3. Discussion Objectives
PA Distance Learning
Overview
PA Distance Learning
Benefits
Curriculum
Admissions Process
Contact Information
4. School Overview
Making an Educated Decision for Your Child
PA Distance Learning opened in the fall of 2004
We are a public school operating under the Pennsylvania
Department of Education
Instruction for students in grades kindergarten through 12
The average class sizes is approximately 20-25 students
Interactive online curriculum aligned to PA state standards
Live learning and instruction
Courses are taught by Highly Qualified teachers
5. We Connect
Students will:
Join our state-wide virtual learning community with their provided
computer system backed by our technical support staff
Learn using high-quality curriculum
Attend online real-time classes with Highly Qualified teachers
Maintain regular communication with teachers via
Cloudcast's Google Education Suite, phone & email
Enjoy peer interaction during online classes,
in clubs, field trips, and through discussion boards
Learn in a safe, familiar, comfortable environment
The Face of Education is Changing
PA Distance Learning helps students connect to academic
success in a vibrant online environment.
6. We Engage
A mix of independent work and virtual classrooms
address different learning styles.
Students apply and extend their
learning through:
The flexibility and dynamic interaction of an online school
allows for many innovative learning opportunities.
• Projects
• Experiments
• Writing Activities
• Presentations
• Exams
• Purposeful Discussions
• Group Tasks
• High quality curriculum
7. We Engage
Students engage with teachers:
In a group
Individually
Via online classes
By phone
Through email
At events/field trips
8. We Engage
Students engage with peers:
Through supervised chat rooms
By becoming involved in various
clubs
By participating in field trips
In class group work
By writing in the school newsletters
By joining discussion boards
By volunteering for peer tutoring
9. We Succeed
The first step to success is providing a comprehensive orientation
to learning in an online environment.
Next, we provide strategies for effective study.
The best practice of curriculum and instruction is to help
learners make sense of and master skills and ideas.
The school and teachers
continuously help students by
clearly communicating:
Expectations
Assignment guidelines
Grading criteria
Throughout the year a mix of independent work and virtual
classrooms address different learning styles.
Students learn differently and we support them throughout the
year.
10. We Succeed
We prepare all students for
continuing and higher
education.
Our unique environment gives
students 21st
Century skills:
Communication
competence
Technological proficient
The ability to work
independently as well as
with others
Self motivation
Our ultimate goal is for our students’ success to continue
beyond graduation.
11. Frequently Asked
Questions
Our school calendar follows the traditional school year
Attendance is tracked in multiple ways including daily system
login, class participation and submission of work.
Students are required to attend school
5 hours/day for grades K-6
5.5 hours/day for grades 7-12
Flexibility in scheduling the school day at home is available
How does a student participate in physical education?
Students participate in Physical Education by completing daily
lessons that encourage them to be active for 60 minutes.
They also attend weekly live learning
sessions where they follow the teacher
through different exercise routines.
12. Pennsylvania System of Schools Assessment
The Pennsylvania System of Schools Assessment (or PSSA) is
a mandatory standardized test administered in all Pennsylvania
public schools. Students take the Writing PSSA while enrolled
in grades 5 and 8. Math and Reading are administered during
grades 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8. The Science PSSA test is also given
to students in grades 4 and 8. Testing locations are generally
within 50 miles of student’s home. Travel to testing is the
responsibility of the parent/guardian.
PA Distance Learning
Standardized Testing
13. Scantron Testing – Grades 2-12
Scantron's Performance Series provides students with
individualized tests. The online test adjusts automatically to
each student's ability level, generating questions that will
appropriately challenge each student. Scantron tests provide
results immediately so that teachers can impact instruction and
properly assess the enrichment and remediation needs of a
student. The test will be administered at least two times per year
to provide teachers with the data necessary to provide
individualized data driven instruction. Students complete the
Scantron tests at home by accessing the Scantron testing
website from their school computer.
PA Distance Learning
Standardized Testing
14. Keystone Testing
The Keystone Exams are end-of-course assessments designed
to evaluate proficiency in academic content. Beginning with the
class of 2017, students must demonstrate proficiency on the
Algebra I, Literature, and Biology Keystone Exams to graduate.
