Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Click on a category for information about the Mesa Distance Learning Program
General Information
Course Delivery
Curriculum Information
Course Credits
What is distance learning?
Distance learning is a form of education that focuses on
independent study and individualized instruction for students. Distance learning
students are not in a physical classroom, rather they attend school using
such means as the Internet, correspondence, television, or by some other avenue.
MDLP is a computer-based online learning program. Students submit coursework
and communicate with teachers online.
Who is a good candidate for distance learning?
Average to above average students who are motivated to learn are good candidates
for distance learning. Distance learning courses are very demanding and
are developed to deliver 18 weeks of instruction. MDLP is not suited for
credit recovery.
Whom do I contact to find out more information?
Call our office at (480) 472-7285. Sample
courses are available online.
How do I register for courses?
First decide
which courses the student will be taking. Students currently enrolled
in a Mesa Public School will need to seek advisement from their school counselor
before registering with MDLP. The counselor or other designee will submit the
online dual enrollment form to the MDLP office. Students currently enrolled
in other districts should receive advisement from their home school counselor
before choosing MDLP courses. This will help to ensure that all students are
enrolled in courses that apply toward graduation requirements at their school. After
advisement, part-time students need to complete
the online
registration form.
Full-time MDLP students should complete
the online registration form. After completing the online registration
form, a counselor is available to review transcripts and advise full-time
MDLP students and their parents about course selection as it applies to graduation
requirements. In order to expedite the registration
process, full-time students may want to contact the student's former school
and have transcripts and high school AIMS scores sent to MDLP before registering.
Transcripts may be faxed to 480-472-0887. Transcripts are not required for
part-time MDLP students.
How many online courses can I take?
Full-time high school students should take at least four
courses. Full-time junior high (grades 7-8) should take at least six courses.
What do I need to know about attendance for full-time distance learning students?
Parents can ensure that students log a minimum of five hours per week per course. That means a full-time distance learning student who is taking four courses should be logging a minimum of 20 hours per week.
Student attendance (shown in the timesheet calendar) is automatically updated at midnight, reflecting the previous day's work. Because automatic attendance entries use the time a student is logged in, the timesheet calendar does not reflect time spent working offline (reading, studying, doing lab work, bowling, etc.). Offline time may be added by selecting the date and time (use the arrows) in the timesheet calendar then clicking the 'Send' button. Parents of full-time distance learning students are asked to confirm attendance each week by clicking on a link in their Progress Report e-mail.
Parents may continue to monitor student attendance through the
Parent page or through Monday progress reports. For more information, click
on the 'Learn More' button in the timesheet calendar.
Is MDLP a home school?
Home school students are welcome to enroll in our courses
and usually qualify for free classes. Once enrolled in MDLP, full-time distance learning students are part
of Mesa Public Schools and are required to take mandated state
tests such as AIMS or Terra Nova in order to receive free classes.
Students can take courses from MDLP while being home schooled.
What if I already attend high school full-time?
If you attend school full-time, you may register as a dual enrolled student.
Dual enrolled students need to see their home school counselor for advisement
before selecting distance learning courses. MPS counselors will advise dual
enrolled students and help them select appropriate courses. They will then complete the
online dual enrollment form. This form
must be sent to the MDLP registrar BEFORE Mesa Public School students submit
the MDLP online registration form.
What if I do not attend a Mesa public school?
MDLP is a distance learning program that has students from
around the world. All students are welcome to register.
Can students take summer school online?
Yes. Students may register for summer courses as early as March. For
more information, go to the 7-12 registration page and click on the 'Summer Courses' link.
Are MDLP students required to take the AIMS test?
All distance learning students who reside in the state of Arizona are required
to take state mandated testing for their grade level. For
more information, see our state testing page.
If I enroll today, when can I start?
You can start as soon as the registrar completes the enrollment process. Allow
up to one week after submitting the registration form for transcripts and
counselor recommendations to be received and processed. For
more information, see our registration page.
Do I have to complete all of my work using a computer online?
Yes. Distance learning students will need a Windows
or Macintosh computer and an Internet connection. Students use word processing
software to complete homework assignments in
some courses. MDLP can provide word processing software for a small deposit.
What if I do not have a computer?
New computers can be purchased at various stores. Used computers may be purchased
from shops that sell refurbished computers. Check the yellow pages or ask
others who have purchased computers. MDLP does NOT recommend the use of public
computers such as those located in libraries for distance learning courses because time
limits are placed on computer usage and test back up files are not saved. Click
here for recommended computer specifications.
