1. University of Maryland University College
Teaching and Learning in the K-12 Virtual School
Virtual School Case Study
Ivana Nazar-Olaciregui
Fall 2011
2. “Any time, any place, any path, any pace”.
(Florida Virtual School, 2011).
http://circus.fsu.edu/images/virtual_school.jpg
4. Mission
“To deliver a high quality, technology-based
education that provides the skills and
knowledge students need for success”
(Florida Virtual School, 2011)
5. Vision
Individual Pace
Personalized Instruction
“Rolling Enrollment” Global Awareness
Communication Tools
http://www.missiontolearn.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/online-learning-
resources.jpg
(Birtolo, McElman, and Young, 2009, pp. 14-15)
7. Chief Learning Officer
Executive
Chief Strategy & Policy Officer
Leadershi
p Chief HR Officer
Chief Special Projects Officer
President&
CEO: Chief Financial Officer
Ms. Young
Chief Information Officer
General Manager Global Services
VP of Communication & Marketing
(Florida Virtual School, 2011) Vice President of Florida Services
8. Advisory Board
http://blog2.shoutem.com/wp-
content/uploads/2009/07/team_1front.jpg
Brainstorm and discuss ideas
Improve learning process &
expand opportunities for FLVS opportunities
(Florida Virtual School, 2011)
9. Board of Trustees
Dr. Ziegler
Ms. Martin
Chairman Dr. Williams
Mr. Murin Mrs. Young-
Middlemas
Ms. Jallad
Ms. Nemecek
(Florida Virtual School, 2011)
10. Regulatory
Environment
Polic
y
According to the Florida K-20 Education Code
(s.1002.20) parents have the right to choose
educational options such as FLVS for their children.
(FLDOE, 2005)
11. Regulatory Environment
(Cont.)
1002.37 The Florida Virtual School:
(1)(a) For development and delivery of online and
distance learning education.
1(b) To provide technology-based educational
opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills
necessary to succeed.
(Online Sunshine, 2011).
12. Regulatory Environment (Cont
Some statutes relating to FLVS as a School Choice
Option:
Section 1002.20(6), F.S., rights.
Section 1002.37(3)(c), F.S., no limit to student access
Section 1001.42(15)(a), F.S., inform the general public.
Section 1001.42(21), F.S., access to enroll
Section 1003.03(3)(b), F.S., policies to encourage
students
Section 1007.27(1), F.S., FLVS as an acceleration option.
(Florida Department of Education, 2005)
13. Funding
• FEFP based on successful completions.
• 2009-2010: $469 per student per semester - total of
$101.3 million.
• 2010-11: $432 per semester course - total of $116.7
million.
• 1.4% add-on to FT for public school students not
completing their courses.
(Watson, Murin, Vashaw, Gemin, and Rapp, 2010, pp.
71-72),
14. Course Offerings
Students from all over the
world
World LanguagesCore SubjectsAdvance Placemen
Electives Honors
(Florida Virtual School, 2011)
15. Scope of Offering
Florida Virtual School (FLVS) Classic
•Primarily part-time
•Year-round operation
•Grades 6-12 (public, private and home
education)
•Grades 4-5 (public school middle school
courses)
(Florida Department of Education, 2005)
16. Scope of Offering (Cont.)
FLVS Full Time
•Grade K-12
•School-year calendar
•State-level full-time public school
•Also available to school district and virtual
charter schools
(Florida Department of Education, 2005)
17. Accreditation
Full Accredited by:
Southern Association of Colleges
and Schools(SACS)
&
The commission of International
Trans-Regional Accreditation
(Florida Virtual School, 2011)
19. Accreditation (Cont.)
FLVS does not currently grant a diploma.
Credits can be transferred
to the student's local school
Home school students: through
an "umbrella school"
http://www.iisecurity.in/images/Virtual-Live-Border.jpg
(Florida Virtual School, 2011)
20. Awards
FLVS has been the recipient of numerous important award
2011:
•Champion at 6th Annual Sterling Conference
Storyboard Competition.
•Platinum IMS Learning Impact Award.
•Learning 100 Award Recipient, sponsored by
Elearning! Media Group.
•Dianna Miller Finalist for Online K-12 Teacher of the
Year Award.
(Florida Virtual School, 2011)
22. Voices
According to the FLVS Executive Summary (2011):
•“It is hard because it is time consuming with
experiments and assignments but fun and challenging, I
love it.” (p.6).
•“My son has Aspersers Syndrome so even though we
hit bumps slower rate of work occasionally, this a
wonderful opportunity for a child in his situation. “(p.9).
“I believe this is a remarkable program and beneficial to
our students / families. It removes the „cookie cutter‟
from education and is more adaptable to the individual
student.” (p.12)
24. Student Enrollment
For Fiscal Year 2010-2011
•Half-Credit Course Completions 259,928
•Physical Students Completed 122,702
(Florida Virtual School, 2011)
http://virtualschool.scps.k12.fl.us/images/scvs1_15.
gif
25. Student Enrollment
(Cont.)
