Lowcountry Acceleration Academy is helping all students develop the World Class Skills of the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate by our innovative and personalized approach to education. The academy's unique model is specifically designed to re-engage students who have not found success in traditional school settings, providing them with the tools and support needed to develop critical skills for college and career readiness. Here's an in-depth look at how LAA fosters each of the World Class Skills:
Creativity and Innovation
LAA's blended learning model inherently promotes creativity by allowing students to engage with coursework in flexible ways. Students, referred to as Graduation Candidates (GCs), can access their online curriculum both on-site and remotely, encouraging them to find creative solutions for balancing their education with other life responsibilities. This flexibility nurtures innovative thinking as GCs learn to manage their time and resources effectively.
The academy's partnership with local businesses and organizations for internships and work-based learning experiences further enhances creativity. These real-world experiences challenge GCs to apply their knowledge in novel situations, fostering innovative problem-solving skills.
Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
The competency-based learning model at LAA is fundamentally rooted in critical thinking. GCs must demonstrate true understanding and application of concepts before progressing, which requires deep analysis and problem-solving skills. Content Coaches provide targeted support, guiding GCs through challenging material by asking probing questions and encouraging analytical thinking.
The academy's use of the Edmentum online learning platform also promotes critical thinking. The platform includes interactive, media-rich content that challenges GCs to apply their knowledge in various contexts. Content Coaches can customize these courses, adding additional challenges or real-world applications to further develop critical thinking skills.
Collaboration and Teamwork
Despite the individualized nature of the learning model, LAA places a strong emphasis on collaboration and teamwork. The use of restorative practices, such as community circles, helps build a sense of community and teaches GCs how to work together effectively. These circles provide a forum for GCs to practice active listening, empathy, and constructive communication – all essential teamwork skills.
Content Coaches regularly incorporate small group instruction and collaborative projects into the learning experience. These opportunities allow GCs to practice working with peers, delegating tasks, and combining individual strengths to achieve common goals.
The academy's career and college planning activities often include group workshops and team-based exercises, further reinforcing collaboration skills. For instance, GCs might work together on mock interviews, group presentations on career fields, or collaborative research projects on post-secondary options.
Communication
Effective communication is at the heart of LAA's model. Each GC is assigned a Graduation Candidate Advocate (GCA) who serves as their primary point of contact and mentor. This relationship requires regular, open communication about academic progress, personal challenges, and future goals. GCs learn to articulate their needs, ask for help when necessary, and provide updates on their progress – all crucial communication skills for future success.
The academy's emphasis on family and community engagement also promotes communication skills. GCs are encouraged to involve their families or other supportive adults in their education, requiring them to communicate their progress, challenges, and needs effectively to these individuals.
Knowing How to Learn
Perhaps one of the most critical skills LAA helps develop is metacognition – the ability to understand and manage one's own learning process. This starts with the creation of each GC's Personalized Learning Plan (PLP). Through this process, GCs reflect on their past academic experiences, identify their strengths and areas for growth, and set concrete goals for their education. This self-reflection and planning process is a fundamental aspect of knowing how to learn.
The self-paced nature of the online curriculum further develops this skill. GCs must learn to manage their time, set realistic goals, and monitor their own progress. They discover their preferred learning styles and the strategies that work best for them, essential knowledge for lifelong learning.
Content Coaches play a crucial role in developing these metacognitive skills. They don't simply provide answers but guide GCs in finding solutions themselves. They help GCs reflect on their learning processes, identify effective study strategies, and understand how to approach new and challenging material.
The academy's focus on post-secondary planning also contributes to knowing how to learn. Through career exploration activities, college visits, and workshops on topics like financial aid and college applications, GCs learn how to research and prepare for future learning opportunities.
Additional Features Supporting World Class Skills Development:
Beyond these specific skills, several other features of LAA's model contribute to developing well-rounded, capable graduates:
- Year-round schooling: The academy's extended calendar allows for continuous learning and skill development without long breaks that can lead to knowledge loss.
- Trauma-informed approach: By addressing the social-emotional needs of GCs through the Compassionate Schools Framework, LAA creates a supportive environment where GCs can focus on developing academic and life skills.
- Real-world relevance: The academy's partnerships with local businesses and organizations for internships and work-based learning experiences help GCs see the practical application of their skills in real-world contexts.
- Technology integration: The use of online learning platforms and digital tools prepares GCs for the technology-rich environments they'll encounter in further education and careers.
- Personalized pacing: By allowing GCs to move through material at their own pace, the academy ensures that each student has the time they need to truly master skills before moving on.
- Multi-faceted assessment: Rather than relying solely on traditional tests, LAA uses a variety of assessment methods to evaluate skill development, including projects, presentations, and real-world applications.
- Continuous feedback: Regular check-ins with Content Coaches, GCAs, and other staff provide GCs with ongoing feedback on their skill development, allowing for continuous improvement.
The academy's focus on re-engaging students and helping them overcome obstacles directly supports the development of creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and learning skills. Through its unique blend of online learning, individualized support, real-world experiences, and focus on both academic and social-emotional growth, LAA is preparing its Graduation Candidates to be well-rounded, capable individuals ready to contribute positively to their communities and succeed in an ever-changing world.
As LAA continues to evolve and refine its model, it remains committed to its mission of helping all students develop the skills they need for a brighter future. By continuously assessing and improving its methods, the academy ensures that it stays at the forefront of innovative education, always striving to provide the best possible support for its students in developing the World Class Skills that will serve them throughout their lives.
