Schools

Pasco eSchool Opens Doors for Online Learning

The program brings learning home for students.

Pasco County families that are interested in learning more about eSchool have three chances to do so this week.

The online arm of the Pasco County School District is playing host to a number of informational sessions in advance of the 2011-12 school year. Parents with children in kindergarten through the 12th grade can attend and find out more about the free, online alternative to regular classroom teaching.

  • The first of the three sessions will be held at J.W. Mitchell High School. That session takes place from 6:30 to 8 p.m. July 26 in the band room.
  • The Land O’ Lakes area has its own shot to learn more about eSchool on July 28. That session takes place at . The meeting starts at 4:30 p.m. for elementary students. It begins at 6:30 p.m. for middle and high school students.
  • The third and final session is set for July 30 from noon to 4 p.m. at Barnes & Noble in The Shops at Wiregrass.

Parents will discover eSchool offers more opportunities for learners this year than it ever has before, said Principal JoAnne Glenn. Now in its third year, the program is designed to provide students everything they need to complete their public school educations virtually. Plus, it offers a few twists, she said.

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Unlike traditional classrooms, eSchool students are taught to mastery.

“Our model is mastery based,” Glenn said. “(Students) learn from errors and correct them. (There’s) much more of a dialog with their teachers. We joke that every student has a front-row seat (to learning).”

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So far, the program has proven it can get the job done. With a 95 percent student success rate and a 95 percent parent and student satisfaction rate, Glenn is proud of what has been accomplished.

“Our pass rate is the second highest in the state of Florida,” Glenn said, adding that eSchool students were technically the top performers in the county on the state’s new algebra exit exam.

eSchool offers different possibilities for students at different grade levels. For some students, in fact, taking and passing an online course will become a must for graduation, Glenn said.

The Elementary Program

In previous years, eSchool was only offered to students at the elementary level who had already been enrolled in a Florida public school the year prior. The program this year, Glenn said, is changing.

Elementary students in kindergarten and first grade can now apply for virtual learning courses without that restriction.

Other changes are afoot, as well.

Elementary students can also now use eSchool to accelerate their learning in certain classes. This means they can attend regular classes on a campus and pick specific subjects to learn online. Students who are capable can work at their level rather than their grade.

“We’re excited about it,” Glenn said. “It’s an opportunity to really focus in on each child’s needs to personalize learning.”

A full-time eSchool program for elementary is also available.

The Middle and High School Years

While eSchool for middle and high school students has always offered the option for full-time or part-time online learning, blended with a regular school day, some changes are also on the horizon here. Online learning has become mandatory in the state of Florida.

According to Glenn, students entering high school this year must complete at least one online class to graduate.

For more information about Pasco eSchool, attend one of the meetings or visit the district’s website at pasco.k12.fl.us. Enrollment in eSchool classes is open until Sept. 9. There is no charge to attend.


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