of struggling in school, either to catch up, or to move ahead, which is often not honored in the traditional school setting. It is so exciting seeing the children happy and interested in learning. I love to see 4th graders inventing intricate machines, and 12th graders creating power point presentations about a topic of study that was learned. It is my hope that the educational system continues to embrace the personalized learning approach, and that education in general evolves towards a more individualized philosophy, whether the education is in the home, or at school. Many of my students would not be succeeding without a school like Eagles Peak, where students are met at their level, and progress at a speed that works for them.

NAME: Kirk Beck
GROUP: Teacher
SCHOOL: Eagle's Peak
CITY OF RESIDENCE: Riverside
COUNTY OF RESIDENCE: Riverside
I have been a professional teacher for over twenty years, both in public and private schools. I presently am teaching mathematics at Loma Vista Middle School. I have always believed that parent involvement in the teaching process is critical to success. Our experience with Eagle's Peak has enhanced greatly the learning opportunities for our son, Christian. We have seen him increase in academic understanding and the wealth of opportunities have greatly broadened his perception of the world. Personalized learning puts the emphasis where it belongs--on the individual student. All students are special and different. All learn best when the home in greatly involved. Eagle's Peak supports the family very well. Our son has greatly benefited.

NAME: Holly Wolf
GROUP: Teacher
SCHOOL: Eagles Peak Charter School
CITY OF RESIDENCE: Riverside
COUNTY OF RESIDENCE: Riverside County
Hi, my name is Holly Wolf and I had been a public educator for 10 years. When I made the decision to stay home with my three children I was excited to be a full-time mom and also disappointed I would not be working as a teacher. I was approached to become an ES with Eagles Peak. It has been an eye-opening experience for me. I have worked with a student who has been able to achieve academic excellence while pursuing her dream as an ice-skater and equestrian. She is schooled in the morning and then rides for two hours a day and skates 2- 3 hours a day. Without the opportunity she has received from Eagles Peak and her mom home schooling her this would not be possible.

I also work with a number of children who are able to pursue hobbies, activities, sports and hands-on learning that is only possible through home schooling. I have also worked with students who were not successful in the public school for a number of different reasons. Home schooling has allowed then to get back on track academically because mom has been able to teach them in a manner conducive to the student's learning style.