Durango School District’s new online learning program is set to launch in August and will serve students in grades nine through 12, according to a news release from the district.
“We’re seeing more families choose online learning options, and we want to make sure students can access that flexibility without leaving Durango School District,” Superintendent Karen Cheser said in the release. “This program allows us to meet students where they are while keeping them connected to their school, their peers, and their community.”
The district has lost more than 330 students to external online school programs, Executive Director of Finance Kira Horenn said at a budget presentation in March.
The tuition-free program, which will be operated in partnership with Colorado Digital Learning Solutions, will accept a maximum of 50 students in its inaugural year, with the intention of “ensur(ing) a high-quality experience,” the release said.
The application and screening process for hopeful students will “consider readiness for independent learning and overall fit,” and will require applicants to provide academic records like report cards and transcripts, the release said.
The program will be open-enrollment, and any students within the age range can apply, regardless of where in the state, country or nation they live, the release said. But priority will be given to La Plata County-area students.
Online students will do their school work virtually and asynchronously to earn their diploma, but will have access to campus study areas, academic advising, counseling services, athletics and coaching, extracurricular activities, social and milestone events like prom and graduation, in-person mentor check-ins, and a district-issued laptop.
Student progress “will be closely monitored through regular grade checks and communication with families.”
“If a student is not successful, the district will work with the family to transition the student back to in-person learning,” the release said.
The program will differ from the on-the-fly COVID-era remote learning put in place during the pandemic, according to the release.
“DHSOP is a structured, long-term program supported by the Colorado Department of Education,” the release read. “Courses are taught by licensed teachers through an established online provider. In contrast, COVID-era remote learning was a temporary, emergency response developed locally.”
All teachers for the online program will be contracted through Colorado Digital Learning Solutions and will not come from the district, program Director Robert Aspen told The Durango Herald.
Aspen is Durango High School’s Intervention Coordinator and oversees English Language Development programming. He has served as an academic adviser at the school and has been an educator with the district “since the last millennium,” according to his biography page on the district’s website.
His role will involve liaising with Colorado Digital Learning Solutions and students, families and DHS staff; fielding inquiries and applications; registering students; providing in-person and virtual support to families; meeting with academic advisers to review graduation progress; and ensuring the program remains in full compliance with standards and protocols, he said.
“We have seen that some students in our community need the flexibility that online school provides, and I am excited to be able to help offer that opportunity to our students,” Aspen told the Herald in an email. “… We envision our online program providing greater choice and flexibility to our students and families. We hope we can enroll many of the students who have left us in favor of online programs, which could have a positive financial impact for the district.”
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