U.S. Performance Academy Adopts Digital Curriculum for Student Athletes
The United States Performance Academy (USPA),
a private school for competitive athletes in middle and high school, is
now
using
instructional materials from a private partner. The school has teamed up with Edgenuity, which provides online curriculum and
instructional
materials that focus on online courseware for credit recovery and
blended
learning in grades 6 through 12.
USPA
uses a blend of online educational tools and live teachers at a number
of
facilities around the world, as well as strictly online programs, for
student-athletes. Its programs are tailored to the needs of athletes
who may
travel or train on schedules that don't allow them to participate in
normal
academic activities.
According
to school representatives, its certified teachers and Edgenuity's digital
materials
provide the ability to customize learning for students with unusual
demands on
their time.
"We
believe that our students shouldn't have to choose between pursuing
their
athletic dreams and pursuing a great education," said USPA President
Pete
Smith. "With Edgenuity, our students are able to seamlessly migrate
their daily
academic work to any training center around the world, making it
possible to
master concepts and excel both on the playing field and off."
One
student and aspiring middle-distance runner, Seu Jacobi, said, "I love
how I
get to decide what I want to learn, when I want to learn and how I want
to
learn."
Edgenuity
CEO Sari Factor said, "USPA has done a remarkable job giving
world-class
student-athletes the ability to earn a high school education without
missing a
step in their training, and we are proud that our teachers and
curriculum
support these students along the way."
About the Author
Michael Hart is a Los Angeles-based freelance writer and the former executive editor of THE Journal.