At TLE Christian Academy we are dedicated to maintain an environment where every student learns and can reach his or her fullest potential. The way we see it, there are seven steps to make this come true. More details on each point below can be found by linking to other headlines in this website.
Selection process
We are very careful in the selection process because our format offers a lot of flexibility and many of our projects are completed out in the community. Therefore, we are looking for students with a commitment to learning and parents who care about their child's education. Parents who are willing to show their child in action that they are interested in learning, have more motivated children. TLE is not a place for students who display behavioral problems or lack of respect for authorities.
Reinforce TLE Values
This encompasses our values and mission and specifically our code of conduct and dress code. These rules are set up to limit the level of student distraction in class and thus make it possible for all students to reach their potential. We communicate student adherence with the values through a Behavioral Index. This index summarizes to what extent the student obeys authority, serves the school and community, pull other students to learning and is committed to his / her own learning. Once a month each student has a meeting with the Rector to assess their situation and possible remedies.
Career Ladder - Incentives / Awards
Each student's highest goal should be to live a life that glorifies God. This can be fulfilled through a myriad of diverse careers, so long as self governance is in place. Self confidence is often talk about in educational circles but little is said about self control. Self control should be the factor that leads to a life of privilege. The Lord promises that if we will be faithful in the little things, He will make us ruler over much. As students learn what is expected of them and grow in their Behavioral Index (see above) they can earn diamond lapel pins. This incentive is given out four times a year - after each quarter. Not only do they get diamonds to attach to their school shirt but also it guarantees various benefits such as taking on Independent Studies and new roles such as team leader or teaching assistant.
No Nonsense, multilevel curriculum
We carefully select/design the curriculum for each subject that allows A) multilevel teaching which enabling students to explore higher levels as he / she desires; B) no-nonsense, which means that our goal is get the students to achieve mastery and retention in each curriculum without busy work. C) multi sensory curriculum which allows students to learn the material the way that fits their style.
Teacher's commitment
All our teachers are committed to teaching their students NOT just their course. This means that we accepted and work towards mastery in the teaching of Wilkinson " 7 Laws of the Learner." Our highest goal as teachers is to have students learn. That is why we see a grade below B as a great concern which needs immediate action.
Parent Involvement
We have great teachers yet the most critical role is that of the parents. We have no interest in taking over that role. We hope to be an extension of parent's values and desires. For that to be a reality it is critical that our parents have an opportunity to play a major role in TLE, see our section on expectation under Admission. We ask the parents to A) take responsibility that the students are in good mental and physical shape for the assignments and tests, B) be part of what goes on by staying up to date and looking at our student information system C) meet us when there is a situation that needs to be discussed whether that is behavior, missed assignment, low grade et al. D) come for morning worship and a slice of our fresh bread E) spend a few days a year at the school in various roles.
Team Accountability
Finally, we all - parents, student and teachers have to form a team that is accountable to one another for our mutual goals. Team Accountability means that we hold realistic expectations, share a vision, remain willing to learn and trust. Our approach at TLE Christian Academy is that parents and students can share their expectations and commitments for the coming year. The teachers have their commitments to student learning. As a base for these discussions are the assessments and the standardized tests we conduct for all students. These expectations are defined in measurable goals, with dates attached to them. On predetermined dates we meet to together make a 360-degree evaluation of where we are and put together an action plan how to remedy the situation if needed. Unless you can measure the expectations and its progress how do we grow to reach our goals?
