Why Personalized Learning
What parents and students say about CORE
Name: Frances Rainey
Group: Parent
School: C.O.R.E.
City of Residence: Chico
County of Residence: Butte
This is my first year homeschooling my daughter. It has been wonderful. Last April, on the way home from school, I asked my then 2nd grader what she had learned that day. She promptly told me that she had learned she knows everything, and didn't need to go to school.
So, this year she doesn't "go" to school. We have been teaching her at home, and she attends group classes through her school. Being able to go her own speed, and learn new things in math, rather than repeat the same concept week after week to make sure everyone gets it delights her. I can customize her curriculum to strengthen her weak areas, and let her run in the areas she excels at. I actually know what she is learning, and what she needs more time to practice. Rebekah is happier, has more time with her family and friends, and still gets new social exposure through classes and field trips at the center. I cannot say how happy I am to have found a system where my daughter is encouraged to go the extra mile, do her work exceptionally, and not settle with "good enough" work.
Next year, we will be learning at home again. It is a wonderful method of education for eager learners, and every child is an eager learner, once they discover what they can learn.
Name: Mary Rodgers
Group: Parent
School: CORE
City of Residence: Chico
County of Residence: Butte
I appreciate the work of our teacher in furthering the education of my children. I have three children enrolled in CORE. Their teacher is wonderful. She helps us to ensure that their education is complete and varied.
I also love that my children are at home while receiving an education. I don't have to worry if a disgruntled student is going to bring a gun to school and shoot them. They don't have to hear swearing or have the influence of gangs on their young lives. They don't hear, "You can't do that" when they make personal goals.
They are receiving their education in a place where they are safe and secure. They know that their teacher cares about them and wants them to succeed, not only in school, but also ultimately in their lives when they have grown up.
Name: Denise Crawford
Group: Parent
School: CORE
City of Residence: Chico
County of Residence: Butte
My two children have benefited from using this program for the past two years. They have accomplished a more intensive level of learning due to the unlimited amounts of time we have to spend on each subject. They are able to spend their time on areas they need more practice with and not move on until they have mastered it completely. This seems to help them advance far more quickly in each subject then they were able to in a conventional classroom. We also have the time for open discussion into other areas when presented with new ideas that add to their education. They have more friends through this program who have similar interests. This alternative has succeeded our highest expectations. We are extremely appreciative of this opportunity.
NAME: Barbara Mitchell
GROUP: Parent
SCHOOL: CORE
CITY OF RESIDENCE: Chico
COUNTY OF RESIDENCE: Butte
I am the grandmother of a 15-year-old boy who has been living with me since birth. Ryan, my grandson has attended CORE beginning in the 8th grade. He has had many fine teachers and opportunities not available in the regular public school. He is able to work at his own pace. When a problem occurs there are the resources to address and correct it. I am very pleased with this program and the wonderful, excellent staff.
NAME: Kym Casperson
GROUP: Parent
SCHOOL: CORE
COUNTY OF RESIDENCE: Butte
I just came back from the Sutter's Fort trip with my 10 year old. I wanted to let you know what a success I felt it was. I believe it was the best event I’ve attended in my 3 years with CORE. The families that participated were great. The parents worked very hard, and the kids were well behaved and had an open mind toward the many learning opportunities. The teachers involved also really did their homework and put in a lot of time and energy. Big kudos in particular to Lois. Karen also did a super job on the General Store supplies and basket making. My very serious 10 year old was not excited about the trip, and really didn't want to go. She had a ball, and they even had her square dancing (which if you knew her, you'd be shocked) by the end of the evening. I highly recommend this event become an annual one.
My daughter Britny is what I would refer to as "twice-exceptional". Psychologists to be in the 145-155 IQ range, but also struggles with severe ADHD, have evaluated her. She attended traditional school for 2 years and was quickly labeled "mean" and "the bad kid". In the past 3 years with CORE, she has soared not only academically, but also socially and her behavior has improved as well. I believe the reason for her success lies with the individualized attention, curriculum, and classes that have been personally designed for her needs by her state credentialed teacher at CORE.
NAME: Jennifer Bradley
GROUP: Parent
SCHOOL: CORE charter school
COUNTY OF RESIDENCE: Butte
As a parent who has been homeschooling for nine years, I want to express my appreciation and confidence in CORE and their teachers. The support and resources that have been available to my daughter, Carissa, in her 8th grade curriculum have been tremendous. I feel that she has truly gotten individual attention and her curriculum reflects that. I have enjoyed having access to a great variety of resources. I especially appreciate the freedom CORE gives me to tailor Carissa's curriculum to bolster her weak areas and to enhance her strengths. I would highly recommend CORE to anyone who is looking for an alternative to traditional school. The teachers provide a lot of support and guidance, which is invaluable to those of us in the trenches!
NAME: Debbie Devine
GROUP: Parent
SCHOOL: CORE
CITY OF RESIDENCE: Magalia
COUNTY OF RESIDENCE: Butte
I realize there are folks who are doing their best to close down programs like CORE offers, and this is why I am writing instead of enjoying time with my family right now.
I believe these folks mean well, and they wish to funnel much needed money to traditional public schools. There was a time I would have been on their side of this argument; however, I am not.
As a former early childhood educator, I have five years of classroom experience that tells me the best place for many (not all) children these days is in a positive home learning environment.
CORE offers our family a reasonable/sane education alternative in a rural area that otherwise lacks such opportunity. I am so grateful for the support and resources of this program and the assistance of its facilitators.
You may ask what I mean by reasonable/sane education. We live in the poorest community of California, Butte County. I have observed my local classroom choices, and talked to local teachers. I say a reasonable education is one that you can obtain for your child that meets the following standards:
- A schooling environment free from bullying.
- A teacher who does not have to deal with overwhelming behavior problems.
- Enough personal attention so that all children can learn well.
These reasons along with freedom to adapt learning materials to my child's needs are why I choose homeschooling, with or without CORE. I could go on for pages. I could tell you stories of doctors predicting my (now precocious six year old) Daughter was at birth destined to be a brain damaged "vegetable". I could tell you she is so bright because of my training as a teacher. However, I believe the truth is her wellness is due to the loving attention of my husband and myself. I believe there is no better advocate for any child's well being than a caring, involved parent on their side.
As a caring parent, I have succeeded having CORE on my side. CORE gives parents dedicated enough to homeschool their children, the tools and training to do their job well. To remove this support will not stop families from homeschooling these kids- it will only cut off the support to monitor the success of these homeschooled children. I would recommend that the folks who would close down these types of programs focus their energy to redistribute money from other less important political areas to the whole category of education. Educators of all kinds need to be on one side only-the side of every child, whether that child is in a public traditional classroom, or lucky enough to be in a program like CORE offers.