Students will be offered multiple opportunities to take the
Keystones throughout their high school career.
As with PSSA testing, students complete the Keystone Exams
under the supervision of PA Distance Learning teachers and
staff at a test site that is within 50 miles from their home. Travel
to testing is the responsibility of the parent/guardian.
PA Distance Learning
Standardized Testing
15. Children’s Progress
Academic Assessment
The Children’s Progress Academic Assessment (CPAA) is an
early childhood assessment system that helps teachers focus
classroom instruction to achieve the greatest learning gains for
each child.
The software is linked immediately to generated reports and
helps teachers, parents and administrators gain essential
insights about each child’s understanding of Language Arts
and Mathematics concepts.
Best of all, our assessments are independently completed by
students, allowing educators to spend more time teaching
instead of grading and administering tests!
Students in
Kindergarten through
2nd grade will take the
CPAA in the Fall,
Winter, and Spring.
16. Benefits
Why Choose Our Public Cyber-
Charter School?
Once enrolled, you are not just a
number, you are part of our family
Safety – working in the comfort of
your home
Highly Qualified staff members
Advanced technology instruction
Increased family involvement
Remediation opportunities
Acceleration opportunities
17. Benefits
Why Choose PA Distance
Learning?
Staff
Certified, Highly Qualified
teachers
Special Education team
Academic Advisors
ESL/Foreign Languages
Administration
Support Staff
Fast Technical Support
Family Outreach Coordinator
…and so much more!
18. Benefits
Why Choose PA Distance
Learning?
Equipment – Students are loaned the
materials necessary to be successful in our
online learning environment!
Laptop
Printer/scanner
Graphing calculator for students in 8th
-12th
grade
Select grades will receive music keyboards, art
supplies, dry erase boards, novels, etc.
Online textbooks, novels and workbooks
Supplemental resources and curriculum
FLEx Funds: Money supplied to supplement
additional educational opportunities outside of
the classroom. A very unique and cool thing we
offer our families!
19. Benefits
Why Choose PA Distance Learning?
Family involvement
We actively encourage parents to be involved with every aspect of
the learning experience.
We believe that a successful student is the product of a strong
curriculum and highly engaged parents and teachers.
Training
Students and parents are provided training on all curricula and
instructional programs used by PA Distance Learning via our Google
Education Suite provided by Cloudcast.
Support
Teachers, technical support, and student service staff are available
by phone or e-mail
Help is at your fingertips!
20. Benefits
Remediation
Our priority is having each student reach his/her potential.
Sometimes a little extra help is required for a student to be
successful. PA Distance Learning is committed to providing the
extra help for students to be successful including:
Extra tutoring opportunities by our teachers (during and after
school hours)
Classes or curriculum designed to build skill levels
Individualized study sessions
Intervention programs
Recorded classes for review
21. Benefits
Acceleration
Our priority is having each student
reach his/her potential.
Part of individualized education is
catering to advanced learners.
We offer a wide range of academic
acceleration including:
A variety of course choices
Honors level options for high
school students
Curriculum availability 24/7
Extended learning opportunities
for students to explore material in
greater depth
22. Benefits
Field Trips
Honors Courses
24/7 Online Curriculum
Student based clubs
(Spanish, Literary,
Recorder)
FLEx Funds: Parent
Supplemental Education
Account
PA Accredited Diploma
Graduation Ceremony
Student Assistance Program
Other PA Distance Learning Services:
23. Benefits
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Student Assistance Program
(SAP) is designed to assist school personnel in identifying issues,
including problems with alcohol and other drugs, which pose a barrier to
a student’s learning and success in school. SAP is not a treatment
program; rather, it is a systematic process using effective and
accountable professional techniques to mobilize school resources to
remove those barriers to learning, and where the problems are beyond
the scope of the school, to assist the student and their parents with
information so they may access services in the community. The SAP
team does not diagnose, treat or refer for treatment but they may refer
for an assessment for treatment.
