IDAHO DIGITAL LEARNING ACADEMY. 21st Century Innovation: Serving Idaho s Students, School Districts, and the State. strategic plan

Transcription

1 IDAHO DIGITAL LEARNING ACADEMY 21st Century Innovation: Serving Idaho s Students, School Districts, and the State strategic plan

2 2009 2

3 Strategic Plan 3

4 "IDLA is one of the real gems in Idaho's educational crown." -Representative Mack Shirley Idaho State House of Representatives,

5 Introduction The Idaho Digital Learning Academy (IDLA) is a state-sponsored, accredited, online virtual school created through the Idaho State Legislature (Title 33, Chapter 55) to provide Idaho students with greater access to a wide variety of courses taught by highly qualified faculty. IDLA was created as a public school-choice learning environment which joins the best technology with the best instructional practices and to address the education of all Idaho students: traditional, home schooled, at-risk, and gifted students. The goal of IDLA is to provide choice, accessibility, flexibility, quality, and equity in curricular offerings for students in the state (Idaho Code ). 5

6 Strategic Planning Process: History and Background This report is based on several planning sessions involving the Idaho Digital Learning Academy (IDLA) staff, leadership, board members, and outside stakeholders. In September 2008, IDLA held a strategic planning summit attended by representatives from Idaho school districts, the State Board of Education, the governor s office, the Idaho State Department of Education, universities, and other stakeholders interested in education in Idaho. The participants explored the broad spectrum of education needs in Idaho, and considered IDLA s strengths, risks, and opportunities in addressing some of those needs. The IDLA Board of Directors reviewed the input and generated the following mission, themes, and goals for related to students, districts, and the state. Mission The mission of the Idaho Digital Learning Academy is to serve the students, school districts, and State of Idaho by providing a high quality public school education, aligned with state achievement standards, utilizing innovative e-learning methods of delivery. Theme 1: Providing Educational Choice and Flexibility to all Idaho Students Goal 1: Ensure access to a highly qualified teaching staff that engages students through the use of best practices in e-learning. Goal 2: access for all students. Create opportunities for anytime, anywhere Goal 3: Advance student learning opportunities with rigorous and relevant curriculum and assessments. Goal 4: Continuous evaluation by students to improve teacher practices and IDLA programs. 6

7 Theme 2: Providing Service to the Unique and Diverse Needs of Districts Goal 1: Establish and increase flexible options for students and districts. Goal 2: Create a climate of responsiveness to district needs. Goal 3: Engage students, faculty, parents, and administrators in successful collaboration. Goal 4: Evaluate effectiveness in serving the unique and diverse needs of districts. Theme 3: Providing E-Learning Expertise to the State of Idaho Goal 1: Implement an effective support system for e-learning. Goal 2: Integrate IDLA resources and services to provide online learning for training and professional development. Goal 3: Communicate and promote educational opportunities available through e-learning. Goal 4: Establish an evaluation process to monitor and modify systems and programs to meet the changing needs of e-learning users. This document explores the themes and goals outlined in this section and provides background information about online learning and IDLA. This plan becomes the starting point to guide IDLA for the next three years, and the foundation for an implementation plan to provide high-quality educational opportunities for Idaho s students, districts, and the state. 7

8 The IDLA is a source for students at rural high schools in Idaho to be able to participate in classes that are not offered by their schools. It offers different classes with excellent teachers. - Cait, 15, Kendrick H.S. 8

9 What is Online Learning? By John Watson Online learning is growing rapidly across Idaho and the nation, as an increasing number of students and educators become familiar with the benefits of learning unconstrained by time and place. Online learning is expanding educational access and improving educational outcomes in numerous ways, including: Expanding the range of courses available to students, especially in rural schools, beyond what a single school can offer; Providing highly qualified teachers in subjects where qualified teachers are lacking; Providing flexibility to students facing scheduling conflicts; Affording opportunities to at-risk students, elite athletes, performers in the arts, dropouts, pregnant or incarcerated students, and homebound students; allowing them to continue their studies outside the classroom; Addressing the needs of the millennial student, as the online medium is consistent with these students expectations and interests; Increasing the teaching of technology skills by embedding technology literacy in academic content; Providing professional development opportunities for teachers, including mentoring and learning communities; Creating economies of scale and assisting district needs in challenging economic times; and Preparing students for a geographically dispersed, interconnected workplace where virtual team building and long distance collaboration skills will be critical. 9

