Current Policy

Big Sky Distance Education Consortium

It may be necessary for students to take high school credit courses by distance learning due to: a) timetable clashes b) career plan courses not offered through the normal school timetable.

Students wanting to take distance learning courses for other than the above reasons will not receive the principal’s approval.

A student wishing to take a distance learning course in a subject which is offered during regular class time will not receive the principal’s approval unless there are unavoidable timetable conflicts.

Upon receiving the principal’s approval for a distance learning course it is understood that the course becomes part of the student’s program for that semester. As such, adequate time will be allowed on an individual student’s timetable to accommodate the required minimal number of minutes to satisfactorily complete the course (ie. 40 minutes for a 3 credit course and 80 minutes for a 5 credit course (semestered)). Distance learning students will be assigned to specified locations - either library or classroom - and every effort will be made to ensure that teacher expertise is made available to assist individuals in completing their courses successfully.

When students complete and have their work schedule approved, they accept the responsibility of adhering to deadlines and due dates. Without prior consultation with the distance learning coordinator, students are aware that penalties are imposed for incomplete assignments or work not handed in on time. It is paramount that work schedules are followed with as little deviation as possible to ensure that courses are completed within the timeframe of each semester.

A postdated cheque ( Payable to Eaglesham School ) will be held at the school until final results are in. Please date these cheques January 31 for the first semester and June 30 for the second semester. Upon successful completion of the course the cheque will be returned, otherwise it will be forwarded to the school division. The fees for distance learning are $150 for a 5 credit course and $100 for a 3 credit course. This fee reflects approximately one third of the actual cost of the courses.

All approved distance learning courses operate within these guidelines:

1. A schedule of lesson completion dates will be made by each student. Lesson numbers will be recorded when faxed.

2. Marks will be recorded when they are received.

3. A student must complete the course within the time schedule that he/she sets. Courses cannot be carried over from one semester to another or through the summer.

4. Only two distance learning courses may be taken concurrently.

5. Before submitting a lesson a student needs to photocopy the back side of his/her assignment and write his/her name on it to facilitate faxing.

6. Penalties - the lesson/module or test due date determines when a penalty will be assessed. Late assignments will receive a 10% penalty per school day for five days at which time a zero will be assigned.

When it is obvious that students fail distance learning courses due to lack of effort or lack of attention to time management, and in view of the current cost of this option, it will be difficult to justify future requests for the school to support further involvement of that student in the program.

Proposed Change

Distance Education:

PAVE and ADLC

It may be necessary for students to take high school credit courses by distance learning due to:

· Timetable clash

· Career plan courses not offered through the normal school timetable

Students wanting to take distance learning courses for other than the above reasons will not receive the principal’s approval.

Students have two options when taking distance learning courses:

· PAVE – Peace Academy of Virtual Education. This delivery method involves students working on a computer or downloading information to work on paper. This program is set up through Peace Wapiti School Board. Cost for this is approximately $100 per course and is payable to Peace Academy of Virtual Education. Courses are refundable only if a students successfully completes course requirements.

· ADLC – Alberta Distance Learning Centre. This delivery method is through correspondence and fluctuates in cost per course. Please see below for methods of payment and school policy for this.

Upon receiving the principal’s approval for a distance learning course it is understood that the course becomes part of the student’s program for that semester. As such, adequate time will be allowed on an individual student’s timetable to accommodate the required minimal number of minutes to satisfactorily complete the course (i.e. 40 minutes for a 3 credit course and 80 minutes for a 5 credit course (semestered). Distance learning students will be assigned to specified locations - either library or classroom - and every effort will be made to ensure that teacher expertise is made available to assist individuals in completing their courses successfully.

Students are to direct ADLC course costs to the school. Upon successful completion of the course the school will reimburse the students the cost incurred.