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ACCOUNTABILITY
How CALE Exemplifies Accountability in Microschooling
In today’s educational landscape, microschools are making a significant impact across the nation. With an estimated 1.5 million students enrolled in microschools, this movement is poised to continue leading innovative changes in the future of education. As with any new model, questions naturally arise. Concerns about accountability in areas such as student performance, teacher qualifications, compliance with educational standards, and public oversight have been raised. While these concerns are valid and merit attention, Columbia Academy for Learning and Enrichment (CALE) stands as an example of how microschools can successfully address—and even surpass—these challenges. Below, we will take a closer look at these concerns and demonstrate how CALE is actively committed to providing a high-quality, accountable education for all of our students. We are proud to showcase the practices at CALE that ensure we meet—and exceed—the standards set by traditional educational institutions.
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1. Student Performance Data and Accountability
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Concerns Expressed:
The need for microschools to be held accountable for student performance data, suggesting that without proper oversight, it’s difficult to measure whether students are truly learning and progressing.
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How CALE Addresses This Concern:
At CALE, we believe in the power of data-driven decision-making. We regularly track student progress using formative assessments that are norm-referenced, which allows us to ensure that each student is growing and meeting academic milestones. Our data are shared with families, so they can stay informed about their child's progress and areas for growth. Additionally, our teachers use these assessments to tailor instruction to the individual needs of students, ensuring that each child is given the tools they need to succeed.​
2. Teacher Qualifications and Professional Development
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Concerns Expressed:
There is a concern for lack of teacher qualifications in some microschools, which could lead to inconsistent instruction and lower-quality education for students.
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How CALE Addresses This Concern:
At CALE, we prioritize hiring qualified educators with proven experience in their respective fields. Our teachers hold valid certifications and degrees in education, and many have additional certifications in specialized areas such as reading interventions and special education. We also emphasize ongoing professional development, with staff participating in regular training in the science of reading, differentiation strategies, social-emotional learning, executive functioning, and more. Each year, we host the Show-Me Science of Reading Conference, a national event that brings together hundreds of educators and renowned speakers from across the U.S. and beyond. We are known for our expertise in the area of reading, and we are very proud of the work we do in the field. This conference ensures our teachers remain up to date on the latest best practices and research-backed educational methods.​
3. Compliance with Educational Standards
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Concerns Expressed:
There is concern that microschools may not be fully compliant with state and local education standards, leading to a lack of consistency in the quality of education across the microschool landscape.
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How CALE Addresses This Concern:
At CALE, we are a fully accredited school committed to ensuring state standards are covered. We also go further than this, emphasizing the importance of real-world skills, executive functioning development, and ensuring social-emotional well-being. We believe education goes beyond the standards, but we are committed to ensuring our students have solid foundational skills that will allow them to grow and challenge their thinking as they advance in academic years. Each student follows their own learning progression with a personalized learning approach, rather than being tied to a specific grade level based on age. Students start where they are, and we continue to help them as they complete their academic journey with support and guidance. Our school works closely with local education partners to ensure our students receive the very best services. We believe that microschools can provide a more personalized approach than the traditional model.​​
4. Ensuring Equity and Access for All Students
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Concerns Expressed:
A key concern is the potential for inequity in microschools, with some students potentially being excluded due to financial barriers or because their educational needs are not being met.
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How CALE Addresses This Concern:
CALE is committed to ensuring equity for all students. We actively seek to create an inclusive and supportive learning environment where every child can thrive. Additionally, we provide specialized support for students with learning differences by partnering with a local agency that specializes in assisting students with additional needs, including those with dyslexia and ADHD. This partnership ensures that students receive the resources and instruction they need to succeed. Our focus on inclusivity is fundamental to our mission, and we work tirelessly to meet the diverse needs of our student body. We are actively building our scholarship reach by working with our parent committee and speaking with community members that support and believe in our approach. We believe that our model is needed for children and families that are searching for a non-traditional approach that prioritizes personalized learning. The outcomes we've seen with students who transition to us from traditional settings are truly remarkable success stories.
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5. Accountability and Oversight
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Concerns Expressed:
Microschools can sometimes operate with minimal public accountability, making it difficult to ensure that they are meeting the educational needs of their students or providing transparency to the public.
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How CALE Addresses This Concern:
CALE takes public accountability seriously. As a fully accredited school, we regularly update our school community through newsletters and parent meetings. We also engage in regular self-assessments and participate in external evaluations to ensure that we are meeting the highest standards of education. Our school’s leadership team is always available to answer questions and provide insights into our educational practices, fostering an open dialogue with our families and the community.
Final Thoughts: CALE’s Commitment to Accountability
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At CALE, we recognize that accountability is critical to the success of any educational institution—microschools included. By addressing concerns about student performance, teacher qualifications, compliance with standards, equity, and transparency, we demonstrate that microschools can not only meet but exceed the expectations set by traditional education models. Through our rigorous commitment to data-driven instruction, continuous professional development, personalized learning approaches, and openness with our community, CALE proves that high-quality education in a microschool setting is not only possible but thriving. We are proud to be at the forefront of this innovative approach to education, and we look forward to continuing to provide an accountable, inclusive, and rigorous learning environment for all our students.