Calvert Learning Best Practices: 6 Frequently Asked Questions Answered

As we settle into the new school year and reflect on questions about program implementation surrounding virtual learning, we encourage school districts to learn more about how they can get the most out of digital tools in any learning environment. The challenges can be especially hard to navigate for teachers dedicated to teaching our younger learners, but Edmentum has a solution.  

Calvert Learning is a K–5 learner-centered digital curriculum tool guided by teachers and supported by families. This learning tool is designed to get your young learners really thinking on their feet. With more and more elementary students turning to online learning, digital curriculum is at the forefront of a lot of minds.

You might have some questions about what Calvert Learning entails and how effective this powerful tool can be for elementary students. Read on for answers to some of the most common questions we hear.  

Can Calvert Learning be used for more than virtual learning?

Absolutely! Calvert Learning is an elementary digital curriculum for every learning environment. In the brick-and-mortar setting, Calvert Learning facilitates blended learning. The in-person instruction and interaction are combined with the benefits of digital activities, progress tracking, and automatic grading and feedback. Collectively, these benefits save teachers time from lesson planning to better support students through more individualized instruction. Additionally, by using a digital curriculum in the traditional classroom, students and parents can be assured that the content will be kept updated to align with our evolving society. Get a better understanding of how Calvert Learning can be utilized outside virtual learning in Three Benefits of Using Calvert Learning for In-Person Instruction.

How do parents/guardians access Calvert Learning?

Parents/guardians are referred to as “family learning guides” and are equipped with their own portal, Calvert Teaching Navigator, to access the curriculum and manage daily activities. The portal provides access to reports and communication tools to stay in contact with teachers. Not only that, but family learning guides also have access to teaching notes, ensuring the capability of parents/guardians to provide guidance and support for their learner. There is a notification area to track activity and grading progress from the teacher. With performance and progress reports at their fingertips, family learning guides are assured the opportunity to be an active participant in their child’s learning. Learn more about how teachers and family learning guides partner together here.

What types of data are available for monitoring progress?

Calvert Learning provides easy-to-use, exportable reports for educators to track progress and identify needs. There are several data-rich, customizable reports to choose from to gauge students’ understanding. The reports include attendance, student engagement, detailed activity, scores export, performance and progress summary, and target percent complete. Each report focuses on different elements, breaking down information to let you know how students are spending their time inside Calvert Learning, how the work inside the program can be used to support grading, and ways that educators can look at progress and pacing to inform instruction. More information about how to use the reports can be viewed in 6 Reports to Drive Instruction in Calvert Learning.

How is the curriculum structured?

Calvert Learning utilizes the research-based PLUS framework, in which students actively engage in project-based learning. PLUS—which stands for Project, Learn, Use, and Show—is the basis for the rigorous, project-based curriculum. Projects are embedded throughout the courses to develop creative problem-solving skills, active learning activities encourage students to think independently, mastery assessments demonstrate readiness for the next step, and all the new concepts are brought together to showcase learning. Altogether, this approach allows students to demonstrate mastery and apply what they have learned to real-world situations. Read about the PLUS framework in more detail in Calvert Learning’s Curriculum and Course Structure.

Does Calvert Learning enable personalized learning?

Yes! Because Calvert Learning is flexible for use in any learning environment, students can learn when, where, and how they like. Calvert Learning provides individualized instruction that can be tailored to meet the different needs of students as they work through the variety of activities, projects, and assessments at their own pace. There are also print materials available to aid with instruction, such as lesson manuals. Teachers can implement Calvert Learning within a variety of blended-learning models, such as station rotation or a flipped classroom, to further personalize instruction. Furthermore, teachers can address students within the platform with personalized comments on their work. To learn more information on how your learners can be supported through their experience with Calvert Learning, check out Empowering Independent Thinkers and Learners with Calvert Learning’s Curriculum Design.

What are best practices for implementing in a virtual setting?

The right teaching strategies can make virtual learning for elementary students effective. For instance:

• Make connections your top priority. Engaging younger learners can be challenging, so building relationships will ensure positive student outcomes.
   
• Offer high-quality feedback that acknowledges effort and identifies skill gaps. Be sure to provide specific examples so that students know exactly how to correct their mistakes.
   
• Partner with parents/guardians so that they can feel supported. Engaging families makes them more likely to be hands-on.

To check out an educator in action exploring best practices in virtual instruction, Principal Tara Campbell at FLEX Academy in the Douglas County School System in Georgia offers eight proven strategies for success based on her own experience.

Don’t see your question answered on this list? Check out the Calvert Learning Getting Started Resources page for more frequently asked questions.