We always say that our students aren't one-size fits all. The paths they take in life shouldn't be either. We recently spoke with students and the teachers "behind" the video seen here on today's blog post. Here's what this teaching team is talking about lately:

"The good news is that students today in our academy are incredibly flexible, fast learners," shares teacher Angela Rodriguez, an AdvancePath Academy lead teacher working with students at La Entrada High School in Sacramento, CA. "They are essentially 'Do-It-Yourself' learners and actually, they are pretty anxious to get started! What we try to model with them is how to continue to be self-starters and to be mindful of how their habits and work choices today can prepare them for a rewarding job and future that reflects all that they put into it," states Angela.

"What's the future for high school kids today? If I were to be completely honest with myself, I'd have to say that we have to prepare them for more than the coursework they need to graduate." states Angela. "More than anything else, they have to find a comfort level with change. They need flexibility, the ability to self-teach and to examine options critically. The Academy's blended learning environment is a big, big help in that direction. Students practice working both independently and as part of a team. They learn to research, to be tech-savvy and by this, I mean, they are comfortable using a variety of tech tools and they are learning discernment and critical thinking skills with every research assignment, every project, every self-paced lesson. The more they incorporate tech and interact with teams, here in the classroom and beyond, they build self-confidence. Every small success leads to the next."

Angela shares, "Blended learning is more than using tech-assisted coursework and small group and one-on-one facilitating. It is about incremental growth of critical thinking skills and personal resiliency. It is self-discovery - for both students and their teachers. We mentor each other."