By: Kathryn Hodgins, Content and Public Relations Specialist, Florida Virtual School

We recognize the hard work and support our teachers dedicate daily to their students, and so do our students. Annette G., an FLVS homeschool student, faced challenges understanding the material in her math class, Algebra 1. But with the support and guidance of her Algebra teacher, Amy DeFrance, Annette finished segment two with high achievements.

The Challenge

Annette could only complete one assignment a week, instead of the three she needed to stay on track when she began Algebra 1. “The class was a struggle,” said Annette. “I felt like I was dragging in the class and would wait to do the homework.” As her time in the course stretched on, her teacher, Mrs. DeFrance, began to call her to see how she was doing and to see if she could offer support or guidance on the assignments. “[Mrs. DeFrance] kept me moving forward. The support from her was huge!” said Annette.

And Successes

After 50 weeks, Annette successfully finished Algebra segment one, and she was ready to take on segment two. “After taking longer to finish segment one, I knew I needed to change,” she said. “I asked myself after finishing a lesson, why not just do another one?” Annette wanted to finish segment two faster than the previous segment, so she started strategizing with Mrs. DeFrance to create a plan. 

“Algebra felt so much easier to do when I had a plan,” Annette said. Mrs. DeFrance also reminded her about the additional resources FLVS provides for students, such as videos with examples and explanations to help her move through the segment quickly. “Mrs. DeFrance gave me the resources and confidence to continue on my path so I could continue with the segment,” Annette said. 

Annette surprised herself and her teacher by going from taking 50 weeks to complete segment one, to finishing segment two in only 18 weeks.  “She nailed her Discussion-Based Assessment (DBA)! The confidence and understanding she exhibits now is phenomenal,” said DeFrance. “I always encourage a turnaround for segment two, but never had a student actually embrace the transformation and achieve it,” said DeFrance. 

Thank you to Amy DeFrance and all our FLVS teachers who continue to motivate and encourage our students each and every day. We appreciate you!

If you’re interested in joining the vibrant FLVS homeschool community and learning from our supportive FLVS teachers, visit www.flvs.net/HomeschoolTogether to enroll today.

About the author: Katie Hodgins brings her wealth of experience and passion to the FLVS team, assuming the role of Content and Public Relations Specialist. A military veteran and lifelong learner, Katie enjoys communicating unique and innovative stories about people, places, and opportunities to inspire and engage the next generation. Having traveled throughout the world, she is excited to plant roots here in Florida and with Florida Virtual School.