Tom Vander Ark: Carpe Diem--The Best of Leadership and Management

Carpe Diem, a charter secondary school in Yuma, Arizona, uses an online learning system called e2020 for primary instructional delivery. It's not as engaging as some web 2.0 components and apps, but it is comprehensive and offers a strong management and monitoring system. This week, students at Carpe Diem had the opportunity to provide direct feedback to the vendor (so watch for shorter and better instructional videos from e2020!).
While it's true that most of the learning is done independently and online, a talented group of teachers play an integral role in the school's academic success. Founder and director Rick Ogston says, "Rather than nursing students to passing grades, teachers here act as doctors creating surgical interventions or as personal trainers extending and deepening learning."
On a typical day, teachers run a series of topical workshops. If a teacher is out sick, there are no workshops in that subject (no subs here). One math, one science, and one social studies teacher ensure the progress of all 300 students.
Carpe Diem is a good example of blending multiple modes of instruction to boost learning and sustainability. Even with Arizona's thin charter funding, Carpe Diem is self-sufficient. The mix of online learning and teacher-driven workshops is quite effective, but the culture is the secret sauce.
Click here to read more of my take on this impressive school.