Sevenstar Newsletter ★ Confront the Unique Challenges of Christian Education

Also from yesterday’s inbox…

Not rendering correctly? View this email as a web page here.

Newsletter Issue 7, No. 3 April, 2013   Online Opportunities for Christian Schools Three Ways Online Education Can Help Christian Schools Fulfill Their Mission Read about three emergent opportunities for Christian school leaders to increase academic competitiveness, without jeopardizing their financial stewardship or commitment to spiritual growth: Credit Recovery Advanced Placement Out-of-Sequence Courses Download Sevenstar’s free white paper, written with expert advice to help you understand what to look for in an online learning partner and the benefits of choosing a partner that shares your Christian mission. Dual Credit News As schools across the country and around the world expand options for high school Juniors and Seniors, Sevenstar is equipping Christian Schools with even more dual credit options. Here are three exciting new developments: Southern Wesleyan University is now offering thirteen new online summer school courses through Sevenstar. Indiana Wesleyan University will offer one new dual credit course through Sevenstar in June. Colorado Christian University now offers college credits to students who complete Sevenstar AP courses. Read the News Release Increasing High School Readiness Are all of your students ready for the rigors of high school? Watch Bob Kraft, VP Sales of Sevenstar, explain how to use an online program to help 8th graders and freshman: • Develop lagging academic skills • Assess student competencies • Prepare students for the best schools • Cultivate thinking and learning strategies The Carousel of Progress: Around or Ahead? Technology promises to revolutionize our current educational systems, or so we think. In a recent issue of Educational Leadership, Marc Prensky stated, “In fact, in the 21st century, technology is the key to thinking about and knowing about the world”. Is this healthy? Is this true? Is this Biblical? Should Christian educators embrace or discard this line of reasoning? Are we moving in circles or are we making progress? You are invited to join this free webcast of the keynote presentation from the Vancouver Symposium. Wed, May 1, 2013 11am-12:30pm (PT) 12-1:30pm (MT) 1-2:30pm (CT) 2-3:30pm (ET) Devotional: Grace and Tolerance “…Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! …don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?” – Romans 12:1-3 “You can’t judge me!” It’s the mantra of our generation. Roughly translated, it means: I should be allowed to do whatever I want, and you should accept me and my actions. Taking a stand for truth as a follower of Jesus Christ and demonstrating God’s grace at the same time can be difficult. That’s exactly what this verse addresses. As a recipient of grace, we must realize that God’s grace is abundant and free to everyone. We are not in a position to withhold it, or even taint it. We cannot be unloving toward someone who is bound by their sin. We should always seek to offer God’s grace to others. At the same time, we must always point others to Jesus Christ and the truth He proclaims. We must value the price He paid to offer grace to us. We will not cheapen it by acting as though there is no such thing as sin. Neither can we act as though there are sins for which Jesus’ blood did not fully pay. We must continue to focus on Jesus the standard of truth and the One who died in order to offer God’s grace. In our challenging times where truth is often exchanged for tolerance, it is still God’s grace that makes the difference. Welcome New Partner Schools Genesis Schools (KS, USA) Excel Christian School (NV, USA) Portland Christian School (OR, USA) Thank You Partner Schools Thank you for participating in our annual partner survey. Our leader team and others are reviewing your feedback. We appreciate your thoughts and invite communication anytime we can do things better. We are encouraged that 83% of participants agreed or strongly agreed that Sevenstar provides outstanding online Christian education. Praise to God for His good work:   “We have been able to offer much better support to our student taking online courses, making the success rate higher than last year.”   “I LOVE my partner coach, he is so knowledgeable, sincere and always emails or calls me right away if I ever need anything….The fact that I can sign up students at any time throughout the year is an added benefit!”   Other News Fast Facts about Online Learning A compilation of the latest data concerning online and blended learning, enrollment, access, and courses. Read More Like this Newsletter? Tell a Friend! Your friend could win an iPad for subscribing to this newsletter. The drawing will be on June 1, for new subscribers only. Use our Contact Us form to enter.

