Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment
FEBRUARY, 2014
Curriculum, Assessment and Instruction
NEWSLETTER
2013 ~ 2014
A Message from Heidi... Dear Staff, While the outside may be cold, inside the district we are staying very warm. Each newsletter that I write, I am amazed and thrilled with everything we are accomplishing. Please take a few minutes to learn what is happening in the CIA department. As always, please feel free to contact me with any questions, concerns, or praise.
21f Online Legislation
2
HS Scheduling
2
Math Update
3
Learning Options
4
Technology Professional Devel- 4 opment
Side note!! I recently got married, hence the new last name; Mercer, formerly Kast.
ELA Department
5
Adult Ed./Ed. Op-
6
On-line Enrollment 6 Heidi Mercer Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum, Instruction
Schools of Choice
7
SkyDrive
8
and Assessment
attachments Follow us on Facebook!!! Click on the FB link below to get the most current Lake Orion Community Schools’ information on events, news, cancellations, announcements, etc.
1. 2.
https://www.facebook.com/LakeOrionCommunitySchools
DIA Early Childhood Programs
FAMILY FUN
3.
21f PowerPoint
4.
Online Learning Vocab
Need a break from the snow and cold weather? Take a family field trip to the Detroit Institute of Arts.
There are several pro-
grams and exhibits that are sure to interest everyone of all ages. General admission is free for residents of Oakland, Wayne and Macomb Counties. opportunity.
Take advantage of this great SEE ATTACHMENT 1
Curriculum, Assessment and Instruction Page 2
21f Online Legislation Prior to the start of second semester districts are now required to allow students in 5-12 grade to take up to two online courses at district expense. There are many guidelines and procedures that accompany this newly implemented legislation. Simply put, it is in Lake Orion's best interest for both students and staff to develop our own online courses. Recently, Rick Messick (high school teacher) was provided time in his teaching day to facilitate the development and implementation of online high school courses for LO. Rick is also working with Drew Towlerton to continue to build and strengthen our blended learning opportunities in which we have already seen student success. Rick has completed two intensive training programs on Blended/Online Learning, How to Teach Online and Blended Learning in the Classroom. He has facilitated numerous online classes. He developed and facilitated a six-week summer online pre-algebra program which was piloted by the district last summer. Rick is currently one of the Blended Learning in the Classroom instructors for Oakland Schools and sits on the Advisory Board for MACUL's Special Interest Group on Professional Learning. In the near future, a survey will be given to students in grades 8-11 and high school and middle staff to gather input regarding which
classes show promise for development as online learning opportunities. Additional research will also be conducted to refine a list of classes that would be best to offer online. A small number of classes will then be selected to develop online courses for the fall of 2014. Additionally, a teacher training program will be developed and implemented to create and deliver online courses. Previously offering blended learning courses has provided Lake Orion a great jump start to offer fully online courses. More information will be provided as we embark on the latest educational opportunities for our students. Online learning also has the potential of being a strong revenue source for our district. We have a group of teachers that are excited and have already taken steps to educate themselves about online learning. We are looking to expand this group and use our LO staff and curriculum should our students wish to pursue this educational venue. If you have questions, concerns, or interest please contact Heidi, Drew, or Rick. Attached is a Powerpoint that does a nice job of summarizing Section 21f. Also attached is a vocab sheet explaining the different types of online learning. ATTACHMENTS 3 AND 4
HIGH SCHOOL SCHEDULING This year the high school used Career Cruising exclusively for scheduling. Students were required to log onto the site and make their course selections. This was extremely successful as 90% of students schedules are in the system, whereas in past years this percentage was in the 20% range.
There
is still a ton of work to be done with scheduling however, this is very positive in the planning process.
February, 2014
Page 3
Update: You may remember the “freeze” on funding for the Common Core State Standards in Michigan, which was lifted about two months ago. The next “freeze” we need to see lifted is not just our weather, but the endorsement of the Smarter Balanced Assessments that are ready to be implemented in the Spring of 2015. The funds to support the standards were freed on the condition that the Department of Education would conduct a study of the various assessments available to the state. This report is available at http://www.michigan.gov/documents/mde/ Common_Core_Assessment_Option_Report_441322_7.pdf This report concludes: "[Smarter Balanced] remains the only viable option that can satisfy all of the multiple needs for test security, student data privacy, a Michigan governance role, Michigan educator involvement, minimizing local burdens, cost effectiveness, Michigan access to all data to allow for verification, and so on." As of today (2.7.14), the funds for this assessment are not yet “unfrozen” and we will keep you updated on any changes. The State of Michigan is still under contract with SBAC and has no Math or ELA MEAP for the Fall of 2014. Upcoming PD
Puzzle of the Month
K-5 Math Expressions Training: on March 14th all elementary teachers will participate in a full day of Math Expressions Training. This will be by grade level and we will be focusing on routines, fluency, and math background. More details on times and location will be coming soon.
