For more than a century, America has been referred to as a “melting pot” with regard to its cultural diversity. This diversity, however, is often not appreciated or understood. Now, a prominent legal organization is offering grants to primary and secondary school teachers interested in increasing their students knowledge of immigration and cultural issues.

The American Immigration Law Foundation has offered grants of up to $500 to teachers who develop projects designed to education students about current issues in immigration and cultural diversity. Distance learning secondary schools may be considered, but traditional classroom-based schools will receive the highest priority. The November 28 deadline for application submission is rapidly approaching.

Distance education programs are often a solution for many students who have difficulty dealing with issues related to ethnic diversity or interpersonal relationships. Distance degree programs in secondary education, however, don’t really resolve this issue, but rather help students who cannot at that moment confront the problems effectively.

Online degree programs for secondary students are an effective means of learning academics, but don’t often help students to resolve problems such as these. Although elementary and secondary teachers often face more conflict in traditional classrooms, this can be an effective venue for teaching about and helping to resolve issues of diversity.

It may seem like comparing the Montessori Method with distance education degrees is comparing apples to oranges. In reality, though, there are more similarities than you might think. For example, both stress student autonomy and involvement in learning.

The Montessori Method primarily focuses on preschool and early elementary education, although some high schools also use this approach. While it is not really a method used by most online college degree programs, most professors who teach through online degree universities act as facilitators in much the same way that Montessori teachers do. 

Likewise, both approaches encourage a hands-on, practical approach to learning. Both Montessori teachers and online university degree instructors encourage students to be actively involved in their own learning. Finally, both types of education have demonstrated great success with their graduates. While this speaks well of both methods, it also underscores the importance of diversity in educational methods. After all, we don’t all look or talk the same; why would we learn the same?

Likewise, both educational systems focus on peer interaction and support. While Montessori schools encourage children to learn to interact cooperatively in the classroom and on the playground, most distalnce learning degree programs also focus on encouraging students to interact and learn together. In fact, peer support is a primary component of online degree education.

If you think that online high schools are primarily for troubled teens, think again. These distance education programs also offer excellent opportunities for students who are intellectually gifted, chronically ill, travel frequently, or who are interested in very specific educational experiences. Adult learners and students from some religious backgrounds may also find it easier to get their high school diploma online.

In the past, accreditation was a significant concern. Colleges and universities were not willing to accept many high school diplomas earned online because the schools were not properly accredited. Many top online college degree programs now offer accredited high school diplomas as well, eliminating the problem of finding a reputable school or institution.

For some students, socialization is a major concern. Some teens may find it more difficult to concentrate and focus on educational activities if they are not motivated by the presence and support of other students. Some, however, flourish in this setting. Because different people respond so differently to learning opportunities, understanding the needs of the student considering this type of education is critical for his or her success.

Finding a top online school that offers a high school diploma program can be challenging, but rewarding. Interestingly, many students who complete their high school programs online often decide to continue their education and earn a college degree at home. For these students, online learning seems to be the ideal path to excellence in higher education!

Schools for Sick Children

Sick kids in school? It’s happening in the state of Colorado. Teaming with a Denver hospital, the state of Colorado has developed a radical, innovative approach to helping children with chronic illnesses stay in school. This program is designed for students with frequent health problems, such as asthma or diabetes, who may require medical attention during the school day.

This program, called Kunsberg School, educates children enrolled in Kindergarten through eighth grade. Students are referred by a physician. National Jewish Hospital and the state of Colorado co-finance the endeavor. No tuition is required. The school, located at National Jewish, is offered to children of any race, religious, or economic background.

Kunsberg School uses the same curriculum as state schools. They also provide extracurricular activities such as athletic and artistic experiences. Their goal is threefold: To help students achieve optimal health and attend school when possible; to teach students self-care strategies that minimize the effects of their illnesses on daily life; and to return the children to public school when the student is able.

Teachers working for the school possess a Master’s Degree in Education and certification in their area of expertise. They teach small classes containing no more than 15 students. In addition, they are trained to assist children to learn to cope with their illnesses and to recognize the onset of acute medical problems in their students.

This school was founded in a country where many school nurses are not adequately trained to help diabetic students in public schools. Kunsberg School offers academic experts a very real vision of a method that decreases sick days for chronically ill children. It also provides a good example of how adequate healthcare training offers crucial educational opportunities to vulnerable children.