10 Online learning has grown so significantly in recent years that the main issue in most states is no longer whether or not online learning is occurring but rather how it is being implemented. As of early 2009, nearly 90% of states have significant K-12 online learning programs, and several of the states that do not yet have large online programs are formally exploring online learning options. Keeping Pace with K-12 Online Learning: A review of state-level policy and practice, Available at 10

11 Idaho has been among the leading states in implementing online learning options, with the state-led Idaho Digital Learning Academy (IDLA) and numerous full-time online schools available to students across the state. IDLA offers supplemental online courses, ranging from Advanced Placement to credit recovery, to a wide range of students across almost all of Idaho s school districts, and will serve approximately 9500 enrollments in IDLA s courses allow students to learn essential 21st century skills by stressing self-directed learning, collaborative communication, time management, and technical literacy in the context of problem solving and global awareness. According to a recent survey by Education Next and the Program on Education Policy and Governance conducted by faculty at Harvard University, University of Chicago, and Brown University, 69% of the respondents are receptive to their children taking courses on the Internet. According to Project Tomorrow, students and parents expect education to be in line with the technology-rich, digital experiences in everyday life, the same way they interact with friends, family, work, and school research projects. In addition, parents and educators recognize that students will be better prepared to enter higher education and the workplace if they have gained technology literacy in school. Twenty percent of college students will take an online course and more than 30% of workforce training is done through online learning. 11

12 Although online courses are increasingly common, many people are not yet familiar with how students interact with teachers, other students, and educational materials using the Internet. Online courses use video, text, audio, simulations and other interactive tools that are delivered primarily via the Internet and accessed mostly by computers, although the use of smart phones and other mobile computing devices is increasing. Course content may be online or offline, with offline content usually being paper textbooks, as well as other books such as novels for an English class or journal articles for a science class. The type of course and teacher preferences determine to what extent certain features are used. An English course might rely heavily on online and paper text, a Spanish course might rely on audio clips so that students can hear proper pronunciation, and a biology course might use animations demonstrating cell division in a way that no paper This is the 21st century. Ours is a world of 24 hour news cycles, global markets, and text messaging. Our education systems should reflect the times we re living in. Rod Paige, former U.S. Secretary of Education textbook can match. Regardless of the instructional materials used, teachers remain the central part of learning in the online classroom. Online courses are far removed from computer-based training in which the student is working solely with the computer. Instead, today s online student is likely to be in constant contact with the teacher, classmates from around Idaho, and perhaps across the country. As we approach the end of the first decade of the 21 st century, accelerating technological changes are eliminating barriers of time and space, dramatically expanding connections and interdependencies across the world. Students are no longer competing just with other students across Idaho, but competing and collaborating with students from around the world. The 21 st century United States economy places more emphasis on information and services than manufacturing, making communication, technology, and critical thinking skills more necessary than ever. These changes are affecting education as well as the broad social landscape, and present opportunities to today s students that previous generations would have thought incredible. 12

13 All these trends point to an increase in the amount of learning that takes place online, whether that means distance education or greater use of Internet technology in the classroom. Certainly more teachers will use Internet resources and tools in their traditional classrooms, and fully online courses are an increasingly important part of the educational mix as well. Students are finding increased opportunity, flexibility, and convenience through online learning. Teachers are discovering a new way to reach students, many of whom were not successful in traditional schools and courses. Administrators are exploring ways to offer a wider range of courses to students and professional development opportunities to teachers. Online learning is spreading also because technology in education is an appropriate, and perhaps necessary, way to educate the many digital students of this generation. For this millennial generation, technology is an integral part of their lives, essential to how they find information, communicate, and entertain themselves, and they expect their education to be in line with their technology-rich experiences. 13

14 Idaho Ranked No. 3 According to Keeping Pace with K-12 Online Learning (2008), 34 states offer state-led programs or initiatives and 44 states offer significant online opportunities for students. Idaho was ranked third in the country in a survey of policy and practice nationwide by e.republic's Center for Digital Education. States were ranked regarding program type, enrollment in the state virtual school, growth, vision, policies, programs and strategies used to meet the academic needs of students. In addition, the survey included such policies promoting online student access, the existence of virtual charter schools, professional development for teachers in online learning, and college credit opportunities for high school students. The survey also weighted states higher if a state virtual school existed and analyzed enrollment data and program policies at the state virtual school. The top 10 national rankings are as followed: 1. Florida 2. Michigan 3. Idaho 4. Arkansas 5. Louisiana 6. New Mexico 7. West Virginia 8. North Carolina 9. Minnesota 10. Hawaii (Center for Digital Education, 2008) 14

