5 Myths and Truths About Alternative Learning

There’s a lot of noise surrounding education and different ways of learning. Since the pandemic, alternative education has been on the rise, but not everyone understands what alternative learning has to offer. We’ve broken down some myths surrounding alternative education, so you can understand all your options when it comes to how to earn a high school diploma.

WANT TO KNOW WHAT’S #TRENDING IN ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION?

What is Alternative Education?

Alternative education is a different approach to learning, one that addresses the needs of each individual student. It usually includes a different learning environment, whether it’s cyber schooling, homeschooling, or something in between.

There are many benefits to alternative education, but there are also a lot of myths surrounding this type of approach. We’ve debunked some of the most common ones below.

Myth #1: Alternative Education is Easier than Traditional High School

There’s a common misconception that because alternative learning takes a different route to teach students, it must be easier or not as academically advanced as traditional high school or GED programs.

FACT: IN ALTERNATIVE LEARNING, STUDENTS HAVE THE ABILITY TO LEARN HOW THEY LEARN BEST.

Because of the flexibility and customizable format of alternative learning, students have the freedom to choose how they learn best, combine different learning methods, and retain more information through their education. Instead of staying in the traditional classroom and having to learn how the teacher presents the information, students in alternative learning environments can take control of their education.

Students in alternative learning environments can interact with the same material as students in traditional high school environments or GED programs but in a format that works best for them. As a result, students can learn the same concepts and master the material, but in a way that promotes growth and retention.

Myth #2: Teachers and Instructors in Alternative Learning Environments Are Not Qualified 

Some people assume that teachers must have somehow bypassed the necessary credentials to work in a traditional classroom because they work in alternative learning environments.

FACT: TEACHERS IN ALTERNATIVE LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS HAVE THE SAME CREDENTIALS AS THOSE IN TRADITIONAL CLASSROOMS.

Instructors and counselors in alternative learning environments have the same certifications as teachers in traditional high schools and GED programs. They may even be more qualified for addressing student IEP and 504 needs since the class sizes in alternative learning environments are often smaller. This way, students can have more individualized attention from their teachers.

Myth #3: Alternative Education Won’t Prepare Students for Life Outside of High School

There’s a perception of alternative education that it cannot adequately prepare students for life outside of the high school classroom, but this could not be further from the truth.

FACT: ALTERNATIVE LEARNING GIVES STUDENTS CONTROL OVER THEIR EDUCATION AND CONFIDENCE IN AND OUT OF THE CLASSROOM.

Students’ control and input over their learning through alternative education prepare them to be more assertive in other areas of their lives. Discovering how they learn and work best allows students to pursue majors and careers that meet their needs and passions.

Since they’ve already invested time into learning how they thrive in new situations, students from alternative learning backgrounds can skip some of the learning curves that students from traditional high school environments might experience when faced with more agency over their environments.

Myth #4: Alternative Learning is Expensive

Traditional high school is free, and GED programs can cost hundreds of dollars, so alternative education must cost something too, right? Wrong!

FACT: THERE ARE MANY AFFORDABLE – OR EVEN FREE – ALTERNATIVE LEARNING PROGRAMS. 

Acceleration Academies is completely free! Our alternative education environments provide students with the same curriculum as traditional high schools but presented in a format and on a timeline that works best for their schedule and individual needs.

Myth #5: Alternative Learning Doesn’t Provide Students With a Diploma

Because alternative learning doesn’t always occur in a traditional classroom, people assume it can’t provide students with the same certifications as traditional high schools.

FACT: ALTERNATIVE LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS CAN PARTNER WITH LOCAL HIGH SCHOOLS AND GIVE THE SAME CERTIFICATIONS.

Alternative learning systems like Acceleration Academies partner with local high schools, so the diploma students receive at the end of their education is issued by the local school district. This gives students the ability to earn a high school diploma on their terms and graduate with the same certification as their peers, but from a program that puts them first.

The Bottom Line: The Benefits of Alternative Learning

Now that we know what’s myth and what’s fact about alternative education, what are the main benefits of alternative learning?

• It’s Customizable: Alternative learning, like what Acceleration Academies offers, is molded to your needs. We have a set curriculum, but the timeline is up to you. Our system requires less in-person time in our academies, and you have coaches ready to help you thrive while you learn the material. You can take as much time as you need to get a handle on the course material, or you can complete a course quicker than you would be able to in a traditional high school setting.

• It’s Free: Unlike GED programs, alternative learning programs like Acceleration Academies are entirely free. We give you loaner technology and all the tools you need to succeed in our curriculum.

• It Gives You a Diploma: Just like traditional high school, completing your education through Acceleration Academies gives you a district-issued high school diploma, so you’re set up for the success and benefits that a high school diploma provides.
  Want to learn more? Schedule a time to meet with one of our Enrollment Coaches or click here if you’re ready to get started.

   

WHAT’S THE BENEFIT OF GETTING A HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA?

Acceleration Academies: Graduate in a way that works for you

Whether you have unique needs outside of school, like work or family obligations, or if you find it hard to focus in a traditional classroom, know that you’re not alone. At Acceleration Academies, we understand that high school can be difficult and that not everyone learns the same way.

That’s why we’ve built a different way to graduate. Our teachers are ready and able to help you succeed in whatever learning style works best for you, on whatever timeline fits into your life.

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Does Acceleration Academies sound like the right place for you? Request more information or apply today!