K-5 Think Central Training: Creating a class--You can create and manage classes, assign students to them, and define a library of available resources. Making groups--You can create, name, and manage groups quickly to assign assignments to specific students in your classes Getting students logged in—Getting students logged in for the first time and view their resources and assignments Assigning groups leveled practice—assign students digital practice, along with an assessment, management, and reporting system to keep track of progress Assigning tests and quizzes—assign digital assessments and print reports for progress monitoring. Much more… This training will be a series of video podcast that will have easy to follow instructions. These will be ready the week after the winter break!
Which circle totals are possible? Which ones are not? What is your mathematical reasoning? To see a solution go to: http://donsteward.blogspot.com/2012/04/olympic-rings.html
K-5 Teachers: Need something for students to do during WINTER BREAK? Check out these math activities around the winter Olympics. You can choose to have kids enter the contest, have the contest in your own classroom, or just do it for fun! Add this to your newsletter. http://olympicschallenge.gregtangmath.com/ Secondary Math and Science:
Science of the Olympic Winter Games
This site has short video clips and lessons plans to help explain the science behind the sport! NBC Learn, the
educational arm of NBC News, has teamed up with the National Science Foundation (NSF) to produce Science of the Olympic Winter Games, a 16-part video series that explores the science behind individual Olympic events, including Downhill and Aerial Skiing, Speed Skating and Figure Skating, Curling and Hockey, and Ski Jumping, Bobsledding and Snowboarding. http://www.nsf.gov/news/special_reports/olympics/
Curriculum, Assessment and Instruction Page 4 Page 4
LEARNING OPTIONS/ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION UPDATE
At the end of the first semester, Learning
third term, five students have already
Options is happy to share that enrollment is
graduated early from Learning Options
at its highest in the past decade.
with an additional nine scheduled to
So far
during the 2013/2014 school year, Learning
graduate early in April.
Options has provided an alternative path to
tions is also proud to announce that we
a high school diploma to 81 total students
already have a number of our early
including both students from within Lake Ori-
grads who have enrolled and started
on and those who have come to us through
classes at the college level.
the district’s Schools of Choice program. these students, 34
Learning Op-
Of
are seniors who are on
track for graduation in June.
As we enter
INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNOLOGY PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT DAY JANUARY 20, 2014
The Lake Orion TechnoDragons started a year ago for the purpose of using Lake Orion staff as experts to assist our staff needing help with
Moodle, Smart Board training,
Weebly, Office 365, iPads, and other technology,
LO
etc.
The TechnoDragons created 49 different instructional technology workshops for the January 20th Instructional Professional Development day, covering a myriad of instructional technology topics.
500 teachers, administra-
tors, and instructional support staff attended sessions offered throughout the morning. The topics
addressed were selected based
on feedback gathered from staff on an instructional technology survey sent out in the Fall of 2013. The workshop was a huge success.
Many
thanks to all involved in organizing this event and sharing their technological expertise.
