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