Caliber Schools' Blended Learning

Tools By Pete Briger

Dedicated to providing rigorous college preparatory education to K-8 students in the San Francisco Bay Area, Caliber schools operates Beta Academy in Richmond, California, and is currently seeking approval to launch a second campus in Vallejo. The nonprofit charter management organization’s innovative educational model is aimed at preparing students not only to gain admission to college but also to excel in higher education. Its learning strategies emphasize computer literacy and therefore integrate a number of online tools to facilitate blended learning.

Introduction

One such learning resource, Newsela, uses current events to build reading comprehension skills. By providing a collection of daily news stories from major media sources, it introduces students to nonfiction reading comprehension while engaging them with current events.

Read Well, a Voyager Sopris Learning tool designed for students from kindergarten to third grade, combines technology with whole-class education, individual practice, and small-group activities to deliver personalized language arts instruction. A research-based program, Read Well allows teachers to evaluate students’ individual skill levels and tailor their teaching strategies accordingly.

Blended Learning Tools

Aligning with both Common Core and ACT College Readiness standards, ThinkCERCA promotes skill development across language arts, science, and social studies. Through lesson plans for grade levels four through 12, the program encourages students to explore topics such as social responsibility, policy and debate, culture and change, and technology and society.

Conclusion