15 Without IDLA I would not be able to attend school and do the things I get to do here like in a real classroom and interact with other kids and teachers. Everyone at IDLA are great people and the teachers are cool to work with. - Shawn, 15, Twin Falls H.S. 15

16 The Idaho Digital Learning Academy When many states were considering the potential of online learning for K-12 students, Idaho was actively designing and implementing a quality online education opportunity for all students. The Idaho Digital Learning Academy was first envisioned by the Idaho School Superintendents Association in 2001 and was established by the 2002 Idaho Legislature to provide Idaho students with greater access to a diverse assortment of courses and to highly qualified teachers. The first year of funding was provided by a generous contribution by the J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Foundation and subsequent years were provided by the Idaho legislature. In just seven years, IDLA has successfully accomplished this legislative intent with over 25,000 enrollments since its inception, 98% participation by Idaho school districts, and a third place national ranking for policy and practice in online learning. IDLA is an accredited school and works in collaboration with local schools and districts. Students register for IDLA through an existing public school. The local school and IDLA share the responsibility for student success. This partnership is a critical factor in the success of the students, districts, and IDLA in online learning. 16

17 Benefits to Students: Provides an extensive selection of quality courses beyond what many school districts can offer. Creates flexibility in scheduling and length of course. Supplies access to student-centered, engaged faculty trained in e-learning practices. Extends learning to the digital world, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Provides access to dual credit and advanced placement courses for college credit. Creates an opportunity to graduate early or recover credits. Benefits to School Districts: Adds 125+ courses including core, advanced placement, dual credit, foreign language, and elective courses. Offers sessions in 9-, 12-, and 16-week blocks. Adds 200+ highly qualified faculty to school districts. Adds rigorous Idaho standards-based curriculum. Adds advanced placement and dual credit offerings. Provides another opportunity for credit recovery students. Alleviates scheduling conflicts. Reduces costs for medically homebound students. Benefits to the State of Idaho: Provides the most advanced technology with the best instructional practices. Offers school-choice option for all students in the state. Supplies equity in curricular offerings. Provides opportunities for dual credit in all Idaho school districts in partnership with Idaho universities. Establishes an infrastructure for e-learning in all school systems. Offers online professional development for education professionals increasing timeliness of training and reducing travel costs. 17

18 IDLA Enrollments and Projections IDLA has experienced an average growth rate of over 50% per year. The following table and graph highlight the rate of growth and enrollments for each full year of course offerings. The first pilot classes offered in Fall 2002 and Spring 2003 served 860 enrollments. Semester Actual Actual Actual Actual Actual Projected Summer Fall Spring TOTAL

19 District Participation 98% of Idaho school districts participate in IDLA. Total Enrollments (Summer 2008-Spring 2009) Numbers reflect school district numbers. County lines and county names are also highlighted on map. Providing Options in Idaho s Schools IDLA was created as a school-choice learning environment (Idaho Code Chapter 55, Title 33) and also serves Idaho s public charter school students. Currently 87% of the secondary charter schools in Idaho participate in the Idaho Digital Learning Academy. Online learning also benefits the charter school community! 19

20 If it weren't for IDLA I wouldn't be able to pursue my career as a dancer. - Alia, 14, East Jr. High 20

21 Strategic Plan This section presents the key elements of the strategic plan including mission, strategic themes, and associated goals. The mission statement reflects IDLA s current and future focus to guide successful implementation of the plan. Mission The mission of the Idaho Digital Learning Academy is to serve the students, school districts, and State of Idaho by providing a high quality public school education, aligned with state achievement standards, utilizing innovative e-learning methods of delivery. 21

22 Strategic Theme 1: Students Providing Educational Choice and Flexibility to All Idaho Students Idaho Digital Learning Academy provides student choice, quality instruction of standards-based curriculum, and access for all Idaho students. This is provided by IDLA s highly qualified staff, delivered through 21 st century innovation, and guided by the mission to serve Idaho s students. The goals of this theme focus on supporting a learning environment which connects Idaho s students with some of Idaho s best teachers. Goal 1: Ensure access to highly qualified teaching staff that engages students through the use of best practices in e-learning. In recognition of the new digital generation of Idaho s students, the Idaho Digital Learning Academy is committed to creating interactive learning environments that engage students in the learning process. Quality learning experiences occur through connections with highly qualified teachers trained in current e-learning practices. IDLA will provide mentoring for online teachers and rigorous accountability practices to ensure successful outcomes for students. Goal 2: Create opportunities for anytime, anywhere access for all students. Digital learning environments do not have the same constraining boundaries of time and space of face-to-face classrooms. The IDLA classroom is open throughout the day, everyday at home, at school, and anywhere. All students, including those who are at-risk, gifted, special needs, and non-traditional have equal access to the opportunities provided by e-learning. 22

