Christopher Harrington, Ed.D. Director of Virtual Education Services Bridges Virtual Education Services

Transcription

1 Director of Virtual Education Services Bridges Virtual Education Services Director of Professional Development blendedschools.net P e n n s y l v a n i a E d u c a t i o n a l Te c h n o l o g y E x p o a n d C o n f e r e n c e

2 28 state virtual schools in SY course enrollments annual increase Watson, J., Murin, A., Vashaw, L., Gemin, B., & Rapp, C. (2012). Keeping pace with K12 online learning: An annual review of policy and practice. Evergreen, CO: Evergreen Education Group.

3 full-time multi-district online schools continue to grow. states students in SY annual increase Watson, J., Murin, A., Vashaw, L., Gemin, B., & Rapp, C. (2012). Keeping pace with K12 online learning: An annual review of policy and practice. Evergreen, CO: Evergreen Education Group.

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5 A major shift in learning environments is underway. In Pennsylvania, a similar trend exists concerning the increase of student enrollments in cyber charter schools. In , exactly 32,324 students attended cyber charter schools which was a 16% increase from ,000 30,000 20,000 10,000 - Pennsylvania K12 Cyber Charter School Enrollment 27,779 32,324 22,398 24,603 19,769 15,885 12,603 9, Pennsylvania Department of Education. (2012). Public school enrollment reports. Retrieved from

6 blended schools, and blended programs in districts, are again a fast-growing and high-profile segment. Watson, J., Murin, A., Vashaw, L., Gemin, B., & Rapp, C. (2012). Keeping pace with K12 online learning: An annual review of policy and practice. Evergreen, CO: Evergreen Education Group.

7 who is driving this shift?

8 who is driving this shift?

9 Why are students choosing online learning? Flexibility of schedule Self-paced learning Enrichment opportunities Increased course load Individualized learning Accommodate work schedule Prepare for future experiences Social phobia Concerns about school safety Medical needs Behavior challenges Bullying Teenage pregnancy Care for family member(s)

10 it is no longer a question of why?

11 it is no longer a question of why?

12 How are we addressing the need? in a way that benefits our students academically? in a way that benefits our district financially? in a way that provides security for our teachers? in a way that makes our district academically agile?

13 they know that they need a solution!

14 School districts are responding Purchasing content and instructional services from 3 rd -party providers Purchasing content only from 3 rd -party providers taught by own teachers Developing own content taught by own teachers Combination of the above

15 Key elements of effective online/blended programs Program Evaluation Strategic Planning Learning Management System Marketing & Promotion Support Structures

16 Strategic Planning: Administrator and community support strategy Implementation process of Learning Management System (LMS) Program growth and sustainability strategy Professional development needs Support structures Academic Administrative Technology Program evaluation planning Funding needs

17 Support Structures: Roles and responsibilities - teacher, student, parent, mentor, counselor, administrator Attendance procedures Support process for special education students Technology policies and procedures Professional development plan Teacher supervision logistics Funding plan (projections)

18 Learning Management System (LMS): System evaluation/selection process Implementation management Coordination of system purchase Initial system configuration Professional development planning Course design Professional development Annual course review/revision process

19 Marketing and Promotion: Outreach program strategy Multi-year strategy Aligned to growth and sustainability strategy Development of outreach materials Website Local cable television programming Brochures/mailers blasts End-of-year evaluation of outreach program effectiveness

20 Program Evaluation: Data collection and analysis Student experience Teacher experience Parent experience Cost/benefit analysis Retooling for the next school year Develop implementation plan (for changes based on data analysis)

21 Concerns about quality Consider the current research Include best practices in course design and course facilitation Strive for excellence through regular course review and revision

22 Typical costs associated with online/blended programs: Expense Description Creating Program Maintaining Program Course content Yes Yes Professional development Yes Yes Learning management system (LMS) Yes Yes Computers Maybe Maybe Textbooks, materials, computer peripherals Maybe Maybe Internet reimbursement Maybe Maybe Staff Administrator Teachers Support staff Facilities Maybe Maybe Consultation fees Maybe Maybe Yes Yes

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24 Creation or improvement the key elements are the same! Strategic Planning Support Structures Learning Management System Marketing and Promotion Program Evaluation Administrator and community support Growth and sustainability Professional development Academic and administrative supports Attendance Professional development Counselor procedures Progress monitoring Special education System evaluation and selection Implementation management Professional development Course design support Outreach strategy aligned to growth and sustainability strategy Development of outreach materials Outreach program evaluation Data collection and analysis Cost/benefit analysis Retooling for Years 2 and 3 Program evaluation Technology policies

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26 Start the conversation in your school. Do your homework research! Find your champion it won t happen by itself. Learn what works, and what doesn t work. Seek others who have traveled the road before you. Learn from the successes and mistakes of others.

27 Director of Virtual Education Services Bridges Virtual Education Services (267) Director of Professional Development blendedschools.net (717) P e n n s y l v a n i a E d u c a t i o n a l Te c h n o l o g y E x p o a n d C o n f e r e n c e