Student Enrollments by School Type
Public & Charter School 69%
Home School 25%
Private School 6%
Student Enrollments by Race
Caucasian 57%
Minority 43%
Student Enrollments by Gender
Female 57%
Male 43%
(Florida Virtual School, 2011)
29. “In approximately
4 years, 10% of all
courses will be
computer based
and by 2019, 50%
of all courses will
be online.”
(As cited in
Burgess-
Watkins, 2011, p.1
)
http://www.grandforksherald.com/media/full/jpg/2009/12/19/topic-virtual-
school_shir.jpg
30. Reference
Birtolo, P., McElman, R., and Young, J. (2009). Virtual success:
Transforming
education through online learning, 36(5), 12-17. Retrieved
October 15,
2011, from Education Research Complete.
Burgess-Watkins, K. (2011). Online learning opportunities for K-12
students
in Florida’s Nassau County, 8(2), 1-7. Retrieved October 22,
2011, from
Education Research Complete.
Florida Department of Education. (2005). FLVS statutes. Retrieved
from
http://www.fldoe.org/schools/virtual-schools/statutes.asp
Florida Virtual School. (2011). About us . Retrieved from
http://www.flvs.net/areas/aboutus/Pages/default.aspx
31. Reference (Cont.)
Florida Virtual School. (2011). Course information . Retrieved from
http://www.flvs.net/areas/flvscourses/Pages/default.aspx
Florida Virtual School. (2011). Educators . Retrieved from
http://www.flvs.net/educators/Pages/default.aspx
Florida Virtual School. (2011). Executive summary . Retrieved from
http://www.flvs.net/areas/aboutus/Annual%20Evaluations/Exec2011.p
Online Sunshine. (2011). Florida Statutes. Retrieved from
http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Welcome/index.cfm?CFID=233142020&CFTOKEN=8321068
Watson, J., Murin, A., Vashaw, L., Gemin, B., and Rapp, C. (2010). Keep
with K-12 online learning: An annual review of policy and practice. Re
October 3, 2011, from http://www.kpk12.com/cms/wp-content/uploads/KeepingPaceK12_2010.pdf
Editor's Notes
According to Ms. Kendra Simasek (personal communication, October 12, 2011), the followingarethe beliefs and foundation upon which the school has been built:Every student is unique, so learning should be dynamic, flexible and engaging. Studies should be integrated rather than isolated. Students, parents, community members, and schools share responsibility for learning. Students should have choices in how they learn and how they present what they know. Students should be provided guidance with school and career planning. Assessments should provide insights not only of student progress but also of instruction and curriculum.
According to Kendra Simasek (personal communication, October 12, 2011), Florida Virtual School offers what they call “rolling enrollment” which gives students to enroll in any class, any day of the year. FLVS is an established leader in developing and providing virtual K‐12 education solutions. As a state funded public internet‐based school, FLVS provides engaging online courses for students throughout the state of Florida in grades 6 through 12. Providing students a choice in how, when and where they learn is paramount to their mission. (Counseling for Future Education Handbook, 2010-2011).
Julie Young is not only the President and Chief Executive Officer but also helped launch the Florida Virtual School. Her objective was to provide “high quality, online courses to students throughout the State of Florida”. (Florida Virtual Schools, 2011). Florida Virtual School has become “the largest provider of Internet-based courseware and instruction for middle and high school students in Florida and around the globe”. (Florida Virtual School, 2011).The rest of the Executive leaders are:Pam BirtoloChief Learning OfficerMs. Birtolo has presented the concepts of distance learning to national audiences and has been published in educational journals. She serves on the Board of Directors of NACOL and is a certified Baldrige examiner.Holly SaguesChief Strategist and Policy OfficerSince 1998, Ms. Sagues has lived the mission and core values of Florida Virtual School. Today, she is a vital resource to her school's President and Chief Executive Officer and the Leadership Team.Linda PetersChief Human Resources OfficerAs the Chief Human Resources Officer for Florida Virtual School, Linda Peters is committed to quality programs to include recruitment, retention, teacher certification, employee benefits, employee relations, employment services, HR operations and compensation/salary administration.George LatimerChief Special Projects OfficerHenry BoekhoffChief Financial OfficerAndy RossGeneral Manager - Global Services Division, FLVSAs the General Manager, Mr. Ross is responsible for broadening the presence of his school in the national and international educational marketplace. Mr. Ross plans and executes strategies that identify potential clientele and their needs, as well as mutually beneficial business partnerships.Roy PennellChief Information OfficerDuring the past twenty years, Roy Pennell has built a comprehensive IT career founded on a commitment to supporting the mission of his employer, while staying current on the most advanced IT tools available. Today, Mr. Pennell continues the journey at a unique school with an unlimited horizon.Casandra NielsenVice President of Communications & MarketingCassie Nielsen believes that effective communication is a purposeful, two-way dialogue. By merging the talents of the FLVS Marketing, Foundation, Communication, and Market Research teams, she creates the kind of communication that produces a clear picture of current market needs, as well as objective data for how best to respond to those needs. Cecilia LopezVice President of Florida ServicesCecilia Lopez believes strongly that integrity and trust build great teams and relationships. In her 15 years in educational publishing, she has fostered and built relationships with district leaders and teachers as well as create highly motivated and successful sales teams. (http://www.flvs.net/areas/aboutus/Pages/Administrators.aspx)
The Advisory Board is composed of corporate professionals who collaborate by bringing their knowledge and expertise to the Florida Virtual School with the objective of enhancing the students’ learning experiences and their current and future perspectives. Through their collaboration, they work to try to come up with ideas to face the challenges that arise. The Advisory Board meets quarterly via conference call. (Florida Virtual School, 2011).
