Northern Educate

barry_mcconnell · Post by **barry_mcconnell** » Mon Aug 20, 2012 8:55 am

Naw, they're just studying hockey for gym class. And health. And social studies. Seems totally legit to me.

This whole thing feels like a setup for a reality tv show. "Coming this season on A&E - Hockey School!"

savagegopher · Post by **savagegopher** » Mon Aug 20, 2012 9:19 am

I always thought hockey dads would make a great reality show

TXinMyRearView · Post by **TXinMyRearView** » Mon Aug 20, 2012 9:21 am

savagegopher wrote:I always thought hockey dads would make a great reality show

Dads!?!?

barry_mcconnell · Post by **barry_mcconnell** » Mon Aug 20, 2012 11:27 am

No doubt. Hockey moms are every bit as entertaining. Also imagine some sub-plots with the little siblings running around the rink.

This show would be a hit for sure.

observer · Post by **observer** » Mon Aug 20, 2012 11:48 am

Could be good but can't hold a candle to Honey Boo Boo.

(search Honey Boo Boo video)

SCBlueLiner · Post by **SCBlueLiner** » Mon Aug 20, 2012 12:14 pm

Ever seen the show "The Tournament" out of Canada? Kind of what you are describing. Hilarious. Check it out.

barry_mcconnell · Post by **barry_mcconnell** » Mon Aug 20, 2012 1:34 pm

Never heard of it...

imlisteningtothefnsong · Mon Oct 01, 2012 4:43 am

Here is a link to the Sunday Pioneer Press article about the school.
http://www.twincities.com/localnews/ci_ ... n-be-there

SCBlueLiner · Post by **SCBlueLiner** » Mon Oct 01, 2012 8:33 am

barry_mcconnell wrote:Never heard of it...

WB6162 · Post by **WB6162** » Mon Oct 01, 2012 8:47 am

Education will be fine, if you want to raise a kid who only cares about hockey. What a ridiculous concept, sending your child to school in a hockey rink. Seriously some people should have their head examined.

If hockey is this important to the family, send them to a real private school like Shattuck's. At least you know for a fact that they will be getting a top level education so they have something to fall back on WHEN they don't make the big team someday.

old goalie85 · Post by **old goalie85** » Mon Oct 01, 2012 8:50 am

W/all the $$$ they are making the will be able to build a real school soon.

WB6162 · Post by **WB6162** » Mon Oct 01, 2012 8:51 am

In my experience, kids who play other sports-especially football make the best hockey players. Diversity of skill is the key to great players.

we're all crazy · Post by **we're all crazy** » Mon Oct 01, 2012 10:38 am

I read the article, please tell me if my understanding of a typical "school" day is correct:

3 hours on-ice
1 hour dryland
4 hours of self-driven online courses with no actual teacher

Then....

off to association practice
supposedly 2 more hours of online homework at night

These kids have zero daily interaction with a teacher? Or any regular exposure to anything outside of hockey?

And they are starting at the early elementary ages? 8-year-olds!!??

There must be more to this than the Pioneer Press is reporting. I can't imagine any parents thinking this was a good idea.(??)

imlisteningtothefnsong · Mon Oct 01, 2012 10:42 am

" Seriously some people should have their head examined. "

That's awesome!! I should have my head examined. Why would I try something outside my comfort level. After all, both my boys sucked at school in the 35+ kid classroom. But they did not suck enough to qualify for a Tudor (tutor- just kidding Irish

) Since English is their first language, no tutor for them, just Ritalin. Now, both have missed some ice to get their grades above C's to get back on the ice. 3:1 student teacher ratio and a challenging curriculum. A chance to have a GPA to be eligible to play in high school, not D1 but high school. Right for us? You bet. Right for everyone? Nope.

Yes I need a shrink!! "Stay on shore Christopher, it looks awfully effin flat out there!!"

old goalie85 · Post by **old goalie85** » Mon Oct 01, 2012 11:01 am

you don't need a shrink !!! Maybe a BEER/not a shrink!

we're all crazy · Post by **we're all crazy** » Mon Oct 01, 2012 11:06 am

This article got me thinking. My kids go to a public school in a decent suburban district.