Above: Some TechnoDragons in action
February, 2014
Page 5
FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS
Spotlight on the Standard . . . . Argument Writing in Lake Orion Community Schools The Common Core State Standards place new emphasis on argument writing. Argument writing includes book reviews, restaurant reviews, letters of complaint, personal essays, historical essays, letters to the editor etc. Understanding the trajectory of learning argument writing is important in supporting your child’s growth and development as he or she becomes a proficient real world author. Lake Orion students work on argument writing in kindergarten through twelfth grade. Each year students focus on grammar, mechanics and spelling essential to that grade but their work doesn’t stop there! Students are also working on how to craft the kinds of papers that they will one day write in college and even in life. Learning the craft of argument writing can help a learner navigate a college paper on the bloodiest battles in World War II, craft a presentation for work on the most cost efficient way to produce a product or write a letter to a company in order to secure a refund for poor craftsmanship. An emphasis on argument writing really does prepare our students for their futures, regardless of the path they choose. Argument writing encourages students to have a voice in their community and participate in democracy as an active participant. In kindergarten through second grade this writing is referred to as opinion writing. Beginners are asked to express their opinions or preferences for things. This is done through oral language and through drawings with lots of details. Students begin by writing letters to their parents and principals requesting a change in their home or school. They generate a reason (sometimes more than one) why they are requesting this change. By the end of second grade, students are already stating their opinion, supporting their opinions and providing a conclusion. Students are not only doing this work with personal topics like why their parents should buy them a dog but also topics like arguing a book is their favorite. In later elementary, students in third through fifth grades learn how to structure their argument essays in a way that makes their claims stronger. They add more details, use more powerful vocabulary and learn to construct powerful conclusions. Kids will work with hot topics like serving chocolate milk in school and literary topics like defending their choice for a theme in a piece of literature. Students are developing into essayists. By middle school, crafting argument writing becomes more sophisticated. Students grow their understanding of argument writing by learning to write in the style that matches their audience. Focus is also placed on using credible sources with accurate information. Students are learning to develop counter arguments or opposing viewpoints. The work in middle school ranges from arguing for or against school rules to writing literary essays. Middle school students also use argument writing as a vehicle for learning in science and social studies. They write paragraphs and papers that require they make claims and use data, primary and secondary sources to defend their answers. Ultimately, even our high school students craft argument papers with increased sophistication, structure and vocabulary. They learn to choose relevant information, anticipate the reader’s knowledge and bias and create cohesive pieces that include the claim and counter claim seamlessly. Our high schoolers’ work is evidence of their preparedness for the years yet to come. Kate Dimeo, Ed.S. K-12 Literacy Coach and Educational Consultant Lake Orion Community Schools
Curriculum, Assessment and Instruction Page 6
ADULT EDUCATION AND EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES DEPARTMENT ENGLISH AS A SECOND
NEW GED TEST
LANGUAGE (ESL) TESTING
There is a new GED test now.
All English Language Learners will be
The test is totally on the com-
taking the WIDA ACCESS test this
puter.
spring. This is a new test this year. It
Pearson Vue authorized testing
replaces the ELPA, English Language
center.
Proficiency Assessment.
tion is an authorized site, located
Each student
It must be taken at a Lake Orion Adult Educa-
that is qualified as a Limited English
at CERC.
Proficient (ELP) student regardless of
sions available almost every
receiving direct ESL services must be
week.
assessed. The testing window is Feb-
available at www.ged.com. There
ruary 10—March 28. Each ESL teacher
are 4 parts to the test; language
is making arrangements in each of
arts, math, science, and social
the buildings for each student to take
studies.
the test.
tion does have preparation clas-
The test assesses English
There are testing ses-
On-line registration is
Lake Orion Adult Educa-
Language reading, writing, speaking
ses available.
and listening skills.
mation call 248-693-5436 #2.
Parents will re-
For more infor-
ceive the results in the early summer.
Lake Orion Launches NEW Online Enrollment Process!!! Beginning last week online enrollment for new students just entering Lake Orion
Community Schools became availa-
ble to families wishing to enroll their children for the 2014-2015 school year. A link on the homepage of our district website will provide access to online forms which can be completed for each newly enrolling student.
Once the
online information has been submitted, parents must make an appointment with the Central Enrollment office to provide the necessary documentation in person. Only after that documentation is presented will the enrollment process be complete.
February, 2014
Page 7
LAKE ORION SCHOOLS OF CHOICE PROGRAM SUMMARY
2014-2015
Lake Orion Community Schools will be accepting students on a limited basis for the 2014-2015 school year for Developmental Kindergarten, Grades K-8, and Learning Options. Board approved SOC in grades K-8 where there is existing space available not to exceed 5% of the total K-5 elementary population and not to exceed a total of 5% at each middle school. SOC will assist to stabilize staffing, existing programming and improve staff morale. SOC is authorized by the School Board on an annual basis. Lake Orion middle schools have the most available spots. The middle school concept incorporates dedicated instruction for students that are struggling. Specific buildings, grades, and numbers of available openings will be determined prior to the SOC application window in the spring, April 14 – May 13. SOC applications are tentatively planned to be available beginning the week of April 1. Applications will be available on our district website, at the Central Enrollment Office located at CERC and any school building. Applications will not be accepted prior to the application window. Applications must be hand- delivered to the Central Enrollment Office. Applications will not be accepted after the application window. For more information, please visit our website or call Nancy Limback at 248-814-0215.