Sevenstar   3630 Park 42 Drive Suite 170F    Cincinnati  OH   45241   USA You received this email because you are subscribed to Marketing Information from Sevenstar.

Webcast for 21st Century Christian Educators

From Monday’s inbox…

Not rendering correctly? View this email as a web page here.

Dear Michael, You are invited to a free webcast of the keynote presentation at The Vancouver Symposium on Christian Education for the 21st Century. The Carousel of Progress: Around or Ahead? Technology promises to revolutionize our current educational systems, or so we think. In a recent issue of Educational Leadership, Marc Prensky stated, “In fact, in the 21st century, technology is the key to thinking about and knowing about the world”. Is this healthy? Is this true? Is this Biblical? Should Christian educators embrace or discard this line of reasoning? Technology is certainly moving at full speed in the 21st century. The question remains, however; are we moving in circles or are we making progress? Register: http://info.sevenstar.org/carousel_of_progress_webcast Recording: The webcast will be recorded and sent to registrants. The Carousel of Progress: Around or Ahead? Dr. Mitchell Salerno Assistant Superintendent The Master’s Academy Date: Wed, May 1, 2013 Time: 11am-12:30pm (PT) 12-1:30pm (MT) 1-2:30pm (CT) 2-3:30pm (ET)

Sevenstar   3630 Park 42 Drive Suite 170F    Cincinnati  OH   45241   USA You received this email because you are subscribed to Marketing Information from Sevenstar. Update your email preferences to choose the types of emails you receive.

[Webinar Recording] Preparing For The Future Of Education Now

Also from yesterday’s inbox…

Not rendering correctly? View this email as a web page here.

Hi Michael, The webinar Preparing For The Future Of Education Now is available for you to view. Watch now to discover: Why online learning will be expected from every good Christian school in the future How some schools are getting started and what easy steps your school can take now Ways your school can be quick-to-value by using an online provider Sincerely, Bob Kraft VP Sales Sevenstar Watch On Demand 20 minutes Sharing

Sevenstar   3630 Park 42 Drive Suite 170F    Cincinnati  OH   45241   USA You received this email because you are subscribed to Marketing Information from Sevenstar. Update your email preferences to choose the types of emails you receive.

Sevenstar Newsletter ★ 21st Century Learning at Private Schools

From Tuesday’s inbox…

Click here to view this message in a browser window.

