SelfDesign Learning Community Overview - The Basics
(applicable to 2008-09 enrolment)
(more details can be found on our website 'FAQ')
* In the beginning
When families first enroll with SelfDesign, you choose a Learning Consultant (LC) with whom to work based on mutual interest and availability. Likewise, your chosen LC reviews your application and agrees to work with you (or not, for various reasons). When a family-LC relationship is settled, you can expect an initial contact from your LC to overview your application, introduce herself/himself, and confirm program basics. You might also discuss how you might arrange a mutually-convenient visit which we recommend where feasible. In some cases this will not occur until September, in other cases this contact will occur earlier in the summer.
* Accessing the SelfDesign 'Village'
Soon after our September start-up, or after you enroll if that is later in the year, you will receive instructions via (external) email on downloading software and accessing the SelfDesign 'Village of Conversations'. Follow these instructions to log-in to your SelfDesign 'Desktop' (your opening screen is a colourful graphic of a desktop and room) where you will see your Mailbox folder, some other utilities, and a 'door' leading to the 'Village of Conversations'. The Village is comprised of different subject-oriented conferences where parents and learners pose questions, and share ideas, suggestions and information.
* Accessing specialized forms
On your Desktop screen you will also see an icon titled 'Planner' (with your child[ren]'s) name. This folder, available only to you, your LC, and to the SD Executive, is where you will find the forms necessary for creating a Learning Plan, weekly reporting ('Observing for Learning'), Seasonal Reviews, and other activities. This is also the folder for all messages exchanged between you and your LC. We will be providing video tutorials for parents that will provide step by step instructions.
* Basic Requirements
The SelfDesign program is based on the following:
- enrollment requires completion of an online application form (including confirmation of all agreements* accompanying application form [these agreements may also be found on our website FAQ]) and receipt in our office of all required legal documents,
- a mutually-agreeable relationship between families/learners and Learning Consultants,
- weekly 'Observing for Learning' reports (tallying to a total of 34 weeks between early September and the end of June) of sufficient detail to engender a conversation with your LC about learning activities, highlights, challenges, etc. Sufficient detail is also required so that LCs may correlate learning activities with Provincial Learning Outcomes as per our contract with the BC Ministry of Education,
- creation of a sufficiently-detailed Learning Plan within 30 days of beginning program, as per our guidelines and reflecting the interests and goals of each learner (to become the de facto curriculum for each learner),
- use of Learning Investment funds (by pre-loaded SelfDesign VISA card and cheques) by each family reflecting our guidelines. All purchases must be approved by your LC. Access to funds will be made available after September 30th, after confirming program enrollment and active participation in the program. These funds are provided in three allotments throughout the year, based on active participation.
- computer (less than 3 years old recommended)
- internet connection (high-speed strongly recommended) Note: although we support all platforms and operating systems the Exec Team does recommend Apple Computers and the Mac OS X operating system. We find the system easier to use, the computers more reliable and less troublesome as well as more compatable for video conferencing, etc.
* More detailed guidance on completing learning plan and weekly 'Observing for Learning' forms
Detailed guidance on completing a learning plan and weekly 'Observing for Learning' forms will be made available through basic learning modules that will be made available to you after you enroll and first access the SelfDesign Village.
* Details re - Payment for Learning Resources and Services
SelfDesign supports the legitimacy of learning as the fundamental aspect of our program and we enfranchise children as legitimate creators of their unique learning paths. Accordingly, to meet ministry guidelines introduced in 2006 about paying for learning resources and activities, we have created a way to support the autonomy of every individual learner's learning needs and optimize family choice. Below are details of our system:
We will make available support funding for the procurement of learning resources and services for each learner enrolled in our program on or by September 30th (half for Kindergarten-aged learners). [The Ministry of Education prohibits us from disclosing the actual amount of funding available per learner]. As part of this support, we will reimburse families for their internet fees (to a maximum of $400 for the year upon submission of one copy of their Internet bill); this payment will be disbursed at the end of the school year in July/July 2009.
In order to provide families with maximum choice in terms of learning resources, we are providing a VanCity Enviro Reloadable VISA card in the name of SelfDesign Learning Community. Families may use this card to pay for items that support their child's Learning Plan. The card will be pre-loaded three times a year with one third of the amount of the child’s Learning Investment at each loading, less the amount claimed for Internet costs for the year (if any). Please note: enrollments received after September 30th are subject to a pro-rated Learning Investment amount.
Our on-line system helps families co-manage learning investment funds with their Learning Consultant to meet the Learning Plan. We will continue to trust families to meet our accountability agreements with the Ministry of Education with respect to disbursement of funds. We will be providing a letter from SelfDesign summarizing this process for families to provide to mentors and vendors to help them better understand and use our payment system.
*And more??! More detailed information is available in the Family Handbook and on our website FAQ.
Thank You!
- SelfDesign Executive Team
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