Michelle Rose Gilman, Founder of Fusion Academy & Learning Centers, an alternative private one-to-one middle and high school in 17 locations in California and the east Coast explained to Lon Woodbury, from Parent Choices for Struggling Teens on L.A. Talk Radio, her vision of revolutionizing education into what a school can be.
About Michelle Gilman
Michelle Rose Gilman is both the President and the Founder of Fusion Academy. She began her academy in 1989 with six students who were coming out of psychiatric hospitals. She holds a BS in Special Education from the University of South Florida, as well as a certification in Special Education.
The Quest For Revolutionizing Education Into What A School CAN Be
Michelle began the interview on the theme of revolutionizing education into what a school can be by describing her school's alternative approach to today's mainstream education which is focused on an impersonal approach to rigorous academics.
Although traditional education and learning suggest that no child should be left behind, it fails to recognize the needs of each youngster. As a result, at Fusion, things are done in a very different way.
First, enrollment is year round, with every student setting their own schedule. Alternatively, students have the option to choose the conventional school year as starting in September and ending in June. Besides when students start, students can also choose what time they can start. For instance, students who are athletes, actors, or have other special needs or interests can begin the day at noon if they want to free their morning up for their other pursuits.
Second, mastery learning is all about providing one-to-one learning in an office setting, which resembles the teacher's living room more than a classroom. Teachers accommodate different learning styles to engage students in the learning process and the lessons do not proceed until a child proves mastery of their current units. This system benefits children who have learning difficulties or who are gifted to learn at their optimum rate.
The third thing that is different is that students are taught to trust the school environment. One way this is done is through the Arts and Music Programs which is designed to foster creative expression. While the fine art studio provides a wide range of artistic mediums, musicians are assisted with student music labs and an advanced recording workshop. One more special feature is the Homework Cafe which allows students to complete all their homework at school. Homework is not a source of conflicts with parents nor a source of disappointment at having no time to play after school.
About Michelle Gilman
Michelle Rose Gilman is both the President and the Founder of Fusion Academy. She began her academy in 1989 with six students who were coming out of psychiatric hospitals. She holds a BS in Special Education from the University of South Florida, as well as a certification in Special Education.
The Quest For Revolutionizing Education Into What A School CAN Be
Michelle began the interview on the theme of revolutionizing education into what a school can be by describing her school's alternative approach to today's mainstream education which is focused on an impersonal approach to rigorous academics.
Although traditional education and learning suggest that no child should be left behind, it fails to recognize the needs of each youngster. As a result, at Fusion, things are done in a very different way.
First, enrollment is year round, with every student setting their own schedule. Alternatively, students have the option to choose the conventional school year as starting in September and ending in June. Besides when students start, students can also choose what time they can start. For instance, students who are athletes, actors, or have other special needs or interests can begin the day at noon if they want to free their morning up for their other pursuits.
Second, mastery learning is all about providing one-to-one learning in an office setting, which resembles the teacher's living room more than a classroom. Teachers accommodate different learning styles to engage students in the learning process and the lessons do not proceed until a child proves mastery of their current units. This system benefits children who have learning difficulties or who are gifted to learn at their optimum rate.
The third thing that is different is that students are taught to trust the school environment. One way this is done is through the Arts and Music Programs which is designed to foster creative expression. While the fine art studio provides a wide range of artistic mediums, musicians are assisted with student music labs and an advanced recording workshop. One more special feature is the Homework Cafe which allows students to complete all their homework at school. Homework is not a source of conflicts with parents nor a source of disappointment at having no time to play after school.
About the Author:
Lon Woodbury, the founder of Struggling Teens, has recorded the entire interview on his weekly L.A. Talk Radio show for people to listen to at their convenience.
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