Personalized Learning Model

Learning Styles, Interests, Goals

Learning should be tailored to match a student's learning styles, interests, and goals. One's learning style is comprised of many parts, including perceptual modalities, personality types, environmental preferences, and Multiple Intelligences. CMA students can learn through their strengths in an environment that values the individual and employs mastery-based learning. This leads to greater student motivation, persistence, and overall student success. Click here to view a video overview of the learning styles research CMA considers when developing a student's learning plan.

Mastery-Based Learning

CMA students master the learning goals for each course at an 80% or greater level. Students who demonstrate mastery quickly move through the course quickly; students who score less than 80% are given the help and instructional support they need to reach mastery level, and this can include reviewing lessons or receiving instruction through alternate means.

Since CMA students are continuously learning at a mastery level, they gain the foundations they need to continue being successful. For example, if a student passes pre-algebra with a 60%, is that student truly prepared for algebra? At CMA, that student would receive continued support to master that course at 80% or higher to help ensure success for the next level.

Flexible Schedule & Pacing

CMA's online classes are asynchronous, allowing for students to work at times that match their schedules and learning style preferences. Classes are available twenty-four hours per day, seven days per week.

Students not only learn at different paces at different times, they also learn at different paces for different subject areas. Students are encouraged to move forward, yet at a pace and level matched to their current abilities. This means that a student might be catching up in one subject while advanced in another.

Students can opt to take one class at a time, and then upon completion of that class, immediately begin another. For many students, this focused approach leads to greater success and completion at a faster pace. However, most students take two classes, and they can take up to three at a time.

Elementary students are encouraged to engage in PE on a continuous basis, and reading should be regularly assigned even if it is across the curriculum. However, they might not focus on social studies, for example, every learning period. When they do focus on social studies, they are allowed to dive into the subject matter for extended periods of time, resulting in depth as well as breadth.

Motivation & Success

Research shows that students are more likely to complete learning tasks in a timely manner when they value the lesson’s goals, feel like they can be successful, and are offered clear expectations and support.

• Relevance
  • "Why do we need to know this stuff?"
  • Aligned to values/goals of student
• Likelihood of Success
  • Prior knowledge and skills
  • Aligned to learning styles of student
• Guidance
  • Clarity of expectations and directions
  • Caring teachers and support staff

Mentoring & Guidance: Educational Facilitator

Full-time students have Educational Facilitators (EFs). EFs are certified teachers who take care of the "big picture" for each student by serving as a guide, advocate, and primary point of contact. Students can choose to keep the same educational facilitator year after year. A student's educational facilitator will oversee the student's progress and help tailor the program to meet the student's learning styles, personal interests, and goals.

Highly Qualified Instructors

High school students, as well as younger students taking higher level (i.e. advanced math) or specialized (i.e. foreign language) courses, have course instructors in addition to their educational facilitator. These teachers are highly-qualified in their subject areas and are responsible for assisting students in their courses, evaluating coursework, and tailoring instruction as needed to meet student learning styles. Instructors are available through several means including email, the online classroom, and live online office hours. Instructors have a set office hour each week plus are available by appointment for additional office hours.

Have Questions?

Complete the CMA Information Request Form to get answers to those questions, or feel free to make suggestions!