23 Goal 3: Advance student learning opportunities with rigorous and relevant curriculum and assessments. Standards-based curriculum and assessment is an integral part of Idaho s focus on accountability. IDLA is committed to offering digital curriculum and assessments that meet Idaho standards and also create meaningful, relevant, and rigorous learning experiences. Access to a variety of dual credit, advanced placement, and expanded course offerings for all students supports Idaho s educational goals of creating advanced learning opportunities and equity for underserved areas in Idaho. Goal 4: Continuous evaluation by students to improve teacher practices and IDLA programs. Student feedback ensures that IDLA continues to meet the needs of students. The digital generation demands learning opportunities that are challenging, relevant, and engaging. The input from students influences teacher practices, teacher evaluations, and IDLA curriculum. Continuous student evaluations ensure that IDLA will provide educational choice and flexibility for all Idaho students. 23

24 Strategic Theme 2: Districts Providing Service to the Unique and Diverse Needs of Districts The Idaho Digital Learning Academy recognizes school districts in Idaho face a multitude of challenges in meeting the needs of their students. The goals of this theme address the nature of these challenges and how IDLA partners with districts to pursue innovative means of addressing individual district needs. Goal 1: Establish and increase flexible options for students and districts. Twenty-first century learning allows for learning at any time and at any place. The needs of individuals and districts vary and create unique challenges. These diverse needs emphasize the importance of learning any time and any place. This goal allows IDLA to expand flexible options and choices in order to meet local school district needs. Goal 2: Create a climate of responsiveness to district needs. By identifying local district needs and applying best practice e-learning solutions, IDLA will create opportunities for districts and help address local challenges. New and emerging e-learning instructional practices will be introduced and implemented in local school districts. 24

25 Goal 3: Engage students, faculty, parents, and administrators in successful collaboration. In order to create a successful e-learning experience, a partnership between IDLA and the school districts is critical for success. The identified needs of students, faculty, parents, and administrators will be developed through ongoing communication and by continuous school improvement practices. IDLA will facilitate collaboration among districts to share successful implementation and best practices. Goal 4: Evaluate effectiveness in serving the unique and diverse needs of districts. Continuous school improvement will occur via a thorough evaluation process. IDLA will solicit informal and formal feedback from districts to determine effective delivery of services to increase responsiveness, collaboration, and flexibility. This process will guide IDLA s planning and priorities in serving districts. 25

26 Strategic Theme 3: State of Idaho Providing E-Learning Expertise to the State of Idaho IDLA fulfills a unique role in the state in implementing state standards through innovative e-learning. The goals of this theme focus on supporting a learning environment that provides professional development and other e-learning opportunities for educational and governmental agencies. Goal 1: Implement an effective support system for e-learning. IDLA recognizes that e-learning opportunities are expanding in Idaho and the need for identifying quality options exists. As the state e-learning expert, IDLA can aid the state in discerning quality learning opportunities and the systems of support necessary for successful implementation. The establishment of an effective infrastructure ensures a sustainable system for e-learning implementation. Collaboration throughout the state in curriculum, professional development, connectivity, hardware, software, and administrative support is essential in the process of building a sustainable framework to meet the e-learning needs of Idaho. Goal 2: Integrate IDLA resources and services to provide online learning for training and professional development. Creation of e-learning resources and services is critical for the establishment of a collaborative system for connecting and supporting teachers, districts, and the state. IDLA s expertise in e-learning creates an avenue by which high quality professional development can be offered. E-learning provides statewide opportunities for professional development any time and any place. It creates economies of scale, provides quality professional development in rural areas, and reduces travel costs. 26

27 Goal 3: Communicate and promote educational opportunities available through e-learning. IDLA will communicate and support educational opportunities through models of delivery and quality that embed new modes of learning and instruction with the integration of new technologies, blended learning models, online community partnerships, and the professional development needs of Idaho educators. IDLA is committed to providing e-learning expertise and promoting additional educational opportunities to the state. Goal 4: Establish an evaluation process to monitor and modify systems and programs to meet the changing needs of e-learning users. Continuous improvement and sustainability will occur through a process of evaluation and analysis. IDLA will establish a systematic model for monitoring, assessing, and examining processes to increase responsiveness and support. Statewide e-learning evaluations will vary based upon local needs and the digital systems available. 27

28 Thanks for giving me the opportunity to take honors courses on the internet! It gives me the freedom to have a schedule that fits what I want to do so I can make the transition to college easier next year! - Jessica, 18, Clark Fork High 28

