Contained on this page are the operating policies for Course Content & Instructional Design. All OnlineHS courses and instruction employ the following to ensure a quality academic experience.
STUDENT ENGAGEMENT
[DLD A 11: Opportunities for appropriate (synchronous and asynchronous) instructor-student interaction, including timely and frequent feedback about student progress.]
OnlineHS students have a variety of opportunities for appropriate instructor student interaction that is both synchronous and asynchronous.
The OnlineHS program prides itself in its outstanding staff members, and believes their consistent and daily interactions with each student is critical to both our student and program’s success.
The OnlineHS program is *not* computer aided instruction. Trained, e-learning expert teachers, have a high degree of interaction with every student, so that each student receives a personalized and individualized learning experience.
There are many ways the communication can occur between teacher and student. These communications can occur inside the course with course specific content and it can occur external of the course in a number of different ways.
Synchronous, instantaneous and timely communication includes: instant messaging and whiteboard sessions within the course. Students and teachers can also communicate via the telephone and text messaging
There are many ways that teachers and students communicate asynchronously. The primary method of external communication is via e-mail. Inside the course students and teachers can communicate via the blackboard messaging system and discussion boards
Students receive frequent feedback about their progress through comments left on assignments and accessible through the gradebook, through interactions in the discussion board, and through general announcements that all students receive upon entering the course.
In addition, each school’s counselors and Success Coordinators receive a weekly report of students that need assistance. These students receive invitations to meet face-to-face with OnlineHS staff members who visit the school and are on-site each week.
INTERACTIONS: STUDENT-TEACHER & STUDENT-STUDENT
[DLD A 12: Opportunities for appropriate instructor-student and student-student interaction to foster mastery and application of the material and a plan for monitoring that interaction.]
There are many opportunities for appropriate instructor-to-student and student-to-student interactions, to foster mastery and application of the material.
All online high school courses include formative assessments that receive direct instructor feedback prior to summative or unit final assessments. These occur in quizzes, discussion boards and in written assignments.
Every OnlineHS course includes multiple discussion boards so that students are working together, and with staff and interactively.
Online high school instructors maintain a constant presence in the online environment to monitor interactions between students.
ASSIGNMENT STRUCTURE
[DLD A 13: Assignments structured to require consistent effort and an appropriate amount of time for online interactions, study, and homework throughout the term.]
Assignments and assessments are spaced regularly through the course based on a 90 day semester term. All courses are constructed to provide 75 to 90 hours of instruction in order to meet the time requirement to award a half credit Carnegie unit.
While not all courses are sequential, it is critical that students maintain a regular and consistent effort, dedicating at least one hour per day in their online course to make regular progress and complete the course within the semester time frame.
A timeline is provided in each course that lists the assignments and due dates. This is duplicated in the gradebook for each student in each class as part of the learning management system and easily accessible through the “My Grades” hypertext link in the main menu in the left-margin.
ALIGNED TO OSPI ED. TECH. STANDARDS
[DLD A 14: Aligned as appropriate to OSPI’s Educational Technology Standards or the ISTE NETS 2007 (Students) standards.]
yes
MULTICULTURAL EDUCATION & INSTRUCTION
[DLD A 15: Multicultural education and instruction, incorporated as appropriate, that is accurate, current, and free of bias.]
Promoting diversity means acknowledging diversity, incorporating diversity into all levels, and demonstrating pride in cultural pluralism along with a sincere belief that diversity is desirable.
The OnlineHS is a program that operates under The Everett School District’s larger Strategic Plan which mandates:
Vision:
Our students will lead and shape the future.
They will be well-rounded, healthy, and flexible thinkers with a global perspective who can access resources and collaborate. They will demonstrate empathy, pride, and advocacy for self, school, and community while respecting the diversity and worth of others. They will acquire the knowledge, attitudes and skills to adapt to the emerging needs of a changing world.
Core Values
Our core values drive our actions and behavior
Diversity- We embrace diversity as an essential asset; we are inclusive and treat our differences as a core strength.
VARIOUS MODES OF COMMUNICATION
[DLD A 16: A high level of classroom interaction promoted by instructors using various modes of communication]
All OnlineHS instructors establish and maintain an active role in their classes with their students.
In conclusion, the OnlineHS program provides a myriad of options and opportunities for students and teachers to interact synchronously and asynchronously for student engagement:
Synchronous forms of communication
- face-to-face instruction weekly on-site at each school
- face-to-face instruction drop in at online high school
- face-to-face instruction by appointment with instructor at online high school or on high school site
- telephone
- instant messaging
- in class whiteboard
Asynchronous forms of communication
- messages inside the learning management system
- discussion boards
- formative assignments