Talisman Semesters: Academics

 

Academics at Talisman take place in and out of the classroom. Students earn fully-transferable credits in the four core classes and one or more extracurriculars, but are not confined to traditional learning models. Teachers bring learning to life through engaged discussions, projects, experiments, first-person research, and intentionally connecting their subjects to the real world. Teenagers, understanding the relevance of each topic, are more motivated to learn.

Our special education-certified academic administrator ensures that each student is approached in ways they learn best. Even within a class of 8, each student is taught at his own level and given appropriate challenges. Students learn to advocate for their needs in the classroom and take control of their educational future.

Crucial to content mastery, students at Talisman develop the executive functioning tools required for academic success. These include organizational skills, prioritizing, focus, and metacognitive skills, and are integrated into every class, as students learn how to really learn.

We recognize that processing speed and working memory are often obstacles to our students’ achieving their potential.  Teachers at Talisman accommodate as needed, whether allowing extra time on assignments, limiting number of questions, or providing outlines for notes.  Our goal is to prepare our students for their return to traditional school, so we help them understand and learn how to ask for the assistance they need.

Students may attend Talisman for one or two semesters. During their stay, their IEP is followed, and academic staff communicate with their home team to ensure continued compliance and make suggestions for change. Credits are issued for four core courses and one or more electives. Due to our focus on social skills and academic re-engagement, we do not offer a choice in classes or AP options, but English-Language Arts and Math are taught at the individual students’ level for progressive credit.  Social studies and science adjust assignments to each student’s ability level.