2013-2014-First Year
LO accepted students in grades K-2 and Learning Options. 54 SOC students enrolled from various districts: (Avondale, Brandon, Chippewa Valley, Holly, Oxford, Pontiac, Rochester, Romeo and Waterford). Applications for Learning Options were available for second semester, January 6-17, 2014. Initial feedback from principals has been positive. SOC students are handled the same as students that move into our community. Adding SOC students is actually easier to manage because the district sets the timeframe, whereas a move-in can enter at any point.
Additional Background
25 out of 28 districts offer SOC (Novi, Rochester and Bloomfield Hills do not). There are specific procedures that must be followed for SOC. These procedures are found in The State School Aid Act of 1979 388.1705. A district may refuse to enroll a non-resident applicant if any of the following are met: * The applicant is or has been within the preceding two years, suspended from another school; * The applicant at any time before enrolling has been expelled from another school; and, * The applicant at any time before enrolling has been convicted of a felony. There are two parts to SOC. Section 105 is for non-resident students residing within the same intermediate district-within Oakland County. Section 105C is for non-resident students residing in a district located in a contiguous intermediate district-county that shares borders with Oakland County.
Curriculum, Assessment and Instruction Page 8
Check out SkyDrive Pro in your Office 365 Web Account! What is SkyDrive Pro? SkyDrive Pro is a cloud-based library that is included as part of your Office 365 account. SkyDrive Pro gives users a place for storing and organizing their work documents and other files, and since they are stored in the cloud, your files are accessible to you anywhere you have access to the Internet. Office 365 provides you up to 25 GB of storage space in your SkyDrive Pro library. To find out more about how to use SkyDrive Pro, please click on the link below: http://www.lakeorion.k12.mi.us/ userfiles/3/My%20Files/Files/ SkyDrivePro2.pdf?id=489699
SkyDrive Pro App A SkyDrive Pro sync app lets you synchronize your SkyDrive Pro library to your computer or other supported devices. To find out how to install go to the following link: http://www.lakeorion.k12.mi.us/ userfiles/3/My%20Files/Files/ SkyDriveProDesktopInstall.pdf?id=489702 For assistance, please contact your building tech.
See ATTACHMENT 2 for information on all of Lake Orion Community Schools including Infant/Toddler Care, Community Preschool, Pre-Kindergarten, Preschool Child Care, registration information, Head Start, School Age Child Care, and information on the upcoming Open House.
March 12, 2014 11:00 a.m.—1:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m.—6:30 p.m.
February, 2014
Page 9
Contact Karen Greening at 248-884-6759 if you are interested in purchasing a Kenwood 6 CD player and dual cassette deck .
Both work great!
CD
player $25 and tape deck $10 or both for $30.
Dumbbell Set w/rack and Flat & Incline Bench $250. Dumbbell set including 8, 10, 12, 15, 20 and 25 lbs. with stand-up rack. Flat and incline bench. Both used and in great condition. Contact Andrea Curtis: acutis@lakeorion.k12.mi.us
The Boscarino Agency
We specialize in protecting what is most important... You and Your Family. Are you paying more than $500 per year for homeowners insurance?
Frank Boscarino 40060 Hayes Rd. Clinton Twp., MI 48038
586-491-0118 “I would love to earn your business!” Specializing in home, auto, life, retirement, college savings plans, & health.
LEA Furniture: Bunk Beds cra ed from oak/natural tones/gently used. Set includes twin bed frames, de‐ tachable ladder, two removable guard rails and two under the bed storage drawers. Twin Ma resses too! $435.00 Contact Lisa @ lwesley@lakeorion.k12.mi.us
Crib, conversion kit and mattress pad for sale. Great condition; cherry color. $300. Dayna Daw (586) 484-1496 or ddaw@lakeorion.k12.mi.us
North Star is a Victorian home in the gaslight district of Petoskey, Michigan, which is on the National Register of Historic Places. This 2400 square foot home was built in 1920 with a huge front porch and beautiful woodwork. The second floor was used as servants quarters, so makes it ideal for multiple families with an extra full kitchen, dining area and living room. Four bedrooms - two with queen beds, two with full beds and bunk beds. Additionally, the attic has been finished into a kid's area with television, futons, and games. To make your stay even easier you'll have access to laundry facilities in the basement. Walk along the river, to the waterfront, and throughout the shopping district for unique finds and dining choices. Spend your days enjoying world class skiing, sledding, and ice skating in the winter, or swimming, playing golf, boating, canoeing, biking, fishing, walking, and more, in the summer. There is also a world class casino, Odawa, just a few miles away for gaming, dining, and shopping. Amenities include: outdoor fire pit and gas grill, balcony and covered front porch, wifi, two refrigerators, two stoves, two microwaves, coffee maker, toaster and toaster oven, blender, washer and dryer, ironing board and iron. City water and sewer. Dishes, glasses, silverware, pots and pans. Board games, cards, three televisions with dvd/vcrs, and Apple tv. Activities and Attractions: Minutes to Petoskey State Park, Boyne Highlands, Nubs Nob, Boyne Mountain, Odawa Casino, Little Traverse Wheelway bike path, Bear River for kayaking and fishing, Petoskey marina and beach, shopping and dining in historic downtown Petoskey and nearby Bay Harbor, Harbor Springs and Charlevoix. www.vrbo.com/318464
ATTACHMENT 1
COME WONDER AROUND FAMILY FUN AT THE DETROIT INSTITUTE OF ARTS PROGRAMS
EXHIBITIONS
Family Sundays Every Sunday at 2 p.m., enjoy a performance just for families. Puppet shows, storytelling, and more!
Watch Me Move: The Animation Show October 6, 2013-January 5, 2014 Tickets on sale September 16
Art-Making Workshops Family members can bring home their own masterpiece from our drop-in workshops, held every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Drawing in the Galleries Are you the next Van Gogh? We provide the tools and an instructor to guide adults and kids in creating pencil drawings every weekend.
Foto Europa: 1840 to the Present October 25, 2013-April 27, 2014 Balance of Power: A Throne for an African Prince November 19, 2013-March 16, 2014 Samurai: Beyond the Sword March 9, 2014-June 1, 2014
Free general admission for residents of Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties. Visit dia.org for info.
Hours: Tues-Thurs, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Fri 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. | Sat & Sun 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Monday.
TIPS FOR A STRESS-FREE MUSEUM FIELD TRIP Admission and bus transportation are FREE for Macomb, Wayne and Oakland counties.
PLAN AHEAD How long should our DIA visit last? You know your students better than we do, but plan for a visit up to 3 hours (that includes lunch). First time visitors or those with younger children, cut that time in half. The museum has more than 100 galleries. Pick an area to focus. Don’t try to do it all in one day. That way your students will want to come back for more. Should we stay for lunch? If you are interested in extending your visit, we have dining space available for bagged lunches with a reservation. Students are also welcome to buy lunches in Cafe DIA; average cost is $10-$15. How many students can I bring? We can accommodate up to 150 students per school per visit. If you want to bring more students, you will need to submit separate applications to accommodate your larger school group over multiple dates.
MAKE A RESERVATION When and how should I apply? Register early. Timeslots fill up fast! Please register online now to secure your preferred date and time (even if your visit isn’t until Spring). Applications must be received at least eight weeks in advance and are scheduled based on availability.
How do I get FREE transportation in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties? Free transportation is automatically included with your visit. You will receive a separate transportation email after you get your field trip confirmation. In order to process your transportation request, please respond promptly with your preferred bus option: Use your own school buses and the DIA will reimburse your district or The DIA will send a bus to you. We currently contract with DHT Transportation. These buses need to be back in Detroit by 2:00 so please keep that in mind when coordinating your visit.
WONDER AROUND Visit dia.org/educator, view museum visit guidelines, email studenttours@dia.org, or call 313.833.7981 for more field trip information.
ATTACHMENT 2
Early Childhood Programs
Early Childhood Office Hours: Monday - Friday • 8am - 4pm Community Educational Resource Center, 455 E. Scripps Road, Lake Orion, MI 48360 • 248-693-5439 Visit us online at www.lakeorion.k12.mi.us (under School Information) Programs to meet every family’s needs.
INFANT/ TODDLER
PRE KINDERGARTEN
COMMUNITY PRESCHOOL
Ages 6 weeks to 3 years Monday-Friday 6:30am-6:00pm Full Days
4 and 5 year olds Monday-Thursday AM and PM Sessions CERC and Orion Oaks
3 and 4 year olds Monday-Friday AM and PM Sessions CERC and Paint Creek 2, 3 or 4 days options
FOR ALL RETURNING FAMILIES...
