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In an effort to help school districts recoup money and keep students in the district, two local parties have recently teamed up to offer districts the ability to launch their own cyber schools.
The Learning Lamp and In-Shore Technologies, a Johnstown-based technology support company, are offering Blended Learning Technologies, which provides curriculum, teachers, hardware and tech support for half the cost districts pay when a student enrolls in one the state’s 13 cyber charter schools.
Currently, when parents enroll their child in a cyber charter school, the resident district no longer has any responsibility for the education of that child, but is responsible for paying that child’s tuition. That can range from $10,000 to $18,000 depending on the needs of the child.
“This is truly a win for school districts,” said Heidi Rizkalla, the Learning Lamp’s education director. “Not only can schools now control the content and course options for their cyber students, they can save a significant amount of money.”
BLT uses blendedschools.net curriculum, which is aligned with state academic standards.
The online classes are taught by qualified state teachers and the Learning Lamp, which has worked for years with school districts across the state providing full-year and credit-recovery courses, is responsible for providing teachers.
In-Shore Technologies provides all the technology such as computers, routers and printers and addresses any technical issues that should arise.
Students who enroll in BLT will receive a diploma from their home district and will be able to participate in all extracurricular and club activities and sports in the district.
“Districts can monitor students and see their progress,” Rizkalla said. “They are fully invested and have access to these kids, so this is another way to educate and an extension of that school district.”
Conemaugh Township School District created its own cyber academy this past school year and Superintendent Gary Buchsen said it’s been a positive addition and something he encourages other districts to consider.
“In the spring of 2011, we had 38 students enrolled in state cybers and we have been able to get that number down to 15,” he said.
When the academy started, classes were available to students in grades 6 through 12. Beginning this fall, the program will expand to include kindergarten through grade 12.
Last year the district paid $9,716 per student and $17,439 per student with special needs to state cyber schools, so by regaining those 23 students it is saving more than $220,000.
“The challenge for schools is to be able to provide that cyber model that will keep students in their system because it is a great benefit,” Buchsen said.
BLT is ready and can be rolled out as soon as this upcoming school year.
Information detailing the program was sent out to districts in Cambria, Somerset, Bedford and Indiana counties.
Rizkalla said no local district has gotten on board yet, but there has been interest from schools that want to explore it further.
“Cyber education is for highly motivated and disciplined families and students. It’s not for everyone, but it is a viable option for parents,” she said. “This is the trend in education and every district is working on ways to combat deficits in budgets, so it seems natural for them to investigate this.”
For more information, call the Learning Lamp at 262-0732.
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