Presenters:Randy Wood – Principal Melissa Brysh – Online InstructorMatt Ashlock – Online Instructor

APS Online High School

Aurora Public Schools

Aurora, ColoradoNovember 15, 2010

About Aurora Public Schools Aurora Public Schools is the sixth largest school district in Colorado and one of the most diverse.

Our more than 32,000 students come from over 100 different countries and speak more than 90 languages.

38% of our students are second language students. These students speak 95 different languages with 89% of this group being Spanish speakers.

63.4% of our students receive free and reduced lunch.

There are 55 schools in the district: 2 early childhood education, 28 elementary schools, 3 K-8 schools, 7 middle schools, 4 comprehensive high schools, 3 Pilot schools, 1 vocational/technical college, 1 gifted and talented K-8 school and 6 charter schools and one online high school.

The current total enrollment for Aurora Public Schools s 35,523 students. Our students are: Native American ...................................... 0.8% Asian ....................................................... 0.3% Black........................................................ 20.1% Hispanic .................................................. 50.6% White .......................................................24.1%

APS Online High SchoolA Blended Learning Approach in an Urban School District

APS Online High School

Inspiration A

APS Online High SchoolVision:

“Providing Students a Choice to be Successful” is the vision of APS Online. Many of today’s students require an educational experience beyond that of the traditional High School. APS Online provides that choice for those students who wish to pursue their high school education in an online environment. Students who wish to accelerate their learning or need the flexibility of an online program will thrive in APS Online.

APS Online High School:Purpose

The purpose of APS Online is to provide for a choice for Aurora Public Schools students who wish to pursue an online alternative to the traditional high school program. According to the Sloan Consortium, the overall number of K-12 students nationwide engaged in online courses in 2007-2008 is estimated at 1,030,000. This represents a 47% increase since 2005-2006. In Colorado alone the estimated enrollment for 2008-2009 is about 12,000, up from 9,200 the previous year. Many families across the nation and here in Colorado are increasing choosing online courses over traditional high school courses for a variety of reasons.

APS Online High School

“Educating the 21st Century Student in a 21st Century Classroom” is our mission. In order to properly prepare our students to meet the unique challenges of the 21st Century APS Online will provide the core academic rigor while at the same time preparing the student for an increasingly technological society.

21ST Century Skills Accountability and Adaptability Communication Skills Creativity and Intellectual Curiosity Critical Thinking and Systems Thinking Information and Media Literacy Skills Interpersonal and Collaborative Skills Problem Identification, Formulation and Solution Self-Direction Social Responsibility

*Partnership for 21st Century Skills (www.21stcenturyskills.org)

APS Online High School

• Challenges:– Building/Classroom– Staff– Computers, Internet, Filtering– Content– Students

APS Online High School

• Building– Commercial• Cost• Location Standards• Infrastructure• Simon Malls

APS Online High School

• Building– In house• Bond Money• Services• Security• Conversion back• Furniture and Office equipment

APS Online High School

• Staff– Teacher Contract v. Professional-Technical/Admin.• Hours• Days/year• Duties• Cost

APS Online High School

• Computers– Netbooks (Cost)– Internet Connection (Verizon)– Filtering (VPN)– Personal Computers

APS Online High School

• Content Adoption– Look fors

• Courses already developed• Interactive and stimulating• Learning based on best practices• Multimedia• Teacher Management

– Progress– Attendance– Parent Participation– Reports

APS Online High School

• Content– Education 2020• APS Pacing Guides• 22 credits/Concurrent licensing• Self Paced v Teacher Paced

Program HighlightsStudent View

APS Online High School

Rio Rancho Cyber AcademyRio Rancho, NM

Principal - Elaine K. Manicke

APS Online High School

• Advertising– Lurking in the lunchroom– Initial meetings at all high schools• Telephone communication

– Communication Plan• Print adds• Interviews

About APS Online HS APS Online High School currently has 125 students enrolled for 2010-11 with approximately 25

students on the waiting list.Native American ......................................0.9% Asian ....................................................... 0.9% Hispanic...................................................23.6% Black.................................................. ……30.0% White ......................................................44.5%

Males ……….33%Females…….77%

Grade LevelsSeniors………….66.4% (73)Juniors ………….23.6% (26)Sophomores.....7.2% (8)Freshman………..2.7% (3)

ProgramsGifted………………7.2% (8)Truancy Flag ……60% (66)SPED.................4.5% (5)ELA…………………..8.2% (9)Homeless………….0.9% (3)

APS Online High School

APS Online High School

Process for students• Students complete work at home– Attendance online

• Classroom time– Attendance face to face

• Online Interaction

APS Online High School

(see survey question) StudentsAccelerated Learning Location Evening Hours Credit Recovery Flexible Schedule Teacher Accessibility

Size of School Peer Interactions/Conflict Management Physical/Health NeedsUse of Technology OutsideEmployment Family Obligations

APS Online High School

Students9/23

11/23

APS Online High School

Students

APS Online High School

• Evidence of Success– Courses completed

• 2010 Semester 1 257• Summer School 87• 2010 Fall Quarter 340

– Growth• 50/100/125/150

– Graduation• 6 (12%)

APS Online High School

From: Shayna PadillaSent: 10/21/2010 9:47:50 PMTo: Randy Wood; Subject: my online school progress

So far, it's been a tad difficult. adjusting to becoming my own teacher for my education. But ultimately, i believe this will help me stay focused and eventually receiving my High School diploma.I just wanted to say thank you again for accepting me into your school and giving me the tools to change my out look on my own future.I hope to keep you in my life as far as my educational development will take me.Enjoy your vacation, you deserve it :)

-Shayna Padilla

APS Online High School

• Odds and Ends– Counselor per hourly basis– Content specialists per hourly basis(Classroom and

Online hours)– ACT Testing/CSAP– Class Projects– Yearbook– Senior Pictures– Graduation and Diplomas

APS Online High School

• Next Steps:– Expand course offerings

• Fine arts, electives, foreign language, physical education– Multidistrict Application (+ and -)– RTI– Counseling– Satellite schools– Grants– Entrance Criteria refined

APS Online High School:Survey Results

• On keeping students in school: 20 students would be drop outs

• On Self-Paced Classes: I love the fact that I was able to find a school that allows me to get the remaining credits I need to graduate in half the time.

• On Classroom Time: I like being able to learn on my own and also go in to see other kids ((: