Districts across Pennsylvania can now offer their high school students more course options thanks to an expanded partnership between the Capital Area Intermediate Unit (CAIU), one of the 29 nonprofit regional educational service agencies in Pennsylvania, and EdisonLearning, the nation's leading public school innovator.
"Bringing the online learning model to public schools helps districts better serve their students," explained Amy Morton, executive director of CAIU. "Instead of moving to alternative cyber schools to meet their needs, students can stay within their district and still have access to wonderful new educational opportunities."
Capital Area Online Learning Association (CAOLA), a part of the Capital Area Intermediate Unit, selected EdisonLearning as its provider of eCourses after a comprehensive review of providers, spring of 2009.
The online courses being provided by the CAIU - EdisonLearning program offer students opportunities for classes they may otherwise not have within their school's brick and mortar offerings. For example, not all schools offer various Advanced Placement courses or foreign language courses because there are not enough students to fill a classroom.
Kevin Roberts, Director of Curriculum for the Big Spring School District in Carlisle, PA says, "This program has helped our students access courses that they typically would not be able to take, such as Chinese I, whether it be due to limited offerings or scheduling conflicts." Roberts also added, "Financially, it doesn't make sense for our district to hire a teacher for this special subject, but the online option gives our students a valuable experience in a language that they really wanted to learn."
The online options also support credit recovery, interventions, alternative education and summer school.
Camp Hill, PA student, Madeline Seefeldt enjoys the online course offerings and the schedule flexibility. "I am able to work whenever I please, and am able to take courses that are either not offered at my school, or I have been unable to take due to scheduling conflicts."
"Students need and deserve the choice that best matches their learning style, and online learning offers a richer experience, personalized curriculum, and a greater variety of coursework than students might find in a traditional classroom," said Jeff Wahl, President and CEO of EdisonLearning. "We are honored to be working with CAIU to offer high school students in Pennsylvania the choice of an engaging, adaptable and quality online learning experience."
Through districts currently supported by the Capital Area Intermediate Unit, 150 students are enrolled in the online program. With collaboration through the other Intermediate Units throughout the state, all districts can now participate at the beginning of the next semester.
CAOLA is building their online options to offer full-time cyber classrooms next year to complement the districts' offerings.
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