The Board of Trustees:The Florida Virtual School operates under the guidance of a Board of Trustees consisting of seven members appointed by the Governor. The 2000 Florida Legislature created the Board in law and state policy for the Florida Virtual School (s. 228.082, F.S.).The seven members are honorable citizens of our communities whose professions go from bank managers to University Professors. The Florida Statue 102.37 states that , “The board of trustees of the Florida Virtual School shall identify appropriate performance measures and standards based on student achievement that reflect the school’s statutory mission and priorities, and shall implement an accountability system for the school that includes assessment of its effectiveness and efficiency in providing quality services that encourage high student achievement, seamless articulation, and maximum access”. (Online Sunshine, 2011)
The 2002 Florida School Code adopted by the Florida Legislature provides parents and students with numerous statutory rights for educational choice. Those related to Florida Virtual School are listed below:Section 1002.20(6), F.S., regarding K12 student and parent rights includes the Florida Virtual School as an option for parental choice. Section 1002.37(3)(c), F.S., clearly states that districts may not limit student access to courses offered by the Florida Virtual School. Section 1001.42(15)(a), F.S., includes as a duty of the district school board the requirement to adopt procedures to inform the general public of the educational programs, needs, and objectives of public education, including the educational opportunities available through the Florida Virtual School. Section 1001.42(21), F.S., lists as a duty of the district school board, to provide students with access to enroll in courses available through the Florida Virtual School and to award credit for successful completion. It also stipulates that access shall be available to students during or after the school day and during summer school enrollment. Section 1003.02(1)(i), F.S., requires school boards to notify parents at the beginning of the school year about acceleration mechanisms, including the opportunity and benefits of Florida Virtual School courses. Section 1003.03(3)(b), F.S., relating to maximum class size requirements provides, as an implementation option, the adoption of policies to encourage students to take courses from the Florida Virtual School. Section 1000.04(4), F.S., designates the Florida Virtual School as a component of the delivery of public education within Florida’s K-20 education system. Section 1007.27(1), F.S., states that it is the intent of the legislature that a variety of articulated acceleration mechanisms be available to public secondary and postsecondary students and lists the Florida Virtual School as one of those acceleration options. (Florida Department of Education, 2005)
For information on specific course offering visit the Florida Virtual School website (http://www.flvs.net/areas/flvscourses/Pages/default.aspx)
“Coursework blends both online and offline content, and is done from a structured home environment where parents are responsible for taking attendance. Combine these stellar courses with strong parental involvement, top-notch instructors, and the flexibility of online learning, and you have a perfect mix for student success.” (Florida Virtual School Full Time, 2011). It is free of charge as the FLVS FT program is part of the Florida public school system.
(Florida Virtual Schools, 2011)
Elective courses are not approved by NCAA as they are not part of their college entrance requirements. (Florida Virtual School, 2011).
For more information visit:The Home School Legal Defense Association (http://www.hslda.org/)The FLVS Homeschooler information page (http://www.flvs.net/Students/Pages/Homeschoolers.aspx)
For more information on awards visit FLVS website: http://www.flvs.net/areas/aboutus/Pages/Awards.aspx
For the 2010-11 school year evaluation , FLVS hired Optimal Performance, Inc. to conduct a Student Survey, an Exit Survey (for students who withdraw) a Parent Survey, a School Survey, and a District Survey to gather data about the quality of FLVS services. The Executive Summary provides an overview of areas such as FLVS staff, course rigor and quality, and overall quality. (Florida Virtual School, 2011)
Student EnrollmentFLVS served around 122,000 students in 259,928 half-credit enrollments in the 2010-11 school year. Enrollment is available to public, private, and home school students. Students outside Florida enroll on a tuition basis. (Florida Virtual School, 2011). For Complete information on enrollment visit the Virtual Florida School website document: http://www.flvs.net/areas/aboutus/Documents/EnrollmentSummary.pdf
Student EnrollmentFLVS served around 122,000 students in 259,928 half-credit enrollments in the 2010-11 school year. Enrollment is available to public, private, and home school students. Students outside Florida enroll on a tuition basis. (Florida Virtual School, 2011). For Complete information on enrollment visit the Virtual Florida School website document: http://www.flvs.net/areas/aboutus/Documents/EnrollmentSummary.pdf
