The Best American High School in Brazil, 2022 November2022 - The Knowledge Review

Education

is the tool down all

Education

that breaks Barriers.

Eitr’s do

Note

Transfusing International Education

Through the Amazon!

When it comes to dense and rich forests, where even the sun rays find it difficult to penetrate the branched roofs of trees or long rivers on which major economies are dependent, no country comes even close to Brazil.

Blessed with the truly magnificent Amazon Forest and the great Amazon River, Brazil has always been a place of rich, old and timelinequestioning cultures. With the genesis of old and ancient culture running along the veins and lungs of the Amazon, Brazil has recognised its potential to become a superpower country in the world.

Staying true to its culture and a proud history of rich humanity residing and mingling with nature, Brazil has provided the world with many wonders that humanity depends on. However, with such a symbiotic nature of mother nature, somewhere Brazil has left short of picking up pace with the growing internationalism and advancements in multiple sectors.

International Education started transfusing with the great Amazon River by recognising and understanding the role of education that would allow Brazilians to explore the varied ways to become a leading country.

Welcoming and embracing the culture with international education and indulging it well with the rich cultural heritage of Brazil, many international schools following leading education patterns across the world have been introduced in the country's education system.

While some of the schools have made a name for themselves, there always remains confusion about the school to which the youngster should be admitted. Adhering to this question in our venture to find 'The Best American High School in Brazil, 2022,' The Knowledge Review , crossed paths with WAY American School (on the cover), which is defining international education in Brazil with its exceptional pedagogies.

In this edition, you will find how the school made a permanent name for itself for quality Brazilian culture-infused international education. Flip through the pages to learn more about Brazil's best American high school.

Also, scan through the pages to find exceptional facts about the culturally rich education system in Brazil.

Hope this magazine fulfils its purpose, and have a happy read!

T R

Understanding

Ashlesh Khadse

culture is one of the finest way to experience the fullness of the world.

Way American School

is recognized as

The

Best AMERICAN HIGH Brazil

SCHOOL

in 2022

for raising the bar of quality international, affordable and trans-cultural education in the country.

Pooja M. Bansal Editor-in-Chief

WAY American WAY American

American School American School

Chasing the Learner’s Dream!

Our American high school program allows students to become more well-roundedsomething internaonal universies are always looking for and encouraging. “

The Best American High School in Brazil, 2022

'Good requires motivation. Great requires obsession.'

Historically, the people who have shaped the world into what it is today have been obsessed with something. When you delve into the pages of their journey, the seed of obsession is often planted at a young, tender age. One of the major factors credited to their success is their environment where the students' curiosities are nurtured and grown. An obsession is a passion or preoccupation to learn more, to adopt a 'learner's attitude'

To encourage an attitude of an eager learner, the learning foundation of each child should be established early on to develop their interests and tale. Having

a personalized learning experience that is centered around the student and supports their preferred learning style and environment is what WAY American School in Brazil facilitates.

In our quest to find 'The Best American High School in Brazil, 2022', we came across Thiago Reis , Executive Director and a curious learner from WAY American School. The following is a brief summary of what sets WAY American School apart and is the most recommended school in Brazil for the year 2022.

The First Step Towards the 'WAY' Beth Baker and Glen Taylor co-founded Centric Learning to deliver an advanced and meaningful learning experience for children, teachers, and

families. Starting their journey in Detroit in 2009, by curating a projectbased learning (PBL) methodology for schools, they began to build a learning environment for students inside and outside the classroom to meet their needs, interests, and schedules.

Part of Centric Learning, WAY American School was founded in 2014. Based on the values of Project-Based Learning and offering a complete High School program to its students from grades 9-12 in partnership with schools from Brazil and other prominent countries around the world.

Founded on the Cornerstones of Centric Learning

While working on their project-based learning methodology, the co-founders

By developing our learning management technology, we became more than just educators on a mission.

realized that their mantra to achieving their goal was 'centric learning' , where education is curated to the individual student puting them at the center of their learning journey. Placing the school’s core values as the cornerstones, the Co-founders states, "By developing our learning management technology, we became more than just educators on a mission. As Centric Learning and as WAY American School, we are improving the way people learn. After a decade of constantly improving everything we are doing with students we are just getting started. A passion for enriching the human experience has led us to develop real-world global solutions with superior educational outcomes.

Placing teachers and students at the center of learning."

A Leader in Learning

Thiago Reis is a veteran in the field of education, having spent more than ten years leading operations in Higher Ed and K12, coming from the Telecom and IT industries.

He says about his journey with the WAY American School, "When I heard about Centric Learning and the impressive work Beth and Glen were developing in Brazil, I was immediately intrigued. It was the right moment for this move in my career. I'm very honored for being chosen as the champion of their vision for Brazil."

“

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We believe PBL gives students a more engaging environment for the development of autonomy and problemsolving skills.

Mission

Talking about the team that he has assembled at the school, Thiago shares, "We are a group of diverse talents who share a common passion for education and learning. Whether we are building lesson plans, platforms, or partnerships, our passion for enriching the human experience drives us to continue putting our students at the center of their educational journey."