Sevenstar Newsletter Issue 7, No. 1 January 2013 News and Opportunities Julie Evans, CEO Project Tomorrow Webinar Sign Up Register Now Upcoming Webinar – 21st Century Learning at Private Schools You are invited to a complimentary webinar to hear Julie Evans discuss the Speak Up 2012 data for private K-12 schools. Since 2003, the annual findings from the Speak Up Project have impacted education technology policies and fueled a movement on the importance of including private school views in education planning and decisions. In this complimentary webinar, you will: •         Learn the role of digital tools in 21st century education •         Discover shared technology needs and wants •         Cultivate a vision to leverage education technology Register today!  Have a schedule conflict? We will send everyone who registers a link to the recording within a week after the event. Time and Date: 10:00am PT / 1:00pm ET, Thursday, February, 28 2013 Register: https://www4.gotomeeting.com/register/533943839 New Video – Planning for Online Summer School Have you considered online courses to provide a high-quality, summer school experience to students in your area? Watch Now By watching this video, you will learn: • What online options your school can offer this summer • How a small staff can offer a broad range of courses • Ways it can benefit students, schools, and finances Watch Now       Signup for the Digital Learning Day Webcast Please join Gov. Bob Wise and the Alliance for Excellent Education on February 6, 2013 to celebrate the wave of innovation sweeping across the nation’s schools. Specifically, this national celebration will culminate in the Digital Town Hall from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. (ET), which will focus on how great teaching, combined with effective technology, makes a positive impact on improving America’s schools, particularly those that serve high-risk and high-poverty populations. Free Webcast Register Here Welcome New Partner Schools! - Wesleyan School (GA) - Jacob Tree International Education (Hong Kong) - Lakeland Christian Academy (TX) - Shannon Forest Christian School (SC) - Parkway Christian Academy (VA) - Silk Road Academy (Tajikistan) - North County Christian School (MO) - Morrison Christian Academy (Taiwan) - Eastgate Christian Academy (MA) - God’s Academy (TX) - Westminster Christian School (IL) Starting an Online Program? Sevenstar is offering savings on new partnerships in February. Please speak with a Sevenstar partner representative for more details. Learn More about becoming a partner today! Call for Sevenstar User Group Topics What topics are you interested in hearing about at the 2013 Sevenstar User Group? We are looking for ideas from the Sevenstar community and volunteers to share success stories and best practices. Please email John Pohlman with topics and offers to speak. Submit Topics New Year, New Things “No, dear brothers and sisters, I am still not all I should be, but I am focusing all my energies on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God through Christ Jesus, is calling us up to heaven.” – Philippians 3:13-14 (NLT) There is something wonderful about a New Year. We gravitate toward the hope that it offers. We embrace the “do over” that it brings. There is value in looking forward, pressing on, trying harder, and seeking better things. This is the encouragement we find from the Apostle Paul in Philippians. Look ahead to the future. There are new things there. Embrace it. Meditate on these three thoughts as you enter 2013: - Don’t let your mistakes define you (Proverbs 24:16). You are a child of God, not the sum of your mistakes. God sees what He wants to make you through the power of Jesus Christ. - Don’t let the unknown limit you (Jeremiah 29:11). Our fear of the future should not limit the things God wants to accomplish. Nothing will catch Him by surprise; He has orchestrated it all for you good. - Don’t forget that God is with you (Lamentations 2:22-24). You will not face a single minute of 2013 alone. God abides with you. Our prayer is that 2013 is a blessed year marked by God’s presence and leadership. News from Around the Web Blended Learning Expands Options for Students Blended courses, which can often be larger than regular classes, can save money while broadening course offerings, advocates say. The Parthenon Group, education and business consultants in Boston, analyzed digital learning costs earlier this year, estimating that blended learning may cost $7,600 to $10,200 per student, while traditional classroom instruction costs about $10,000. Read More at Cincinnati News Learning’s Next Wave The fast rise of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) is garnering a lot of attention. Coursera, at Stanford, for example, has existed just a few months and now has 214 courses attracting 2.4 million students from 196 countries. MOOCs are vastly extending the reach of professors at some of the world’s best universities, particularly at Stanford, Harvard, M.I.T., Yale, Princeton, the University of Pennsylvania and Duke. Read More at New York Times Connect with us:   Our Blog   Facebook   LinkedIn   Twitter Contact Sevenstar 3630 Park 42 Drive Suite 170F Cincinnati, OH 45241, USA T: +1 877 877 7040 Newsletter Subscription This newsletter was sent to mkbarbour@gmail.com from Sevenstar. Forward To a Friend

Sevenstar Newsletter ★ The State of Online Learning at Christian Schools

Also from yesterday’s inbox…

Click here to view this message in a browser window.