NEW FAMILY “OPEN REGISTRATION SAVE THE DATE! Monday, March 24, 2014 from 7:00 am - 5:00 pm Early enrollment is recommended to receive desired program Parents: “Open Registration” is held at the Community Educational Resource Center For more information call 248-693-5439 or visit our website www.lakeorion.k12.mi.us (Click on Schools and select Early Childhood)
Come Take a Peek! Early Childhood Open House Thursday, March 6, 2014 5:30 - 7:00 pm Meet teachers and visit classrooms at CERC For more information please call 248-693-5439 www.lakeorion.k12.mi.us
3-5 year olds Monday-Friday 6:30am-6:00pm Full/Half Day
FREE PROGRAMS at CERC
2014-2015 Registration and kindergarten eligible children attending prekindergarten rather than kindergarten for the 2014-15 school year. Re-registration March 3-March 14
PRESCHOOL CHILD CARE
EARLY HEAD START Early Head Start combination home and center based program is a federally funded program for lowincome families with infants, toddlers and pregnant women. Call for information 248-693-5687
HEAD START Head Start is a federally funded program for low income families with children who will be three or four on or before October 1st. Call for information 248-693-5687
GREAT START READINESS PRESCHOOL (GSRP) A state funded preschool for children who will be four on or before October1st and who qualify. Call for information 248-693-5439
(Click on Schools and select Early Childhood)
SCHOOL-AGE CHILD CARE Grades K-5 • Monday-Friday • 7:00 am - 6:00 pm Blanche Sims 248-693-5460 x 2440
Webber 248-391-5472
Carpenter 248-391-5483
Stadium Drive 248-690-8222
Orion Oaks 248-393-0016
CERC 248-693-5439
Paint Creek 248-814-1727
(Additional days of care)
Pine Tree 248-693-5454
www.lakeorion.k12.mi.us (Click on Schools and select Early Childhood)
Page 4 • Winter 2014 • To register, call (248) 693-5436 #1
Something for the entire family!
ATTACHMENT 3
(31 Pages)
Expanded Online Learning Options 21f Legislation Pupil Accounting Section 5-0-D Barbara Fardell, MDE FardellB@michigan.gov 517-335-1291
Is a MOOC in Your Students’ Future? Massive Open Online Course Universities offering MOOCs. • • • • • • • •
Harvard UC Berkley UCLA Yale MIT MSU U of M and many, many, more
THE STATE SCHOOL AID ACT OF 1979 (EXCERPT) Act 94 of 1979 (1) A pupil enrolled in a district in any of grades 5 to 12 is eligible to enroll in an online course as provided for in this section. However, this section does not apply to a pupil enrolled in a school of excellence that is a cyber school, as defined in section 551 of the revised school code, MCL 380.551. (2) With the consent of the pupil's parent or legal guardian, a district shall enroll an eligible pupil in up to 2 online courses as requested by the pupil during an academic term, semester, or trimester. It is the intent of the legislature to consider increasing the limit on the number of online courses that a pupil may enroll in beginning in 2014-2015 for pupils who have demonstrated previous success with online courses. Consent of the pupil's parent or legal guardian is not required if the pupil is at least age 18 or is an emancipated minor.
Important Note: There is a difference between what districts can do (permissive) in the area of online learning, and what they are required to do under Sec. 21f
Important Note: Sec. 21f is independent of the policies and regulations that govern a school of excellence that is a cyber school and the MDE approved Seat Time Waivers
THE STATE SCHOOL AID ACT OF 1979 (EXCERPT) Act 94 of 1979 (3) An eligible pupil may enroll in an online course published in the pupil's educating district's catalog of online courses described in subsection (7)(a) or the statewide catalog of online courses maintained by the Michigan virtual university pursuant to section 98. (4) A district shall determine whether or not it has capacity to accept applications for enrollment from nonresident applicants in online courses and may use that limit as the reason for refusal to enroll an applicant. If the number of nonresident applicants eligible for acceptance in an online course does not exceed the capacity of the district to provide the online course, the district shall accept for enrollment all of the nonresident applicants eligible for acceptance. If the number of nonresident applicants exceeds the district's capacity to provide the online course, the district shall use a random draw system, subject to the need to abide by state and federal antidiscrimination laws and court orders.
(5) A district may deny a pupil enrollment in an online course if any of the following apply, as determined by the district: (a) The pupil has previously gained the credits provided from the completion of the online course. (b) The online course is not capable of generating academic credit. (c) The online course is inconsistent with the remaining graduation requirements or career interests of the pupil. (d) The pupil does not possess the prerequisite knowledge and skills to be successful in the online course or has demonstrated failure in previous online coursework in the same subject.