Active Teaching Methodology

With the use of Project-Based Learning, the school has established an active teaching methodology, which helps students interact with real-world problems, fortifying their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

To change the lives of young people by creang educaonal opportunies that encourage and engage.

Vision To provide quality and customizable educaon to the world through innovave technology and programs designed to help teachers teach and learners learn.

Speaking of the impacts project-based learning has had on schools, Thiago says, "We work with thousands of students daily, and the positive impact of PBL on their lives in and out of school is evident. The feedback we receive from parents is overwhelming, who notice their child's improved communication skills, ability to express themselves creatively, and sense of independence on their learning journey, essential to their future endeavors."

Preparing Students to Meet International Standards Way American School is a high school program providing a US curriculum

that closely adheres to international curriculum standards, preparing students to attend universities in the US and abroad. Regarding student's global opportunities, Thiago mentions, "Our American High School program allows students to become more wellrounded - something international universities are always looking for and encouraging. Students have a deeper knowledge and understanding of the English language as well as many other cultures."

He further adds, "For students interested in attending college abroad, our program increases the chances and opportunities to do so. Our results

As Centric Learning and as WAY American School, we are changing the way people learn for the beer. “

show how successful this approach has been for Brazilian students, with average SAT scores around 1300 points and an average GPA over 3.7, even as ESL learners."

A Holistic Centered Approach

The CENTRIC Platform hosts a curriculum that is formed on the basis of more than 900 interdisciplinary projects that cover all the subjects from Middle School to High School.

"All content is developed by Centric Learning’s own certified subject area specialists in the USA. Our projects prepare and equip students to face the challenges of the 21st century, learning through collaboration, engaging in problem-solving, and leading by influence. All in a non-competitive environment that fosters their autonomy while ensuring they obtain full English proficiency," states Thiago.

st Developing 21 Century Skills

In this world where everything is highly competitive and fuelled by digitization, the need to stay relevant and develop the necessary skills st required for the 21 century is vital for students to move forward.

Awards

Centric Learning elected Top Distance Learning Provider in 2020

Centric Learning was named one of the 10 Most Promising K-12 Tech Companies of 2019

Beth

Baker elected Crain’s 2019 Notable Woman in Educaon

Leadership

Testimonials

Studying at Centric Learning is clearly the best choice I’ve ever made. I learned a lot both at school and in my personal life. If I can give advice to someone who is not sure if they should join Centric Learning, my advice is to enroll because you will have the best experience of your life.

WAY was something really special for me. It was a way to learn new things, pracce and master my English while sll having fun. In addion to giving the opportunity to make new friends, it also opens new doors, creang possibilies all over the world for people to study, work and many other things. Also, teachers are inclusive and well-prepared to teach various subjects. To sum it up, it’s worth the effort.

WAY was a springboard at this stage of my son’s life. In addion to presenng a new way of learning, the acquired knowledge and experience were fundamental in allowing him to adapt to the United States and in his American study roune. WAY was a beauful and fruiul experience for him. In addion to improving his English language abilies, the experience opened my son’s horizons to a new standard of living. It is a real investment for our children’s careers.

I can see how my daughter's development has improved with the methodology used in the program. I commend the iniave in carrying out individual acvies with my daughter. She arrived home delighted aer one of these acvies for having had the opportunity to read with the American teacher.

-Isabella More (Alumni)

-Bruno Adad (Alumni)

-Andrea Giro (Mother)

-Ana Paula Oliveira (Mother)

Advice to Future Educators

Educaon is moving from the tradional model, in which students only receive informaon in the classroom, to a model that places students at the center of their educaon. Through acve methodologies such as project-based learning and competency-based assessments facilitated by technology, students become the protagonists of their own learning experiences. Our focus needs to be on providing opportunies and developing new tools for all students to achieve success. This is probably the biggest challenge for educators in the near future.

-Thiago Reis

st

Explaining how the inclusion of 21 century, competency-based learning has helped to enhance the educational standards of the school, Thiago highlights, "Much has been said about st the need to develop 21century skills for young people that are going to face an unpredictable labor market, but little has been done to change how K12 education deals with this challenge. PBL provides an engaging solution for students by enhancing their technical learning, development of autonomy, and problem-solving skills."

Curating Opportunities for the Future

WAY American School is more than just a High School program. It provides unparalleled support for students' futures. Thiago says, "Our College Advisors work with students to identify their strengths and advise them on the best educational institutions and careers to focus on their academic

performance and skills, as well as their passions and dreams. They provide all the necessary support in the application process and taking selection exams from American universities, such as the SAT."

Asserting more on the innovative mentoring methods, he further adds, "WAY American School has also developed an innovative mentoring program that allows parents to closely monitor their children’s progress and provides students with the extra support when making decisions related to high school and their academic future, such as finding and defining the best colleges and universities to apply to."