Student Assistance Program
24. School Board Mission
OUR MISSION SINCE 2004
PA Distance Learning ’s mission is to offer a
valuable educational alternative
To practice and promote academic integrity
To present quality curriculum, technology, and
support
To foster academic excellence in our students
25. Google + Cloudcast
Cloudcast Education
Cloudcast is a Google Enterprise Partner
Deployed a next-generation online learning
platform that will revolutionize the delivery
of cyber-school education at PA Distance
Learning.
Transformed Google Apps for Education
into a truly synchronous, one-to-one
learning environment enabling
individualized instruction.
A single log-in, cloud-based school
management system that enables
individualized, data-driven instruction.
Simply put, you have the power of Google’s
industry-leading products and secure data
infrastructure at your fingertips 24/7.
The Cloudcast Google Education Suite
29. Study Aids – Elementary (K-6th
)
Brain Pop Jr.
http://www.brainpop.com
Education City
http://www.educationcity.com
30. Title I Program
(3rd – 6th Grade)
What is Title I?
Title I is a federal assistance
program that was enacted in 1965.
It is intended to help ensure that
all children have the opportunity
to obtain a high quality education
and reach proficiency on
challenging state academic
standards and assessments.
Title I provides funding that is
used to provide extra help to the
students who need it most.
As the largest federal program
supporting elementary education,
Title I is designed to:
1. Help children learn better in
school.
2. Help teachers better understand
the needs of your student.
3. Help parents become more
involved with their children’s
education.
4. Help schools purchase the
training supplies and equipment
necessary to reach its academic
goals.
32. Curriculum – High School
Holt Online
http://my.hrw.com
Creativity Express (Art)
http://www.madcaplogic.com/
33. Special Education Program
All of our Special Education teachers are certified teachers in the
state of Pennsylvania
Special Education teachers have low case load numbers compared
to many other cyber schools allowing the teacher to really get to
know the student and not just be a case load number
We promote Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) with special
education support (1 on 1 or small group in live sessions)
We can customize an IEP to REALLY focus on the students
strengths and needs
We provided related services (speech, OT, PT, counseling, etc.) in
the home or online.
Parents are an important part of the IEP team and we encourage
participation in all meetings pertaining to the student.
We focus on high school transition (age 14+) preparing
the student to reach their education, employment, and
independent living goals.
34. ESL Program (English as
a Second Language)
Process of Identifying Students
Review student records and enrollment paperwork.
Student may need to take the W-APT.
Data reviewed and family contacted.
PA Distance Learning follows all state and federal
guidelines for English Language Learners (ELL).
ESL class
Similar language ability level and similar age group
Scheduled around content area classes
Content area accommodations if needed
35. ESL Program
Support for ELLs and their family
Language Line
Transact
Ability to have additional support outside the
classroom.
Open communication
Progress of the ELL
Regular progress checks
ACCESS testing required by the state of
Pennsylvania
Evaluation at the end of the year: next school year
36. Art & Music Programs
Art
Art is taught at grades 3, 5, 7 and 9-12
Use the award winning Creativity Express Curriculum
Students use numerous art materials to complete projects
as well as lessons within the course.
Students have the ability to share work via sharing
discussion boards.
Music
Music is taught in grades 2, 4, 6 and 9-12.
Elementary students learn music concepts through
keyboard performance.
Music Appreciation and Music Theory courses are available
for grades 9-12.
We offer a recorder club for students in grades 3-6.
Winter and Spring concerts allow our students to showcase
their talents.
37. Enrollment Process
How to Apply
1. Visit our public website www.padistance.org
2. Click on the Enroll Now link (as seen below).
3. Fill out the online form (followed by a detailed doc)
4. Compile all required documentation as specified
5. Submit all forms to our Enrollment Department
38. Enrollment
Required Documentation
In addition to the forms you will print from the Online Application, you
will need to provide the following documents:
Immunization Records
Private Dentist Form
Private Physician Form
Student Birth Certificate
Proof of Guardian Residence
Complete Academic and Testing Records (Report Card K-8, Transcript 9-12 and
PSSA scores if applicable)
Custodial Papers
41. Contact Information
PA Distance Learning Charter School
2100 Corporate Drive, Suite 500
Wexford, PA 15090
www.padistance.org
888-997-3352
Call us anytime with questions!
Our staff is committed to helping parent/guardians make an informed decision!
