ACCESS Distance Learning providingClassroom Courses and Teachers via Technology

For All Alabama Public High Schools

Helping Students Succeed

What is ACCESS Distance Learning?

A FREE Program Available to all Alabama Public High School Students (Grades 9-12)

ACCESS Provides: Equal Access to High Quality Instruction An Infrastructure That Delivers Quality Learning

Opportunities Greater Equity for all Alabama Public High School

Students Through Cutting-Edge Technology Wide Range of Courses Available to Relatively few

Alabama Students Today

Vision

The State of Alabama will provide equal access to high quality instruction to improve student

achievement through distance learning opportunities.

Mission

To provide an infrastructure that delivers quality learning opportunities for all citizens.

Distance Learning Course Delivery Methods

o Web-Based – Asynchronous

o Interactive Videoconferencing (IVC) - Synchronous

o Blended – Combination of Delivery Methods

Big PictureACCESS Delivers: Not Just Virtual Online Courses Not Just IVC Courses

But Utilizes: A Unique Blended Approach to Teaching and Learning

Utilizing 21st Century Equipment That Breaches the Disconnect Between the Traditional and Online Learning Environment Using Different Delivery Models.

Teachers and Students With 21st Century Skills Multimedia/Technology Tools to Enhance Instruction

Recent Developments

Legislative Funding for FY08—$20.3 Million

Awarding of 100 ACCESS DL Grants (Expansion III Sites)

Alabama Administrative Code Changes

Introduction of New Courses

How many 21st Century Classrooms have been

established?

170

What is essential to this 21st Century Classroom?

• Tablet Computers • Document Camera• Microsoft Office • DVD/VCR• Laptop Cart • Wireless Router• Printer/Phone/Fax • Interactive Whiteboard• Multimedia Projector • Headphones w/Microphone (1 per Computer) • USB Storage Device – 256 mg. Min. • Portable IVC Station (Including “Presenter,” Camera(s), Plasma Monitor, and Wheeled Cart)

Alabama Administrative Code Changes

Removed Restriction on Number of Credits Students can Earn Through Online Courses

Added Wording to Allow Normal School Day to Include Night School, Summer School, and Other Extended Day Periods

Added Language to Specifically Allow Homebound Students to Participate in Online Courses With the Approval of Local Superintendent

Alabama Administrative Code Changes

Added Requirement That Online Teachers be Highly Qualified in Content Area of Course Taught

Added Language to Allow Local Schools to Include Honor Points, Weighting, and Other Special Grade Considerations in Accordance With Local Policies

Increased Course Offerings

How many schools and students are already

participating?188 Schools Participating

7289 Student Enrollments From Summer 2006-Spring 2007 (6278 in

Courses and 1011 in AHSGE Modules)

Approximately 2400 Enrollments in 2007 Summer School

Approximately 4400 Enrollments in Fall 2007 (With an Additional 3300 in

AHSGE Remediation Modules)

Who provides support?

Next Steps

The ACCESS Plan for Years 2-5 Proposes the Establishment of 21st Century Classrooms in Every Alabama Public High School by 2010. • End of 2007—70 Sites • 100 Additional Sites in January 08 • 2010—All High Schools

What about students?

The ACCESS Plan Proposes to: Expand the number of students served to reach the goal of giving every high school student the opportunity to take at least one distance learning course during high school.2007—10,0002010—45,000

IMPACT: How can ACCESS help high schools—now?

“Advanced Diploma” Courses Advanced Placement or Dual Enrollment/Credit

Courses Basic Core Courses Remediation and Supplemental Resources Teachers with 21st Century Skills Multimedia/Technology Tools to Enhance

Instruction Leverage Existing Resources and Distance Learning

Offerings

Advanced Placement Courses

10 AP Courses Now Available89 Students Enrolled in 2006369 Students Enrolled in 2007

Core Courses Can Help Increase High School

Graduation Rate

Allow Students to Repeat Courses Failed and Stay “On Track” for Graduation

Allow Students to Repeat Only One Semester of a Course

Allow for Credit Recovery Options Provide Flexible Scheduling

Options Provide Remediation Materials

and Practice for the AHSGE

Future Addition of Other Courses (Including Career/Tech

Courses) Further Development of Blended Model Implementation of Teacher Mentoring Program Addition of More Virtual Field Trips Collaborations With Other Sections of the State

Department of Education ─ Special Education (DYS, Corrections) ─ Federal Programs (ELL) ─ Classroom Improvement (Credit Recovery, AP Program)

“Having the Distance Learning Lab has given our students a confidence that they can compete with other students . . .” (Denise Stovall, Principal, R. A. Hubbard High School, Lawrence County)

“My students think that they have reached heaven. One student said that he wanted to live in that lab . . . the other student next to him told me that this was his favorite class ever!” (Adina Stone, Latin I IVC and Online Teacher, Sheffield High School, Sheffield)

“What an exciting day! My students are so ‘ampt’ (in their words, not mine). They are excited to be part of such a unique program. I too am enthusiastic. Thanks for the great opportunity . . . Alabama now has a source to offer educators and students access to education of the future ... and the future is now.” (Samantha Smith, Creative Writing Teacher, Alma Bryant High School, Mobile)

Is it working?

“ACCESS has helped the Dallas County School System maintain and expand course offerings when we were either unable to recruit or fund a highly qualified teacher. Without ACCESS, students at my high schools would not have been able to participate in courses such as Advanced Placement Calculus, Latin, Shakespeare, etc. The ACCESS service delivery model has also helped educators become more creative and innovative in the delivery of quality curricula.” (Dr. Fannie L. Major-McKenzie, Superintendent, Dallas County School System)

Is it working?

Questions and additional information: Alabama Department of EducationTechnology Initiatives334-242-9594 334-353-5886 (Fax)http://accessdl.state.al.us

Contact Information