Accreditation Cognia Accreditation Rating

In the year 2022, WAY American School has achieved a rating of 332.03 at the Cognia Accreditation evaluation,

WAY American School has also developed an innovave mentoring program that allows parents to monitor their children’s progress more closely and dynamically.

“

moving past its own record of 318.70 in 2017. Commenting about this accreditation, in particular, the school management says, "We remained above the average of the other institutions evaluated in the same network, which is 278.34–283.33. We are overjoyed and grateful to provide quality education to our students."

Scantron Test Results

In May 2022, students took the Scantron test for the second time, which aims to assess the performance of our students in the standards of the American curriculum components in Reading. 68% of students scored at or above the grades expected for students in the same grade in the United States. The Scantron results will serve as a basis for curriculum development and improvement.

SAT

Students at WAY American School Brazil have consistently scored above average on the SAT. The total national

average for the United States was 1060 in 2021, and WAY American School Brazil had a total average of 1274, which puts the school’s students in the top 15% of overall results. Moreover, four of the students are in the top 1% on the SAT, reflecting a great consistency in learning and education.

On a Mission to Transform Communities Stating in its mission and staying true to its vision, the WAY American School has always been on a mission to transform communities through educational means by providing the youth with the opportunities that encourage and engage them in holistic development. Envisioning the future of the school, Thiago asserts, "We want to achieve this by taking our programs to even more people and schools, focusing mainly on putting the students at the center of their own learning, making them more independent and more responsible for their success and their future."

Multilingual Education International Education

Paving the Way for

The world is so long lost in the translation from being better to best in the name of internationalism, that it has lost the main reason why it was started.

Ask yourself a question. What is Internationalism or basic international?

Well, the word literally translates to 'between nations' , well actually exchange between nations. But exchange of what? This modern world has made us slaves to the very devices you're reading this article on. Internationalism of globalisation was not just meant to be exchange of business, technology and information. Rather the idea of internationalism was put forth for the exchange of ideas, cultures, traditions, etc.

Though, it cannot be denied that the idea still has a very remarkable impact on the developing culture worldwide. And the significant change that it has bought in the normal lives of people is that people are now able to speak, understand, and even read and write 2-3 languages.

Looking at this developing arc of such an influential idea, education lies safely on the border line. Education has turned blaming into embracing and allowing cultures to understand and mould a person according to it. Today, quality and effective education is the reason that has translated quickly which allowed the current generation to witness humanity in its most harmonious times.

International Education – Bridging Boundaries Between Countries

Human being one of the most intelligent species to ever walk on the earth's face has recognised something transitional in its journey till now.

Being the trainer in disguise, humans has elaborated the education system in such a way that it not only allows the youth to know the past, but also understand the present and prepare for the future.

When humans started the formal schooling system, the idea of internationalism escalated quicky across boundaries bringing overseas country closer than ever. Today, the cultures all around the world are umbrellaed together, residing in the hearts of every country's heritage.

Keeping all the fact-based and diplomatic talks aside, it the cultural and language that has brought the world together. From the integral talks that develops, binds and connects the world together, international education also allows the youth to learn the same in more than one language.

And just like the beauty of arts, language is an art in itself and our history is the proof that allows them to

be the linking thread between all the leading countries across the world.

Multilingual Supremacy –Advantages

When a person knows more than one language, the boundaries between communication can crossed easily. It not only allows the person to under the other person from a completely different culture in a better and emphatic way, but also find a way to bridge the gap in a much simpler and sophisticated way.

Other than that, there are many advantages that can come with knowing a language. To list a few here are some benefits that multi-lingual education can have in paving the way for international education.

Building the Genesis Emphatic Nature

It's simple, when you go to a completely new place where you have to deal in a foreign language, it becomes difficult to understand and hence, the confusion for everything. However, when a person knows the language that is being used a medium of communication, a lot of things becomes automatically easier and more convenient.

Moreover, multi-lingual education is demanded by many parents around the world and for good reasons. Other than that, the studies also highlighted that the students learning more than one language are more emphatic and can understand the other humans on a very personal level.

Development of High-functioning Brain

Brain is one of those parts of the human body which is least understood and explored. However, scientists at least know how the brain functions, and depending on all the graphs and predicted students, learning more than one language can boost the brain functioning immensely.

Scientifically speaking, brain usually tries to understand the unknown things by trying to be translating it into known language. But removing the barrier of translation, most of the time is saved and the functioning of the brain increases. So, parents taking notes while choosing a school for your children, admit them into multi-lingual school for high brain functioning.

Connecting Communities

The basis of international education is to understand, know and indulge into them for the progression of humanity. Though business, money and economy have today formed a basis of

progression, but it is the language that seals the deal.

Moreover, business only flourishes in communities and what better way to connect with communities than to communicate with them in their own languages.

With the increasing nature of international education across the world, the demand of multilingual education is also simultaneously on the rise. With the core of internationalism and globalisation based on languages, it is somewhere setting the base for an international community. And concluding this thought with Keanu Reeves quote which says, "Muliculture is the real culture of the world – A pure race doesn't exist."

- Ashlesh Khadse