blend, chop, puree – finding the right mix for k-12 online learning success

Blend, Chop, Puree – Finding the Right Mix for K-12 Online Learning Success

Tacoma Public SchoolsMichael FarmerShani Watkins

District Demographics

• Approximately 29,000 students K-12• 5 Comprehensive High Schools• 36 elementary schools • 9 middle schools • 5 comprehensive high schools • 14 alternative learning sites, including:– Tacoma School of the Arts – Tacoma Business Academy– Science and Math Institute– Tacoma Virtual Learning

Demographic Information1.30%

9.90% 1.80%

11.70%

17.10%

15.70%

44.40%

9.70%

Race/EthnicityAmerican Indian/Alaskan Native

Asian

Pacific Islander

Asian/Pacific Islander

Black

Hispanic

White

Two or More Races

Important Student Data

• 63.9% free/reduced lunch• 14.3% special education • 6.8% bilingual• 1.2% 504 plan

GRADUATION RATE:

4 year cohort – 61.7%

5 year cohort – 58.4%

Zone of Innovation

• Develop innovative methods for student success

• Close the achievement gap• Create learning opportunities outside borders• Provide innovative initiatives engaging

students in learning• An opportunity to create new learning

environments…

Creating the Mix…

Online and Blended Learning

Digital Communication Tools• Graduation Requirement

for all high school students

• Blended classroom environment

• Ninth grade class • Create online student

success• Facilitate independent

learning in live class for online coursework

Technology