Log It or Lose It
(Provided by CalPac, Wednesday, October 24, 2012)
There’s a revolution brewing in Special Education! It’s called “virtual learning” and many students and parents support this rapid change. The need for alternative placements outside of the school of residence is increasing each school year. More families who have children with learning or emotional disabilities are looking for different avenues for meeting their educational goals. Middle school and high school students have grown tired and weary of the traditional setting. They want more flexibility, more support, and more options. The decision to learn online is becoming a prominent choice.
Yet, the question that always arises is, “How credible are virtual school programs?” If you are wondering how students are held accountable for their work and attendance, Californian Pacific Charter Schools’ model exemplifies a noteworthy strategy. Here at CalPac, all students, not just those with exceptional needs, are required to fill out activity logs (and physical education logs if they are enrolled in a fitness course). These activity and fitness logs document all of the students assignments that have been completed while logged in on their computer and while offline. In order to give students credit for all the work they do, each month homeroom teachers collect their students’ logs and submit them to the Attendance Coordinator.
Why is filling out a log so important when online activities are recorded in the school’s curriculum system? These logs serve as evidence that virtual students are actively participating in the school program while maintaining personal integrity. If a day, week, or month goes by and there is nothing to record, this demonstrates to the school, student, and parent/guardian that there may be an issue to address. It’s all about accountability. Virtual schools must have a variety of ways to demonstrate their students are proactive, responsible, and participatory. Activity logs are proof that online learning is real, right, and reliable!
Sucari Epps, M.A.
Program Specialist
Contact Us Today @ (855) 225-7227.
Email - enroll@cal-pacs.org
