THE ORGANIZATIONAL MODEL
- The Circle runs as a parent and student cooperative.
- A parent volunteer acts as the Circle's coordinator. The coordinator is often the person who helps the group to get started. She or he serves as:
- The main contact person with the instructor and the Hebrew Learning Circles (HLC) business office
- The facilitator of communication among the parents, i.e. creates an e-mail list and/or phone chain list, and initiates group discussions as needed.
- The Learning Circle's parents help facilitate the smooth running of the Circle by carrying out the following simple tasks:
- Providing required materials and supplies (See supplies list).
- Handling specific needs of the space, such as set up, clean up, etc. (making sure the host family does not end up overburdened).
- The number of children participating in the Circle determines the tuition level. The larger the Circle the lower the tuition per each family (See fee schedule).
- The HLC office orders and distributes all required textbooks.
- Each Learning Circle contracts with HLC to receive high quality Jewish cultural and religious instruction based on the HLC curriculum and its unique educational principles (See Core Educational Features). However, the curriculum can be adapted and changed to fit the specific educational goals and needs of each Circle. Such changes are discussed and decided upon in a meeting of the parents, the instructor, and our Rabbi.
CORE EDUCATIONAL FEATURES
- Innovative Hebrew reading curriculum
- Training in peer-learning skills to encourage independent Jewish learners
- Methodical and well-planned instruction
- A caring, affirming and nurturing educational environment
- A general curriculum aimed at helping students to develop a positive sense of Jewish identity
- Parental participation opportunities integrated into the learning process
- Individual attention provided to support students' special learning needs