Community News
Getting an earlier start: Virtual school interest meeting held.
By Dave Whitaker
Apr 21, 2017, 03:07

Last year, Superintendent Steve Smith admitted that they got a late start in trying to determine interest for a possible virtual/online school and that many parents had already made decisions about their children's education for the coming school year. At an informational meeting held Thursday night in the high school auditorium, he said they wanted to get an earlier start to determine whether there would be enough interest by June.

While there has to be 12 students not currently enrolled in Bleckley County Schools in order for the program to proceed, Smith pointed out it wasn't just for home school students. "It's for any student who wants to try something new," Smith said. An informal survey of the audience showed there to be enough students but he pointed out there was a difference between raising one's hand and signing the paperwork.

Curriculum would be offered by FuelEd, the former k12.com. They provide material to several online schools in Georgia including the Georgia Cyber Academy. Curriculum would meet the same standard as what's offered in the school system, Georgia Standards of Excellence. Though the teachers might not reside in Georgia, all teachers would be certified to teach in Georgia.

Via an online interface, students would be at a computer, interacting with teachers, answering questions, participating in classroom discussions. One parent or guardian would be required to serve as the "coach," logging hours in class and ensuring all work was completed. Smith said the virtual school wasn't easier than traditional school because it requires self-discipline.

One point of clarification was that the program is open to students in Bleckley as well as adjoining counties (IE: Pulaski.) Another thing mentioned was that students would have to participate in end of year testing (IE: Georgia Milestone.)

Other info Smith presented via a Power Point was the virtual school would be ran as a program under Bleckley County Success Academy. Students who completed the work would be eligible to participate in BCSA graduation ceremonies.

A second meeting date was listed but was later announced as changed due to a scheduling conflict. He said the goal was to hold a final meeting June 6 (the last day to sign up) to make a final determination on whether the program would proceed and what was next.

Audience members had several questions. They included about eligibility for extra curricular activities- Smith said the requirements would be the same for any student to participate, it would be the parent's responsibility to get them to any meetings. What if a student enrolls then wants to go back to traditional high school? They can at the end of the semester if the credits for their work were up to date.

Mickey Harbin, a parent who has a student enrolled in Georgia Cyber Academy as well as students in the school system, was able to provide information based upon direct experience because of the similarities between the proposed virtual school and the GSA. She said teachers were available during normal school hours and emails sent during the day would usually get a response in the afternoon. While there is a certain number of hours of "seat time" (logged into the class), there was flexability as long as work was completed.

As technology can be unreliable at times, Harbin told a story of one day when a teacher sent out an email about students having trouble accessing the live video because of server overload. She said the teacher instructed students just to watch the video of the day's lesson and catch up.

Smith said the board had approved the virtual school last year but he would seek updated approval at the May meeting (May 16.) Registration information will be available on the school website. Those with questions can contact Success Academy Principal Denise Warren (478-934-1685) or Smith (478-934-28121, Ext. 1100, 478-230-4198.)

Information on the next meeting will be publicized when announced.

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