29 Next Steps The creation of a strategic plan is only the beginning. The themes and goals in this document will be used by the Idaho Digital Learning Academy to plan and design specific strategies for successful implementation. All departments within IDLA will align current tasks into the strategic plan. The strategic themes are broad and applicable to the entire organization. The strategic plan will be shared with students, school districts, and state constituents. The leadership of Idaho Digital Learning Academy is committed to reviewing and adjusting the strategic plan based upon emerging needs and new technologies. Even though flexibility is needed in the years ahead, these strategic themes establish a forward-thinking direction for IDLA in service to students, districts and the State of Idaho. 29

30 Additional Resources Blended Learning: The Convergence of Online and Face-to-Face Education Connecting Students to Advanced Courses Online Exploring elearning Reforms for Michigan Going Virtual! Fast Facts About Online Learning Keeping Pace with K-12 Online Learning Laboratories of Reform: Virtual High Schools and Innovation in Public Education The Michigan Online Learning Report 2008 Michigan Virtual University National Standards for Quality Online Teaching 20Courses% pdf Socialization in Online Programs The Value of Collaborative Learning Solutions Using Online Learning for At-Risk Students and Credit Recovery NACOL_CreditRecovery_PromisingPractices.pdf Virtual Schools and 21st Century Skills 30

31 Thank you for your support. Because of it, I am able to graduate with the rest of my class, because I'm able to makeup missing credits. Thank you so very much. -Tiffany, 18, Idaho Leadership Academy 31

32 The IDLA internet based learning program has opened up doors to my future because it allows me to learn from the comfort of my very own home and hold a full time job while I'm completing my final high school credit. Thank you. -Chris, 17, Mountain Cove H.S. 32

33 Board of Directors Jim Norton, Chairman Superintendent Parma School District George Boland, Vice Chairman Superintendent Idaho Falls School District Gary Blaz Superintendent Cottonwood School District Dennis Gribble VP & Chief Information Officer Idaho Power Tom Luna/Rob Sauer State Superintendent of Public Instruction Deputy Superintendent State Department of Education Marcelle Morris Legal Administrative Assistant Hawley Troxell Law Curt-Randall Bayer Principal Boundary School District Steve Young Principal Jefferson County School District Strategic Plan Coordination and Facilitation John Watson Strategic Planning Facilitator Executive Director/Evergreen Consulting Donna Hutchison IDLA Chief Executive Officer Cheryl Charlton IDLA Chief Operating Officer Mike Caldwell IDLA Director of Supervision and Development Valerie Doherty IDLA Communications Specialist Ryan Gravette IDLA Director of Technology Laural Nelson IDLA Lead Principal and Regional Coordinator 33

34 Acknowledgments - Strategic Planning Participants Curt-Randall Bayer Principal Boundary School District Gary Blaz Superintendent Cottonwood School District George Boland Superintendent Idaho Falls School District Wayne Davis Executive Director Idaho Association of School Administrators Lisa Dawley Department Chair, Educational Technology Boise State / College of Education Karen Echevarria Executive Director Idaho School Boards Association Michael Field Idaho State Director USDA Rural Development Mike Friend Executive Director Idaho School District Council Ken Goldstein Regional Vice President K12 Blackboard Dennis Gribble VP & Chief Information Officer Idaho Power Matt Harr Teacher Twin Falls School District Steve Kann Co-Founder/Senior Vice President, Engineer Wimba Dustin Kuck Constituent Services Representative Office of the Governor Jim Lewis Superintendent Blaine County School District Teresa Luna Communications Manager Department of Administration Tom Luna State Superintendent of Public Instruction State Department of Education Strategic Planning Session September

35 John Miller Instructional Dean College of Southern Idaho Marcelle Morris Legal Administrative Assistant Hawley Troxell Law Jim Norton Superintendent Parma School District Mike Rush Executive Director State Board of Education Rob Sauer Deputy Superintendent State Department of Education Todd Schmid Regional Vice President K12 Blackboard Heather Smith Curriculum Specialist Idaho Digital Learning Academy Jacob Smith Director of Human Resources Idaho Digital Learning Academy Nancy Walker Associate Administrator Professional Technical Education Eric Wallace Regional Sales Manager Wimba Jeanne Wilfong High School Paraprofessional /Site Coordinator Horseshoe Bend High School Steve Young Principal Jefferson County School District Chuck Shackett Superintendent Bonneville School District Chance Spiker Senior Manager Wimba 35

36 Idaho Digital Learning Academy 1906 South Vista Avenue Boise, Idaho