Delivery of a Dynamic Distance Learning Experience

Delivering a successful distance education curriculum requires a diverse suite of resources, and instructional methods and tools. Calvert's time-tested curriculum provides the foundation. Our curriculum is continually evaluated, updated and aligned to the most rigorous national and state standards., Calvert's curriculum blends the best of tradition with innovation and offers a diverse set of curriculum resources, assessment tools and expert guidance.

Calvert Navigator's comprehensive platform virtually guarantees the success of each student. Led by your Supervising Teacher and aided by Calvert's expert team, our time-tested curriculum, educational resources and technology tools are designed to make sure that no student "slips through the cracks". Navigator's multi-faceted platform ensures that each student demonstrates Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP).

Before beginning a course of study, students take a placement exam, including both objective tests and written composition to evaluate concept knowledge and skills application. Based on placement results, the Supervising Teacher works with the Learning Guide and student to establish goals for the academic year and plot specific achievement milestones. Throughout the year, The Supervising Teacher evaluates a student's progress against established goals and makes appropriate suggestions for modifying goals, accelerated study or remediation. This ongoing academic planning is a key element of a Calvert education.

Calvert's academic resources and support are as diverse as the students and schools we serve. Our rigorous, research based, standards aligned curriculum is continually evaluated and updated to meet national and state standards. Each student upon enrollment receives a complete set of materials needed for the academic year. 

Academic Team

Supervising Teacher:  A state-certified, highly qualified teacher who plans and directs the learning program for each student. The Supervising Teacher provides individualized instruction, monitors student progress and communicates regularly with the Learning Guide and student to ensure appropriate pacing and mastery of subjects.

Learning Guide: A parent or responsible adult who supports the student with daily learning activities under the direction of the Supervising Teacher.  The Learning Guide helps the student prepare for class, answers logistical questions, gives direction, monitors task completion and attendance. Ongoing interaction with the Supervising Teacher and Calvert training ensures that optimum use of available technology and learning strategies are employed..

Calvert Education Counselor: The hallmark of a Calvert experience is the high level of personal service you and your families receive. Calvert Education Counselors are certified, professional teachers and provide the core of administrative and parent support. They possess expert knowledge of the Calvert curriculum and work as part of the instructional team led by the Supervising Teacher to address concerns, suggest alternative teaching strategies and offer practical advices. They are available by phone, email or Live Chat to offer guidance.

Academic Resources, Services, and Support

Textbooks & Workbooks: Calvert's curriculum specialists research offerings from major educational publishers to identify the most effective distance learning materials; as well as, develop our own materials as needed to meet our high standards.

Lesson manuals: Clear objectives, step-by-step daily plans and instructions for all subjects, daily materials, and assignment summary that eliminates the burden of daily lesson planning. Click to here see an example lesson manual .

My Calvert
In addition, each student has access to My Calvert, an online student portal for access to instructional support, and resources that are designed to enhance and reinforce learning. These include:

Online lesson manuals: A duplicate of the print lesson manual with embedded links that direct students to additional resources that add dimension to core instruction.

Online tutorials: Calvert Interactive students log in to see assignments, announcements, resources, and other students' work. May also include brief topical lessons prepared by the teacher. Click here to view an example tutorial .

i-Library: Interactive resources, tools and supplemental activities designed to enhance your offline instructional time including educational web site reviews, age appropriate activities, an astronomy portal and online versions of core reference materials including: Encyclopedia Britannica, World Atlas, Merriam-Webster Dictionary, Collegiate Thesaurus, and Multimedia Library. Click here to learn more about the i-Library .

Game Based Math: Calvert makes learning math fun with Aha!Math. This Web-delivered, supplemental math curriculum supports your student's core math instruction. It uses rich, multi-sensory, game-based activities to improve learning. Because the activities are fun, they motivate students to extend their time in math practice. The Aha!Math content is available in Kindergarten through Fifth Grade. Virtual characters encourage students with multiple levels of feedback and instructional support. With research-based instructional models and content, this tool helps your students improve foundational math skills and extend their knowledge while developing higher level problem-solving and reasoning skills. Click here to view an example.

Computer Skills: Instruction includes lessons in Computer Skills and Applications integrated into our curriculum. The Computer Skills and Applications Lesson Manual guides you and your child through interactive online lessons.

Students learn computer-based word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation skills using interactive lessons. The skills acquired in the lessons are then practiced through assignments in other subject areas. We have integrated the instruction so that your student does not learn new skills in isolation but develops an appreciation of how to apply and expand the new skills. Click here to view an example interactive presentation on using a keyboard.              

Video Production and Podcasting: Hundreds of video lessons available as podcasts for students on the go.

Audio Files*: Read ALOUD! allows advisory teachers to listen to first, second and third Grade students read and provide feedback on fluency, pronunciation, and expression.

e-textbooks: Publisher provided electronic versions of selected textbooks used in the Calvert curriculum which contain additional resources such as automatically graded practice tests, video clips, online quizzes, and other valuable support material.

For students in Grades 6-8, Calvert Interactive provides a rich and dynamic learning experience. Calvert's Online Instructors teach live online courses using a variety of technologies to foster collaborative learning. Through live chats, students participate in real time discussions and exchange ideas on specific topics led by the instructor. 

Threaded Discussions allow students to post responses to specific topic questions posed by the Online Instructor as well as read and respond to classmates' ideas. With Group Projects, students may work collaboratively to share learning in the online environment.  Calvert's Online Instructors may use their discretion to substitute quizzes, projects and threaded discussions in place of ATS tests which  allow students to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding in a variety of formats.

For a customized analysis and proposal for your district's virtual school program, contact us:   schools@calvertservices.org 877-485-8283 410-785-3400