How does the program work?
MDLP is an online distance learning program. Students submit coursework and
communicate with teachers online. Teachers grade student work and provide
assistance when requested. Students who wish to register should go to the registration
page.
Are textbooks used with courses?
Some courses require textbooks. About two-thirds of MDLP courses do not
require textbooks. Refundable deposits are required for
textbooks. Additional materials are outlined in
the course catalog and on the course information page of each course. Questions
about materials? Call the registrar at 480-472-0878 (A-L) or 480-472-0882 (M-Z) .
Is distance learning difficult for courses without
textbooks?
Courses without textbooks provide online content which is similar to information
found in a textbook. Hands-on interactivities, videos, and tutorials assist
students in learning course content.
Is an online course easier than traditional schooling?
Distance learning is different than a traditional classroom setting. Our courses
involve a large volume of individualized reading. They are primarily designed
for average to above average self-motivated students.
Are the classes the same as those offered in a traditional
school?
The curriculum offered in the Mesa Distance Learning Program
is the same as that offered in a traditional school. The program is open entry/open
exit. Students can start anytime during the year and finish the course 18 weeks
later. Students can set their own schedule to work toward course completion.
Students need to spend at least one hour per weekday (Monday - Friday) per
course to complete the course in 18 weeks.
How long do I have to finish?
Students typically have 18 weeks to complete a course.
Course extensions are granted in most situations (special guidelines apply
for graduating seniors). Students may request an automatic extension online
when they are within 10 days of the course end date.
What if I do not finish on time?
If a student needs more time to complete a course, an extension may be granted.
Information about special deadlines for graduating seniors can be found
on the Graduating Seniors link on the Student or Parent page.
How is student progress monitored in a course?
Parents receive weekly progress reports and are able to view student progress
and grades online through a secure parent page.
Can students go at their own pace? Can they "get ahead" so
they can graduate early?
Yes. However, parents and students should keep in mind that MDLP courses are
full semester courses, designed to be completed in 18 weeks.
How is student progress monitored?
Parents receive progress reports and are able to view student progress and
grades online through a secure site.
What courses are offered?
MDLP 7-12 offers 85 high-quality semester courses. Refer to our online course
catalog for more information.
Do the courses follow a set curriculum?
Yes. All courses are aligned with Mesa Public School district curriculum, Arizona
state standards, and national curriculum standards where applicable.
How were the courses developed?
Our courses were developed by highly qualified-certified teachers.
Who teaches the online courses?
Our courses are taught by highly qualified-certified teachers.
Who helps the students?
A highly-qualified, certified teacher is assigned to each course. Teachers
help monitor student progress and interact with students, answering course
questions as they arise. Students send messages to the teacher when questions
arise. Content specialists are available by phone to answer
questions during the work day. Although MDLP does not provide tutoring,
teachers and specialists can answer specific student questions. Technical
support is available by phone during the day or by e-mail on evenings and
weekends.
Do the courses align with Arizona state standards?
Our courses are aligned to Mesa district, state of
Arizona and national curriculum standards where applicable.
Is MDLP accredited?
Yes.
How do my grades transfer?
Grades transfer in the same way as those taken at a traditional
school. However, school districts receiving MDLP grades can decide whether
or not to accept grades for distance learning courses. For this reason, we
suggest that prospective students check with other school districts to see
if they will accept our courses for credit. Mesa Public Schools accept all
MDLP courses for credit.
Will credits from my previous school transfer to your program?
Your school counselor must first approve credits applied
toward graduation. District guidelines for credit approval apply. All credits
must come from an accredited institution. Students transferring from charter
schools may not receive credit for all courses. Life experience, religious
courses, or community summer programs do not qualify for credit approval. If
you have additional questions concerning credit transfer, contact our registrar.
Do the courses count for high school credit?
Our high school courses count for high school credit in many school districts.
Contact individual school districts for more information. If you are currently
enrolled in a school outside of Mesa Public Schools, you will need to check
with your counselor to ensure that course credits from MDLP will be accepted
for graduation. Some schools limit the number of transfer credits accepted
for graduation.
Will my diploma be accepted by a university?
Colleges and universities accept our courses, however,
it is always recommended that you check with the college you are interested
in attending. MDLP is currently the only distance learning program whose science
and fine arts courses meet the lab science and fine arts requirements for Arizona
universities.
Do you offer courses for grade replacement?
Yes, but the original grade remains on the student's transcript. The grade
received from MDLP will be recorded in addition to the first grade
for the course.