Promoting Lifelong Learning: Inspiring a Love for Education Beyond the Classroom

Education is not confined to the four walls of a classroom. It is a lifelong journey, powered by curiosity and a love for learning. In a world where knowledge is continuously evolving, fostering a culture of self-motivated learning is crucial. In this article, we’ll explore the significance of nurturing curiosity, why self-motivated learning is so beneficial, and strategies to foster a love of learning in students.   The Importance of Curiosity   Albert Einstein famously said, “I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious.” Curiosity, as Einstein knew, is the fuel that drives us to explore, question, and understand the world around us. It's the spark...

Why Community Service Is a Key Part of Education and Local Development

Community service is more than just a requirement for high school graduation or a line on a resume. It is a transformative experience that shapes the education of students and contributes significantly to the development, betterment, and growth of local communities. In this article, we’ll explore the concept of service learning and how student community service translates into far-reaching benefits for the students themselves and their communities. What Is Service Learning? Service learning is an educational approach that combines learning objectives with community service. It allows students to engage in projects that serve the community while enhancing their academic understanding and personal growth. Johns Hopkins University...

Bridging the Digital Divide in Education

Bridging the Digital Divide in Education The digital divide — a term that has echoed through the halls of academia, policy-making circles, and within the tech industry for decades — is becoming ever more relevant in our increasingly digital world. But what exactly is the digital divide and how does it affect education? Let's explore this issue and discuss some actionable solutions to help bridge this gap, making technology and its educational power accessible to all. Understanding the Digital Divide in Education The digital divide is the gap between those who have access to computers and the internet and those who do not. It’s not just a...

Fostering a Growth Mindset in Students Facing Adversity

Developing a growth mindset – particularly in students facing adversity – can be the key to unlocking students’ full potential. Here’s a closer look at the growth mindset, why it’s so beneficial for students, and how teachers, educators, and parents can help children and teens develop it.   What Is a Growth Mindset?   Coined by psychologist Carol Dweck, a growth mindset is the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication, hard work, and the right kind of encouragement. This is a contrast to a fixed mindset, where people believe their talents and abilities are innate gifts and unchangeable.   Those with a growth mindset embrace challenges,...

The Importance of Social-Emotional Learning in a Homeschool Environment

Education is about so much more than academic performance. It’s how we shape our children to be resilient, empathetic, and self-aware individuals. This is where social-emotional learning (SEL) comes into play. SEL is a crucial part of education that deserves its time in the spotlight. Today, let’s take a closer look at SEL and its importance, as well as some techniques for promoting SEL in homeschool environments. What Is Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)? SEL is the process through which children and adults understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions. It is...

Embracing Diversity: Meet Georgia’s Friendliest Campus for Students on the Autism Spectrum

As an educator, I knew my son was language delayed when he was in the Mother's Morning Out program and his teachers couldn't understand what he was saying. Only his family (well actually it was only his older sister) could understand his needs. He was later diagnosed as being on the Autism Spectrum and Written Expression Language Disorder. I pulled him from public school in 2013 and built a homeschool learning team for him that included an Orton-Gillingham Tutor, a Montessori Math Tutor, a Biology professor from Spelman College, and I joined every WWII field trip that I could find (because he was immersed...

Supporting LGBTQ+ Students: A Closer Look at Challenges and Solutions

Education is of the utmost importance. It equips our children, our communities, and our world at large with the knowledge and skills necessary to be resilient, equitable, and future-ready. Yet education can be hindered or even denied for LGBTQ+ students.   Research reveals that, for these students, “the vast majority experienced harassment or assault during in-person school, and many heard school employees use homophobic language.” A student survey from the 2021-2022 school year showed that more than 80% of nonbinary or transgender students “cited depression, stress, or anxiety as obstacles to learning.”   In this article, we’ll explore the pressing need for enhanced understanding, acceptance, and inclusivity for...

Summer Reading Readiness: The Key to Fluency and Comprehension

Summer Reading Readiness: The Key To Fluency and Comprehension   Books wield incredible power. They can transport us to new worlds, impart knowledge and wisdom, and connect us more fully to each other and the world around us. Reading teaches, entertains, and empowers us all. During the summer months, students have extra time to dive into the world of books and harness these benefits. This is particularly crucial for those in rural areas, where resources may be limited, as summer reading programs can be a vital tool in maintaining and improving literacy rates. In this article, we'll explore why summer reading is so essential, how to promote...

Diploma Hat Toss

Graduation Denied: How Issuing Your Own Homeschool High School Diploma Can Help Your Child Stay on Track

The traditional high school experience may not be for everyone. Some students may struggle to keep pace, while others may face unique challenges that make on-time graduation challenging. Reasons can range from personal or familial circumstances and learning disabilities, to simply needing a more flexible schedule. Whatever the reason, if your child is struggling to graduate on time, they are not alone. In the 2019-2020 school year, 14% of US students did not graduate high school on time. In the state of Georgia, there were even more high schoolers (16%) that did not meet the traditional timeline. Not graduating on time can present many challenges for...

Barista Source Academy Project

Dr. Annise Mabry Foundation Announces New Workforce Development Partnership March 22, 2023 – The Dr. Annise Mabry Foundation announces a formal entrance into a strategic workforce development partnership with Barista Source, LLC, to form Barista Source Academy. The Dr. Annise Mabry Foundation operates Tiers Free Academy Homeschool Cooperative, Georgia’s largest homeschool cooperative. The cooperative provides an alternative pathway to a high school diploma for youth and adults in rural Georgia communities. Since 2015, Tiers Free Academy Homeschool Cooperative has worked with parents and guardians to award over 500 high school diplomas to deserving students. The lack of a high school diploma is the first hurdle that many job seekers in rural communities encounter...