If you want to make excuses, there were a lot of reasons that Mike failed in traditional schools. He had a learning disability, some serious family problems, became friends with the wrong crowd, and at times looked at the people around him and saw little hope or reason for optimism. On the surface, he was a dropout with few good options going forward. However, if you delve a little deeper, there were reasons to be optimistic.
Unlike some people who drop out, Mike was neither dumb nor so deep in a bad situation that he couldn't get out of it. Sure, he had friends who had some legal problems, and he might never have been as dedicated as he should have been, but he was drug-free, young, capable, and most importantly open to ideas.
When you drop out at the age of 17, you either waste away or look for work. Mike began searching for a job but found that without a degree it's very difficult to find employment that pays well. While searching for a job, he met Ronald, a social worker who knew a lot about how the system works.
Ronald suggested to Mike that he consider returning to school. Mike did not like that idea, but was intrigued when Ronald mentioned a virtual high school. Without distractions in class, a virtual high school could provide a safe environment to study and earn a diploma.
When Mike told his mom about the virtual high school option, she didn't understand the concept. He explained that he would be taking the same sort of classes that he had been in when he dropped out, but instead of going to class, he would enroll in courses online and learn using the computer at home. He emphasized that by being at home he would not be subjected to all of the drama that takes place at school, and there would be no temptation to take a wrong turn whether that be in or outside of the classroom.
Mike enrolled in the virtual high school and almost immediately enjoyed the experience. The teachers seemed to care about him. When he went to class he felt stupid asking questions. In an environment with no other students physically in the same classroom, he felt more willing and comfortable, making sure he understood things, asking for help, and even trying out classes that he would have been embarrassed to take with his peers around.
In no way is a virtual high school perfect for everybody. Neither does a traditional campus get the most out of every person. Mike graduated last month. He got a decent job now that he had a diploma, but is considering whether he wants to take some college courses. Having options is a beautiful thing.
Unlike some people who drop out, Mike was neither dumb nor so deep in a bad situation that he couldn't get out of it. Sure, he had friends who had some legal problems, and he might never have been as dedicated as he should have been, but he was drug-free, young, capable, and most importantly open to ideas.
When you drop out at the age of 17, you either waste away or look for work. Mike began searching for a job but found that without a degree it's very difficult to find employment that pays well. While searching for a job, he met Ronald, a social worker who knew a lot about how the system works.
Ronald suggested to Mike that he consider returning to school. Mike did not like that idea, but was intrigued when Ronald mentioned a virtual high school. Without distractions in class, a virtual high school could provide a safe environment to study and earn a diploma.
When Mike told his mom about the virtual high school option, she didn't understand the concept. He explained that he would be taking the same sort of classes that he had been in when he dropped out, but instead of going to class, he would enroll in courses online and learn using the computer at home. He emphasized that by being at home he would not be subjected to all of the drama that takes place at school, and there would be no temptation to take a wrong turn whether that be in or outside of the classroom.
Mike enrolled in the virtual high school and almost immediately enjoyed the experience. The teachers seemed to care about him. When he went to class he felt stupid asking questions. In an environment with no other students physically in the same classroom, he felt more willing and comfortable, making sure he understood things, asking for help, and even trying out classes that he would have been embarrassed to take with his peers around.
In no way is a virtual high school perfect for everybody. Neither does a traditional campus get the most out of every person. Mike graduated last month. He got a decent job now that he had a diploma, but is considering whether he wants to take some college courses. Having options is a beautiful thing.