Sevenstar Newsletter Issue 6, No. 11 December 2012 News and Opportunities Read Online The State of Online Learning at Christian Schools Online learning is an important element of most Christian schools, according to a new report released today by Sevenstar and Beyond Data. Nearly 200 secondary schools across the USA were surveyed to understand how online learning is used and valued on Christian school campuses. A few highlights from the report are provided below: 99% said at least some students could benefit from online courses 75% said online courses will be an important aspect of their school 58% of schools use or partner with an online course provider Read the Executive Summary Discover the Value in Online Dual Credit Courses Sevenstar enables your school to enroll students in over 130 Online Dual Credit (college) courses, but are they the best choice for your students? Watch Now In this 30 minute webinar, a partner school shares their experience of enrolling students in dual credit classes at Taylor University. Tune in to: • Learn about the value of offering dual credit courses to students • Determine which students are most likely to succeed • Amplify your dual credit program marketing message Could Dual Credit be a fit for your school? Watch this recording in our webinar archives to make an informed decision for your school. Note to Partner Schools – Watching this webinar qualifies you to save on registration for one Dual Credit class before 1/15/2013! Contact your Sevenstar Partner Coach for details. Dual Credit Flyer Dual Credit Info  Increase Scores with SAT and ACT Prep Courses Sevenstar’s online SAT and ACT Prep courses are an engaging way to learn tips and strategies strengthen student’s test-taking skills with. Students will become familiar with the structure of standardized exams, practice thinking strategies, build verbal competence, and master mathematic reasoning. Each student works with an online instructor to receive personalized guidance to reach higher test-score goals. Want to see more? Read the SAT and ACT Prep Course Descriptions. SAT/ACT Courses Get Students Back on Track Next Semester Why wait until summer? Credit Rescue gives students the opportunity to repeat a course to improve their grade right away! Any student who has taken a traditional or online course and was not academically successful, may enroll in an online Credit Rescue course to earn a credit. Watch the Credit Rescue Intro Learn More Welcome New Partner Schools! - Park Place Christian Academy (MS) - New Hope Christian School (GA) - New Life Academy (Japan) - Yorktown Christian Academy (TX) - Contra Costa Christian School (CA) Starting an Online Program Next Year? Sevenstar is currently accepting new partner schools. With a Sevenstar partnership, your school can expand academic choice for 6-12 grade students with AP, Dual Credit, Credit Recovery, and 90+ Courses. From now until December 31, 2012, Sevenstar has a promotion to help schools launch their first online program. Promotion details are available by speaking with a Sevenstar partner representative.   Learn More about becoming a partner today! Christmas: Exactly What We Need He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. – 1 Peter 1:20 Before we existed, God already had a plan in place to take care of our sin. He exists outside of time, and He knows everything. He sees our lives as a completed whole (think about that for a minute, it will blow your mind). He knows exactly what we need before we need it. We needed Jesus. The first Christmas was planned long before there was a calendar to put it on. The baby was in the process of being sent before His mother was even born. The manger was being arranged before Bethlehem was even on the map. He knows us completely. He knew what we would need. Out of His omniscience, His all-knowing nature, He planned Christmas. Christmas is about an Omniscient God, in His wisdom and power, sending His only Son to us because He knew we needed Jesus. Christmas is about a God who knows us best and loves us most realizing that every sin He knows completely about needs to be satisfied. Christmas is about God, who knows everything about us, sending His son, not only to save us, but to provide absolutely everything we need for life and godliness through His knowledge. God knows us. He knows everything. He knows we need Christmas. As we celebrate this season of festivities and gift-giving, rejoice in the fact that God knew our need and provided for it. Stefan Wagner. “Manger Scene.” Nativity. Stock exchange. 2 December, 2012 [http://www.sxc.hu]. Recommended Reading for Christmas Break The Learning Edge, by iNACOL and CompetencyWorks A new report released this week by CompetencyWorks and iNACOL explores how our schools and educators support student growth as states adopt policies that move from a traditional time-based system toward student-centered systems that award credit based on proficiency and mastery. The new report, titled The Learning Edge: Supporting Student Success in a Competency-Based Learning Environment, highlights how student supports are necessary to ensure each student remains engaged and achieving at their “learning edge”. Read More at CompetencyWorks: How Digital Learning Contributes to Deeper Learning How Digital Learning Contributes to Deeper Learning by Carri Schneider and Tom Vander Ark is a white paper that examines how key aspects of personal digital learning – common standards, next-generation assessments, blended learning, and affordable devices – can provide deeper learning opportunities for students. Download now: Full Paper, Executive Summary, Infographic Read More at Getting Smart Connect with us:   Our Blog   Facebook   LinkedIn   Twitter Contact Sevenstar 3630 Park 42 Drive Suite 170F Cincinnati, OH 45241, USA T: +1 877 877 7040 Newsletter Subscription This newsletter was sent to mkbarbour@gmail.com from Sevenstar. Unsubscribe Instantly | Forward To a Friend