The story of Emerging Minds of Maryland (EMoM) began before any of the 5 founding families knew about it. It started when 5 families of different backgrounds found an education option that was an answer to the education dilemma facing their children.
In the fall of 2007, Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS), initiated a virtual school pilot program. It consisted of about 100 students who ranged from kindergarten through high school. Students were offered the opportunity to enroll in a BCPS school that was outside the confines of traditional brick and mortar schools. School would occur in their home. Textbooks, art supplies, science materials, CD-Roms and computer headsets were shipped to each student’s home. And then the phone calls came… from teachers! Children were welcomed into BCVIP by their teachers over the phone and over the internet.
Each family had a password protected website accessible 24/7. This website held individual lesson plans for each child for an entire year. But that was not all that was available in the school. The children experienced live lessons over the internet with, not just their certified teachers, but with other children. Some of their classmates were in Idaho and some of the teachers in Colorado. The work was totally under the supervision of parents who were given materials to enhance their ability to direct their children. Grade books were always available, almost like receiving a report card whenever asked. There were orchestrated field trips. Some were organized by the school and some were by the parents. Best of all, children worked at their own pace in every subject. And what were the subjects? They were the same that any child receives in a brick and mortar school- math, reading, social studies, science, phys ed, health, art, foreign language, and more. They had GT classes, IEPs, clubs and a yearbook. They had study sessions, peer tutoring and dreams for co-ops and teams and bands. They had various ethnicities, religions, economic brackets, special needs, special gifts. They had a school where uniqueness was valued, diversity was the norm, and parents were allowed exceptional involvement.
The five founding families of Emerging Minds of Maryland did not know that BCVIP had become a community until the end of the year picnic. In fact, it was more like a family reunion with water battles, tye-dye, volleyball and lots of good food. They did not know that they were EMoM, a group of friends committed to advocating for a cutting edge, technologically advanced education option for all of Maryland’s families. They did not know they were passionate about seeing this option guaranteed to Maryland’s children until they realized that it was not going to be continued and expanded.
But now they know.
Victoria- I know that there are other Asperger’s Syndrome children who can go from an environment of bullying and failure to a place of genuine friendships, honors classes, and school success.
Michelle- I know there is support for moms who believe the best learning environment is in their own home. I think of families who want to avoid overcrowded schools.
Amy- I know that there is qualified academic support for higher course loads. I think of families needing flexible schedules, whether for medical reasons or even a demanding Olympic training schedule.
Kia- I know that there is stability for families who are highly mobile. I think of military families, blended families, families effected by the economy.
Bonnie- I know there is accountability and structure for a child who does not focus in the classroom. I think of children who want to excel in something, but not the something taught in the traditional brick and mortar school.
EMoM knows families who were overwhelmed by traditional home schooling, pregnancies, unexpected school closings, unsafe schools, cost of private schooling, pending expulsions and so on…
That’s the beginning story of the Emerging Minds of Maryland. It will be a happy ending when Maryland families can choose from public brick and mortar schools, magnet programs, private schools, home school, and virtual school.
Emerging Minds, we gotta talk!
In an era when a) it’s becoming taboo to talk to about gifted students and b) schools are becoming increasingly inflexible and one-size-fits all, we *have* to find better, creative ways to meet the needs of highly gifted students. Online learning should be…needs to be… part of the mix. Are you–anyone?–giving any thought to partial brick and mortar/partial online learning?