(5) A district may deny a pupil enrollment in an online course if any of the following apply, as determined by the district: (Continued) (e) The online course is of insufficient quality or rigor. A district that denies a pupil enrollment for this reason shall make a reasonable effort to assist the pupil to find an alternative course in the same or a similar subject that is of acceptable rigor and quality. (6) If a pupil is denied enrollment in an online course by a district, the pupil may appeal the denial by submitting a letter to the superintendent of the intermediate district in which the pupil's educating district is located. The letter of appeal shall include the reason provided by the district for not enrolling the pupil and the reason why the pupil is claiming that the enrollment should be approved. The intermediate district superintendent or designee shall respond to the appeal within 5 days after it is received. If the intermediate district superintendent or designee determines that the denial of enrollment does not meet 1 or more of the reasons specified in subsection (5), the district shall allow the pupil to enroll in the online course.
(7) To offer or provide an online course, a district shall do all of the following: (a) Provide the Michigan virtual university with the course syllabus in a form and method prescribed by the department for inclusion in a statewide online course catalog. The district shall also provide on its publicly accessible website a link to the course syllabi for all of the online courses offered by the district and a link to the statewide catalog of online courses maintained by the Michigan virtual university. (b) Offer the online course on an open entry and exit method, or aligned to a semester, trimester, or accelerated academic term format.
Question asked most often: I am a district with plans to move my current online program to our district catalog. I will not open up my catalog to non-resident students. Must I still submit the syllabi to the Statewide Catalog? Answer is: Yes, but only when it applies to 21f students.
Local & Statewide Catalogs Local Catalog
Educating District (resident)
Link on District Web Site
Statewide Catalog
Managed by MVU
Educating Districts (remote)
Student Options Local Catalog
Statewide Catalog
Pupil Choice (parental consent)
Payment (8) For a pupil enrolled in 1 or more online courses published in the pupil's educating district's catalog of online courses under subsection (7) or in the statewide catalog of online courses maintained by the Michigan virtual university, the district shall use foundation allowance or per pupil funds calculated under section 20 to pay for the expenses associated with the online course or courses. The district shall pay 80% of the cost of the online course upon enrollment and 20% upon completion as determined by the district. A district is not required to pay toward the cost of an online course an amount that exceeds 1/12 of the district's foundation allowance or per pupil payment as calculated under section 20 per semester or an amount that exceeds 1/18 of the district's foundation allowance or per pupil payment as calculated under section 20 per trimester.
Course Payment Ceilings For example, using the state’s minimum foundation allowance of $7,076 for the 2013-14 school year, a semester course could not exceed $589 and a trimester course could not exceed $393. These numbers are based on the state’s minimum foundation and could be higher based on each district’s per pupil allocations.
Access, Success, & FTE (9) An online learning pupil shall have the same rights and access to technology in his or her educating district's school facilities as all other pupils enrolled in the educating district. (10) If a pupil successfully completes an online course, as determined by the district, the pupil's district shall grant appropriate academic credit for completion of the course and shall count that credit toward completion of graduation and subject area requirements. A pupil's school record and transcript shall identify the online course title as it appears in the online course syllabus. (11) The enrollment of a pupil in 1 or more online courses shall not result in a pupil being counted as more than 1.0 full-time equivalent pupils under this act.
Online Course Definition (12) As used in this section: (a) "Online course" means a course of study that is capable of generating a credit or a grade, that is provided in an interactive internet-connected learning environment, in which pupils are separated from their teachers by time or location, or both, and in which a teacher who holds a valid Michigan teaching certificate is responsible for determining appropriate instructional methods for each pupil, diagnosing learning needs, assessing pupil learning, prescribing intervention strategies, reporting outcomes, and evaluating the effects of instruction and support strategies.
Syllabus Contains (i) The state academic standards addressed in an online course. (ii) The online course content outline. (iii) The online course required assessments. (iv) The online course prerequisites. (v) Expectations for actual instructor contact time with the online learning pupil and other pupil-to-instructor communications. (vi) Academic support available to the online learning pupil. (vii) The online course learning outcomes and objectives. (viii) The name of the institution or organization providing the online content. (ix) The name of the institution or organization providing the online instructor. (x) The course titles assigned by the district and the course titles and course codes from the national center for education statistics (NCES) school codes for the exchange of data (SCED). (xi) The number of eligible nonresident pupils that will be accepted by the district in the online course. (xii) The results of the online course quality review using the guidelines and model review process published by the Michigan virtual university.
Course Quality Review Process The guidelines and model review process draw from nationally-recognized best practices, national online learning standards (iNACOL), and State of Michigan content standards. This guidance is found on the micourses.org site.
Statewide Online Course Catalog The website allows districts to:
Register school users to manage their catalog offerings Add, edit, and delete course syllabi Advertise course offerings Search for course titles available by school district Does not provide enrollment/registration services www.micourses.org
Who May Add Courses to the Statewide Catalog? Per legislation, any LEA may add courses. In this instance, LEA definition also includes PSAs and ISDs.
