FAQ

For Students:

• How long do I have to complete the course?
  Students should expect to spend the same amount of time with their online course as they would in a face-to-face course – somewhere between 6 and 7 hours per week. Courses are completed within 18 weeks or one semester.
• A student living in Thornton who enrolls in eDCSD would still be able to participate in athletics at his neighborhood high school, correct?
  Yes.
• How do I access my course? When is it available?
  Use the login form on the left side of this site.
• Is my course NCAA eligible?
  Yes, provided the course is accepted by your high school and is equivalent to and possesses the same name as the course listed on the school’s NCAA-accepted core courses list.
• How will my credit show on my transcript?
  The credit will show a course number preceded by the letter “e” followed by the name of the course under the school heading of eDCSD – Online Education.

For Parents:

• What grades are offered by eDCSD?
  eDCSD has full course offerings for grades K-10. Grades 11 and 12 will be for supplementary courses until 2011-2012 when our first graduating class will walk.
• What subjects will be offered?
  Language arts, math, science, social studies, music and art are the core courses. High school elective courses for grades 9 through 12 are also available. Visit our School Information tab for more information.
• Does the program provide textbooks and other instructional materials?
  Yes, we provide instructional materials that are needed to complete the program. It may be necessary to visit the public library for some reading material. These books and materials are shipped directly to students.
• Can my child work at his or her own pace?
  The program is self-paced and flexible within the parameters specified by state law and the Douglas County School District Re. 1 calendar.
• Can I enroll my previously homeschooled children in eDCSD?
  Yes. If a family is registered with DCSD as a homeschool family, they can take a minimum of 2 classes with eDCSD.
• Do I need to own a computer to attend the school?
  Students need daily access to a computer, printer and the Internet. Students must meet eligibility requirements to qualify to receive a computer. Families who qualify will be loaned a computer system (including computer, printer, software and Internet connection) to support the learning process. These computer systems are instructional property and must be returned to the Douglas County School District when the student leaves. The Douglas County School District will arrange for technical support and troubleshooting for these systems.
• What computer skills are required?
  Very few, but a basic understanding of computer software is helpful. Use of the computer is an important part of the program, but in the early grades it is the parent (or other responsible adult) who interacts with the computer. The program is easy to use. eDCSD will provide training for those who require it.
• How much time do students spend on the computer?
  The amount of time a student spends on the computer varies by grade. Younger students will spend less time online and more time completing offline activities compared to middle school students and high school students. Middle school students will spend approximately 50% of their school work day online, and high school students could spend up to 80% of their school day online.
• What does it cost to attend eDCSD?
  There is no tuition; however, students and families will be responsible for providing some consumable materials (such as printer ink and paper). District fee guidelines will apply. See student fees located on the Douglas County School District web site. Specific fees for single courses or accelerated hybrid options can be found in this linked document. (Taking more than the brick-and-mortar requirement of 3.5 credits per year requires a $225-per-course fee.)
• What tests are required as part of the program?
  1. Unit and semester assessments
  2. Colorado Department of Education required assessments (CSAP)
  3. Literacy assessments to comply with Colorado Basic Literacy Act requirements
  4. ACT and PLAN tests (or other district-required tests) at the high school level
• Do you provide curriculum for special needs children?
  We can decide at the IEP enrollment determination meeting if it is possible to tailor the curriculum. We have a fully staffed special education department that supports all Douglas County School District schools, including eDCSD.
• Will there be opportunities to meet other eDCSD families and students?
  Yes. eDCSD understands the importance of students and parents interacting with others in the program and in the community. We facilitate numerous activities, online and in person. Our teachers plan field trips and outings with other families and students in your area. We also offer the only safe and secure online school social networking program in Colorado, using the powerful reach of the Internet. With online discussions and forums, new types of communities can be formed that are based not on geography and place, but on shared interests.
• Is eDCSD home schooling?
  eDCSD is not home schooling. eDCSD is a public school for the Douglas County School District Re. 1. eDCSD provides a defined curriculum specifically aligned to Colorado state standards taught by highly qualified licensed teachers to evaluate student performance, including decisions concerning students’ grade-level promotion. All eDCSD students are required to take state standardized tests, and eDCSD is accountable for student performance to regulatory authorities.
• Is there an opportunity for my child to engage in face-to-face coursework at their neighborhood school?
  Yes. We are formulating an enrollment options program to support flexible scheduling within the Douglas County School District and the needs of all learners.
• My student did not pass enough classes to be considered a senior this year. Will she need supplemental classes?
  Here is the problem: The state has no funding mechanism for schools to share PPOR (per-pupil operating revenue). Thus, it is either a gentleman’s agreement or not done. We have not been cleared to charge tuition for students who are not enrolled in Douglas County schools. Therefore, until that clearance is given, that child would be ineligible to take courses through eDCSD. Exception: Take a partial load and homeschool the remainder or take a full load plus with eDCSD. Regarding whether this can be resolved: This has been in front of the legal department for several months. None of the Colorado state schools are authorized to do this. Only correspondence schools, or those intended to be supplemental in nature, can offer this. Bottom line: Non-DCSD students are not eligible for credit recovery or supplemental courses.
• I am a Douglas County School District parent who is looking for an option for my son to retake geometry. He will be a junior this year but did not pass geometry last year as a sophomore.
  Students enrolled full-time in any Douglas County School can take courses through eDCSD at a charge of $225.00 per course. Students enrolled in outside districts are currently not eligible for the class-by-class option. It wouldn’t matter if he failed it or not; the issue is that the course goes beyond his 3.5 credits per semester, unless he takes it in place of a class at the brick-and-mortar. He could take geometry in place of the math class he would normally take as a junior, or he can double up on math classes. It is just a matter of number of credits. Bottom line: Within DCSD, for supplemental/credit recovery, if it’s in addition to normal course load, you pay; if you incorporate it into your regular course load, you don’t.
• I am a teacher and I would like to teach for eDCSD. What should I do?
  You should check the DCSD web page periodically for postings.
• What hybrid elective options are available for a kindergartener?
  See the linked document for specific information on this question
• What is the acceptable maximum high school age?
  Students must graduate from high school prior to being 21 years of age. There is no minimum entry-level age.
• Is it now possible for a 12th grader to earn a diploma with eDCSD exclusively?
  If they meet all of the graduation requirements set out by the board, then yes, eDCSD can award a diploma. However, there will be no ceremonies until 2011.
• How is reading taught to a second grader, especially one with reading difficulties?
  As you may know, we do expect adult partnering here. We are utilizing the Harcourt curriculum and an interactive web site called “Think Central” to provide practice with spelling, phonics and reading skills. Leveled readers are a part of this tool.
• Can an 18-year-old Douglas County student who dropped out of school in 10th grade enroll in eDCSD for a full course load?
  Yes, but they need to finish at or before age 21.

Content Specific Questions:

• Foreign language – How successful are students when learning online? How did they do in the pilot program?
  Those who participated did well. There is an audio component where students hear and speak/record their oral progress, which is then assessed by the teacher.
• How does a student learn art online?
  Depending on the level, the high school commercial art class is quite nice and is available as a sample on the web site. Elementary/middle school students will be working with digital media.
• How does a student learn music online?
  The course involves using a Yamaha keyboard to explore music theory, note reading, rhythm, etc. There is a rental fee for this course.