Gresham-Barlow Web Academy
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)


Enrollment
How many students will be enrolled in the academy?
We will open the 2010 -2011 school year with 150 students in grades 6-12.  We anticipate growth to 250 students by the end of the school year.


Can students who live outside of the school district attend?
Students that reside within the Gresham-Barlow School District boundaries have first priority. If there is additional space, students from outside the district boundaries will be accepted.


What is the application process?
The application is available on the school’s website. (www.gbwebacademy.org)


Who is eligible to enroll?
Students who reside in the Gresham-Barlow School District boundaries and are scheduled to be in grades 6-12. Preference will be given to Gresham-Barlow School District residents, but a limited number of out-of-district students will be considered.


Communications
How do teachers and students communicate?
Teachers are expected to respond to student questions as soon as possible, but at least within 24 hours.

There are monthly face-to-face meetings with students, parents, and teachers to review progress.

Teachers are accessible by cell phone and email.


Are students allowed to chat online with other academy students and teachers?
This is a very important component of online schools. Students are given opportunities to communicate with other students about courses and assignments through chat rooms and specific email accounts.


Curriculum/course work
How much time are students expected to devote to their work?
Students should expect to spend 25-30 hours per week as a full-time student on their studies.

Full-time students must take at least four (4) courses.


How will this program meet the needs of individual students?
Each student works with an academy teacher and their parent or other adult (mentor) to develop a student learning plan


Student progress is monitored by staff members and student mentors at home. We encourage the student/family to communicate with the Web Academy teacher as needed.


Are field trips and community service a part of the school experience?
Yes, students will have the opportunity to participate in field trips and community service projects that relate to their online classes and the program’s curriculum.


Are students able to take classes at their neighborhood school as well?
Students who are Gresham-Barlow School District residents can enroll in one elective course per semester if space is available.


Can students opt out of certain course content for religious reasons?
Exceptions will be made on a case-by-case basis in a manner that is consistent with state regulation and district policy.


Other online schools are not very flexible with the level of the curriculum. How does the web academy deal with students who can operate at a higher level?
In addition to individualized student learning plans, students may work through courses at a pace ahead of the normal course sequence. (e.g. 8th graders taking Algebra 1)


School calendar/staff availability
Does the web academy follow the district calendar?
Our calendar follows the major holidays and breaks in the district calendar.

Staff operates on schedules that maximize opportunities for quick response. Staff posts their office hours monthly.

Staff are also available to provide technical and administrative support for students and parents.


How are homebound students provided face-to-face contact?
Home visits can be arranged ahead of time and occur only in the presence of the parent or mentor.

The face-to-face visits occur once a month to review progress and plan for the next month’s activities.


Graduation and diploma from high school
Does the web academy program lead to a diploma?
Beginning in the 2010-2011 school year, students will be graduating with either a state of Oregon diploma (24 credits) or a Gresham-Barlow diploma (25.5 credits).

Credit recovery courses are available in addition to core curriculum courses for full time students.


Special needs students

How does this program serve students with IEP’s or 504 Plans?
All identified students who are in charter programs are served consistent with their home school district’s plans.


If a student is on an IEP, who decides what their education plan and/or placement is?
This is done consistent with the laws and regulations covering special needs students. Those decisions are the responsibility of the IEP Team.


Financing
What costs does the district incur from this program?
This program has to operate as a “stand alone” program. It is funded by state operating dollars that follow the student. In addition, there are federal funds to cover start-up costs. The district incurs no costs from this program.



>> Back to Welcome Page