Charging Parents/Families Unlike dual enrollment, if the cost of an online course exceeds 1/12th or 1/18th of a district’s foundation allowance or per pupil funding, districts cannot pass80% the(Enrollment) additional cost of the course on to the student’s family.
Approval of Online Courses? The Michigan Department of Education and Michigan Virtual University WILL NOT approve or reject any online courses before they are included in the statewide catalog.
Performance Data Beginning with the 2014-15 school year, the catalog will include: 1) The number of pupils enrolled in each online course in the previous school year; 2) The number of pupils who successfully completed each online course in the previous school year; 3) The completion rate for each online course.
More Than 2 Online Courses? Yes, the district has the option of applying for a seat time waiver from the Department (Sec. 5-O-B); or if the student is taking the online courses on-site with a certified teacher present, there is no limit on the number of online courses in which the student can enroll up to 1.0 FTE (Sec. 5-O-A).
Pupil Accounting Manual 5-0-D For each online course placed in a local catalog or in the statewide catalog by a local district, the course must be academic in nature and must be approved by the board of education of the school district or board of directors of the public school academy. The district may count a pupil for no more than 2 online courses per count. Blended learning courses represent an approach used to combine elements of online and face-to-face teaching, but will not appear in the statewide catalog of online course titles.
Non-Public School Students Under Sec. 21f, non-core courses may be delivered online as an eligible shared time service for nonpublic school students.
Part-Time Students If a pupil plans to enroll in three courses with the district, and two of the courses will be self-scheduled online courses as allowed under 21f, does the third course need to be on-site and scheduled for regular attendance? Yes. With the exception of a seat time waiver pupil, he/she will need to enroll in at least one on-site course that is scheduled and requires regular daily attendance in order to allow the pupil to participate in courses that do not require physical attendance.
District Course Delivery Options • Work with vendor to deliver courses with vendor teacher (Michigan Cert) • Purchase course content, train district teacher to deliver instruction. • Develop Course Content, Train District Teacher to Deliver Instruction. • • • •
Delivering district establishes cost – must be the same for everyone. May, or may not open up seats statewide. If offering up seats statewide, receives 1st payment% of 80. Educating district determines completion, pays delivering district remaining 20%. • Delivering district pays vendor.
Content & Training Many options are available for free content. The key to success is teacher training. • MI Learns Online - http://www.milearnsonline.org/ • FL Virtual Courses • Teacher Developed Courses • Blended Learning in the Classroom course http://www.milearnsonline.org/projects/blendedlearning/ • Streaming Video Project – REMC.org – Special Projects • M.O.R.E. Portal http://more.mel.org/ • Michigan eLibrary – http://mel.org/
Questions
Contact Information Brian Ciloski, Analyst Michigan Department of Education CiloskiB@michigan.gov Barbara Fardell, Manager Michigan Department of Education fardellb@michigan.gov Jamey Fitzpatrick, President & CEO Michigan Virtual University jfitz@mivu.org
ATTACHMENT 4
Blended Learning Blended learning is a method that combines traditional face-to-face activities with online education.
A blended learning classroom uses technology to transform and improve
the learning process. way.
Blended learning classes can reach and engage students in a more customizable
Students learn, at least in part, through online delivery of content and instruction with some element of
student control over time, place, path or pace (this will vary from class to class and instructor to instructor).
This
may include the opportunity for students to work off-site during the blended class period provided requirements for off-site participation are met. Seat Time Waiver An intermediate school district, a local school district, or a public school academy seeking to offer pupils access to online learning options and seeking to offer the opportunity to continue working on a high school diploma or grade progression without physically attending at the school facility may choose to do so under a seat time waiver. The seat time waiver is a Department of Education approved alternative or innovative education program that removes the days, hours, and physical attendance requirements, and lifts the cap on the number of online courses a pupil can enroll in during the count period. Section 21f Legislation A pupil enrolled in a district in any of grades 5 to 12 is eligible to enroll in an online course as provided for in Section 21f of the State School Aid Act.
With the consent of the pupil's parent or legal guardian, a district shall
enroll an eligible pupil in up to 2 online courses as requested by the pupil during an academic term, semester, or trimester. An eligible pupil may enroll in an online course published in the pupil's educating district's catalog of online courses or the statewide catalog of online courses maintained by the Michigan Virtual University pursuant to section 98.