I was looking at the daily schedule at the mid-elementary level:

Total hours in school day: 6.5
Class size: 22

Core Subjects (Math, Science, Reading/Spelling, Social Studies/History): 4 hours (some specialized by ability)

Specialist (Foreign Language, Multi-media): 1 hour

Performance (Gym/Music/Band/Choir): 1 hour

Lunch: 20 minutes
Recess: 15 minutes

Typical homework is 1.5 hours/night

If Northern Educate is able to deliver equivalent educational value in the span of a few hours/day online, by replacing teachers and structured school days with laptops, internet access, and access to tutors, I believe it exposes our public school system as a sham.

I'd be interested to learn if students at Northern Educate are taking the state-wide standardized tests that are mandated at the public schools. If so, I'd be very interested to see how the scores compare.

Quasar · Post by **Quasar** » Mon Oct 01, 2012 11:17 am

we're all crazy wrote:This article got me thinking. My kids go to a public school in a decent suburban district.

I was looking at the daily schedule at the mid-elementary level:

Total hours in school day: 6.5
Class size: 22

Core Subjects (Math, Science, Reading/Spelling, Social Studies/History): 4 hours (some specialized by ability)

Specialist (Foreign Language, Multi-media): 1 hour

Performance (Gym/Music/Band/Choir): 1 hour

Lunch: 20 minutes
Recess: 15 minutes

Typical homework is 1.5 hours/night

If Northern Educate is able to deliver equivalent educational value in the span of a few hours/day online, by replacing teachers and structured school days with laptops, internet access, and access to tutors, I believe it exposes our public school system as a sham.

I'd be interested to learn if students at Northern Educate are taking the state-wide standardized tests that are mandated at the public schools. If so, I'd be very interested to see how the scores compare.

Why ??

we're all crazy · Post by **we're all crazy** » Mon Oct 01, 2012 11:56 am

Why?

Simple. If kids are able to receive the same level of education and demonstrate the same level of results without traditional teachers in the traditional classroom setting, then the public school model should be examined for opportunities to provide something similar.

If this works as an equivalent means to provide our kids with the education they need to succeed after high school, maybe it is a model that I would like to see my tax dollars spent on. The next time a school bond is up in my district, maybe taxpayers should look at the option of building an athletic facility, hiring some tutors and coaches, and replacing our teachers, books, teaching tools, aging school buildings, etc.

oldschoolpuckster · Post by **oldschoolpuckster** » Mon Oct 01, 2012 2:49 pm

Look what happens when someone starts something new....let's give it some time to pass or fail people. If you don't like it, then don't do it!! I followed a very similar schedule durring my playing days. 2.5 hrs a day on ice, 1.5 hrs of dryland/weights and 3-5 hrs of online class...in Ann Arbor, MI for the US National program. Why is this not o.k here?
This is also widely accepted education/training platform for youth Gymnastics around the country/world...why not here? I have friends that were US Ski team members that spend over half of the year "training" and getting an education in the same way. Why is the thought of a Hockey Academy in MN (The State of Hockey) looked at with such scepticism and ridicule? I would think this would be a fantastic opportunity for kids to excel at the sport they love while getting a fantastic education along with it. You guy's aren't seriously defending the public school system, are you?!?!

old goalie85 · Post by **old goalie85** » Mon Oct 01, 2012 3:21 pm

I'm defending public school because the kids can play football/golf/soccer[my daughter] baseball and hockey. I can't afford Northern Edge,but I'm not going to tell my freinds that take their kids there they are wrong. How the He11 would I know. It's just my gig. Good luck to them and I hope they[MSHL] starts a private only state tourny for hockey. Then they [privates] can play w/themselves.No pun intended!!!!

old goalie85 · Post by **old goalie85** » Mon Oct 01, 2012 3:22 pm

I ment it's NOT my gig.[typo]

edgeUcated · Post by **edgeUcated** » Mon Oct 01, 2012 4:21 pm

oldschoolpuckster wrote:Look what happens when someone starts something new....let's give it some time to pass or fail people. If you don't like it, then don't do it!! I followed a very similar schedule durring my playing days. 2.5 hrs a day on ice, 1.5 hrs of dryland/weights and 3-5 hrs of online class...in Ann Arbor, MI for the US National program. Why is this not o.k here?
This is also widely accepted education/training platform for youth Gymnastics around the country/world...why not here? I have friends that were US Ski team members that spend over half of the year "training" and getting an education in the same way. Why is the thought of a Hockey Academy in MN (The State of Hockey) looked at with such scepticism and ridicule? I would think this would be a fantastic opportunity for kids to excel at the sport they love while getting a fantastic education along with it. You guy's aren't seriously defending the public school system, are you?!?!

