the role of the learning coach in virtual schools

As executive director of the board of Louisiana’s leading virtual K-12 charter school, Louisiana Connections Academy, Melissa Bentley Bergeron is concerned that parents understand the unique experience they are embarking on with their children when they decide to pursue a completely online, public education.

“Parental involvement is key,” said Ms. Bentley. “A parent’s daily participation in learning activities shows children that education is a top priority and helps ensure their success.”

The parent or other designated adult of the student is known as a “Learning Coach” in the Connections Academy vernacular. It’s an important role that requires parents, students and teachers to work together to personalize the child’s education and ensure student success.

Right now, Louisiana Connections Academy is traveling the state, meeting with parents and potential students who want to enroll in the K-12 public, charter school. Like any other public school in the state, the education is free.

“We actually have an agreement with our Learning Coaches,” said high school principal Shuanessy Matthews, just as the school and student make commitments every school year. These Learning Coach commitments are reviewed each year at a detailed one-day session that helps the Learning Coach prepare for the upcoming academic year with Louisiana Connections Academy.

Similar to parent responsibilities in a traditional brick and mortar school, in the virtual environment these commitments also include:

• Ensuring the child participates in school regularly;

• Establishing a time and quiet place for the child to complete schoolwork;

• Ensuring that the child participates in all required state testing;

• Supporting the school in its efforts to maintain proper discipline;

• Reading school communications and responding when necessary;

• Attending school functions, supporting school activities, and making every effort to attend parent-teacher conferences;

• Actively participating in decisions relating to the child’s education;

• Showing an interest in the child’s wellbeing and encouraging the child to do his/ her best;

• Sharing information and concerns about the child and about the school, and working together with the school to resolve problems.

“The parental commitments are the same as any public school,” said community liaison Shelly Centanni, “but the application in an online school can be different. That is why we spend time with our parents getting them used to how they are an active part in the online system.”

This orientation is explained in the information sessions which are currently scheduled in cities across the state, as well as anytime online. The school offers these parental “training sessions” in person and as recorded sessions, so parents can learn from the experts, from other enrolled families and from other resources, such as parental blogs.

“This is a hands-on partnership between the school, the student and the family,” said Bentley. “We offer help 24/7 because we firmly believe this approach is the right fit for your child and you, the parent.”

Find out about the learning session nearest you, or the ones scheduled online, at www.LouisianaConnectionsAcademy. com/Events.