Florida Virtual School Tour …where every student has a front row

seat

www.flvs.net

The e-learning Promise

“In our current system, time is the constant and achievement

the variable.

Achievement should be the constant and time the variable.”

We have it backwards.

In Learning a Living: A SCANS Report. Secretary’s Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Department of Labor, 1992.

What is FLVS?

First state funded virtual high school An innovative plan to increase opportunities for:• Minority students• Rural schools• Low-performing schools

Mission & Vision Statement

To provide students with high quality technology based educational

opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in the 21st

century.

FLVS History• 1997 Began serving students• 1998 School goes statewide• 1999 USDLA Excellence in Distance

Learning• 2000 Offered full curriculum • 2001 SACS accreditation• International offerings• 2002 GED & Middle School

77 227

1113

2796

5900

8200projected

96-97 97-98 98-99 99-00 00-01 01-020

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2

3

4

5

6

7

8

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Participation Data by School Year

FLVS Enrollment History

AP Scores Overall

2000-2001 Report

Total exams taken – 137

Total qualifying scores – 96

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

1 2 3 4 5

37 total ---------27.01%

31 total ---------22.63%

28 total ---------20.44%

22 total ---------16.06%

19 total ---------13.87%

Percentage of qualifying scores

70.07%

Student EnrollmentStudent Enrollment 77 8200+77 8200+Completion RateCompletion Rate

50% 80%50% 80%

FLVS Since 1997…

54% Public school

38% Home educated

8% Private school

Our Students Today

FLVS e-Learning Solutions

Critical graduation credit Fast track to diplomaAdditional credits and scheduling needsEnhanced course selection• Minority students• Rural and high priority schools• Magnets and special programs• Homeschoolers

Any time, any place, any path, any pace

Quality Education

Courses built upon the highest standardsTeachers certified in their subjectsServe varied learning styles and intelligences • Different paths & paces• Incorporate real-life

situations/motifs/themes

A highly interactive environment

Course DeliveryWeb-based platform Primarily asynchronousSynchronous capability• White board and chat room

Highly-facilitated by certified teacher

Pace Chartskeep students abreast of where they should be working and help them learn and practice methods of time management

Connections to Teens’ Real World

Computer Programming BASIC I has a game motif and is rarely taught in traditional schools

All Science Courses Are Lab Based

This physics lab has photos to support the student’s work at home

Synchronous White Board & Chat

AP Calculus in Action –real time… Teachers & students in every subject can work LIVE!

Student Choice Is Encouraged

Lessons designs accommodate different types of learning, talents & skills

Honors Extensions

student access to high level courses regardless of what their school offers

Courses Not Readily Available at Most Schools

FLVS offers XHTML computer programming and web design

High Stakes Testing

FLVS Assists Students Facing High Stakes TestingSAT Prep Course (.5 credit)• ½ math, ½ verbal

FCAT Fitness Course (.5 credit)• Publicly posted• 1/3 math, 1/3 writing, 1/3 reading

Communication Policy

HIGHLY teacher facilitatedWelcome CallVoice to Voice 1-2 x/monthOngoing communication with• Students• Parents• School Personnel

Monthly Progress Reports

Not so with other online providersNot so with other online providers

Reaching OutDirect Marketing to districts, schools and grassroots• Brochures• Created videos for students• Presentations • Curriculum fairs & local expos• Mailing and emailing

Reaching OutMass Media• Television –General and Education

Channel• Radio interviews• Newspaper articles

Face to Face• e-Learning Managers• Guidance Counselors

ObstaclesTechnology issues• Connectivity• Hardware limitations• Computer Access

Gatekeepers • Acceptable Use Policy signatures• Passing on information

Addressing NeedsJuvenile Justice 15 other statesInternational schoolsAdult remediation/GED Professional developmentProfessional services

Addressing the Needs

Addressing rural technology needsWired schoolsProvided • Multi-media computers• Video conferencing equipment• Mini-grants for teachers• Wireless pilots

Addressing the Needs

Creating a Foundation• Reaching out to digital divide migrant

programs• FLVS computers loaned to rural schools

Developing Minority Outreach PartnershipsDigital Divide CouncilsWorkforce EmpowermentFlorida Learning Alliance

Florida Virtual School

…where every student has a front row seat

www.flvs.net