Old School -- One major difference is that you were "selected" to Ann Harbor -- just because someone has an extra 11K laying around does not get you to Ann Harbor. In my opinion it will be a failed experiment -- Sure the extra hours will develop those 10-14 year old kids quicker than others, but the gap will close with puberty and the one's born with the natural talent to play hockey will rise to the top. Everyone else will be either a good HS or Jr Gold player. We have already seen it with the other "elite" AAA programs -- still only 1% can get there -- No silver bullet that cost 11K will get you there -- just MHO. I say let them spend the money chasing the 1% dream. I'd rather take the 11K and roll with the better odds in Vegas.

JSR · Post by **JSR** » Tue Oct 02, 2012 4:55 pm

edgeUcated wrote:
oldschoolpuckster wrote:Look what happens when someone starts something new....let's give it some time to pass or fail people. If you don't like it, then don't do it!! I followed a very similar schedule durring my playing days. 2.5 hrs a day on ice, 1.5 hrs of dryland/weights and 3-5 hrs of online class...in Ann Arbor, MI for the US National program. Why is this not o.k here?
This is also widely accepted education/training platform for youth Gymnastics around the country/world...why not here? I have friends that were US Ski team members that spend over half of the year "training" and getting an education in the same way. Why is the thought of a Hockey Academy in MN (The State of Hockey) looked at with such scepticism and ridicule? I would think this would be a fantastic opportunity for kids to excel at the sport they love while getting a fantastic education along with it. You guy's aren't seriously defending the public school system, are you?!?!
Old School -- One major difference is that you were "selected" to Ann Harbor -- just because someone has an extra 11K laying around does not get you to Ann Harbor. In my opinion it will be a failed experiment -- Sure the extra hours will develop those 10-14 year old kids quicker than others, but the gap will close with puberty and the one's born with the natural talent to play hockey will rise to the top. Everyone else will be either a good HS or Jr Gold player. We have already seen it with the other "elite" AAA programs -- still only 1% can get there -- No silver bullet that cost 11K will get you there -- just MHO. I say let them spend the money chasing the 1% dream. I'd rather take the 11K and roll with the better odds in Vegas.

I will play a little devils advocate here (cuz the school sounds a bit weird to me too) and just say this: It is POSSIBLE the actual education they receive wil be better than the schools they are in and the money wiill be well spent in that way as well. I mean how many people do you know (I know I know a ton) that spend $11k per year for private school just for the SCHOOLING and their kids do not even play sports because they don't believe their kids can get the education they want them to have in public schools. Also, I know some kids who are home schooled (it's not for me but...) and the mom who instructs them says they do their "work" in about 3.5 hours per day. These kids do take the the tests that public schools take and these kdis test two full grade levels above their public school counter parts. I've heard that this is common than not amongst home schooled kids. I guess my point is there ARE major flaws even in good public schools and this model they are doing at Northern Educate MAY be a better model even for teh education while also providing the hockey instruction. I am not syaing it is something I would do for my family and it is a bit outside the norm for sure BUT it doesn't make the education necessrily "lesser" it could be "better" IF it is being done properly.....

old goalie85 · Post by **old goalie85** » Tue Oct 02, 2012 5:17 pm

Prom/Homecoming/student government/band/pep rallys/girls[that don't play hockey]/ski club/spanish lab [not sure what that is, maybe a dog?] ect ect...... No not for us, but have friends that think it is for them. Thats cool !!! America right ?? I just don't see why these teams should be able to compete vs normal/public school. The playing feild is not fair. My opinion!!!

Quasar · Post by **Quasar** » Tue Oct 02, 2012 7:43 pm

old goalie85 wrote:Prom/Homecoming/student government/band/pep rallys/girls[that don't play hockey]/ski club/spanish lab [not sure what that is, maybe a dog?] ect ect...... No not for us, but have friends that think it is for them. Thats cool !!! America right ?? I just don't see why these teams should be able to compete vs normal/public school. The playing feild is not fair. My opinion!!!

How would you feel about FL being able to recruit ??

Put all the privates in a separate league, or let the public schools join the club!!

BTW ...I love the line about "Spanish Lab"