What materials does Mesa Distance Learning K6Online
Provide?
Students will be using Compasslearning's Odyssey software, and be provided
with all textbooks, workbooks, and manipulatives that are necessary for
certain portions of the curriculum.
What subjects and grades are offered?
K-6 Online will offer kindergarten through sixth grade online classes. The
curriculum will provide a full year of academic coursework, complete
with extension activities for extra enrichment and remediation for students
who need extra help. Click here for a list
of the classes offered at each grade level.
Can I still homeschool?
Although the Mesa Distance Learning K-6 Online program is funded by the state,
you are still schooling your children at home. Parent involvement in
this kind of program is fundamental. Without your input, creativity,
and reinforcement, an online program for elementary children would never
be a success. Your planning and direction will be crucial to making this
program work for your child.
How much does it cost?
Both Mesa Distance Learning's - K-6 Online Program and the Eagleridge Enrichment
Program are programs funded by the state. There are no fees associated
with either program or the materials that students receive through these
programs.
How will my child be graded?
Mesa Distance Learning's K-6 Online Program is based on the mastery learning
concept. Students will be expected to score 80% or better on most
assessments. Teachers will work with students who do not score in
this range in
order to ensure that students understand key concepts and are learning
the
necessary material. Remediation may be provided in the way of additional
teaching materials to parents and students, or through tutoring sessions
on campus.
How many hours is my child required to spend on the computer?
Mesa Distance Learning K-6 Online will provide between 50% and 70% of its
instruction online. The kindergarten, first and second graders will spend
less time online than the upper grade level students, however, each K-6
Online student will need to devote a specific amount of time to academics,
according to the class the student is taking. Click
here for a chart of the classes that will be offered and the amount
of time required on a daily basis for each class.
Do I need a computer and an internet connection for my child to enroll?
Mesa Distance Learning's K-6 Online Program cannot provide computers and
internet connections for its clientele. Therefore, it will be up to each
family to provide the computer and online connectivity for the children
who take online classes. A high-speed Internet connection is required.
Will my child have a teacher to talk to?
Yes! Children will be able to call, or email the teacher on a regular
basis. The teacher will keep track of the weekly assessments that
your child
takes in each curricular area. Quarterly progress reports will be
sent to the parents, and the teacher will work with the child and
the
parents to make sure that the student is mastering each area of the
curriculum.
How will instructors in Mesa Distance Learning's K-6 Online Program
know what grade level in which to place my child?
All children will start by taking preassessments so that they can be placed
in the appropriate grade level materials. Students will be preassessed
at the beginning of the school year.
What happens if my child is struggling with the work?
The Mesa Distance Learning's K-6 Online teacher who has been assigned to
your child will work with you. You may be given additional practice materials
and manipulatives to use in working with your child, or tutoring sessions
may be set up on campus, so that your child can receive specialized assistance.
Will my child be able to go through the materials more quickly, if
he or she is capable of doing more than one lesson daily?
Although this will probably not occur frequently, there may be children who
move through the material at a more rapid pace. These children will then
be tested and promoted to the next grade level. Children who are successfully
promoted from the Mesa Distance Learning K-6 Online Program can enroll
in the Mesa Distance Learning 7-12 Program.
Does my child have to take all of the basic skills classes that are
offered?
No, you may choose to have your child take only two classes, or one two-hour
class online. This is entirely up to you and the needs of your child.
If you want to have your child take online classes and attend Eagleridge
On-Campus a combination of days, that's perfectly acceptable. The K-6
Online Program is committed to providing you with the flexibility to
make the best educational choices for your family.
What are the advantages of this online program?
1. Mesa Distance Learning's K-6 Online provides parents with a structured,
sequential program that is aligned with state and national standards,
and it's free of charge!
2. The K-6 Online program allows students to work at their own pace, year-round.
3. Mesa Distance Learning's K-6 Online program ensures that all curricular
areas are covered and that students receive both enrichment and remediation,
as needed.
4. Mesa Distance Learning's K-6 Online program provides choices. You are
not put in the position of choosing to have your child take the full schedule
of classes, or not participate at all. You may elect to enroll your child
in a minimum of two classes (or one two-hour class) or more. You may dual
enroll with Eagleridge and the K-6 Online program. The choice is yours.
5. The program provides a certified teacher, and on-campus tutoring, for
those who need additional assistance.
6. The program is based on the needs of families who choose to school their
children at home.
7. Mesa Distance Learning's K-6 Online program works hand-in-hand with the
Eagleridge Enrichment Program. You have the ability to take part in both
an on-campus enrichment program, with a wide variety of class choices, and
a thorough, high-quality online basic skills program.
8. There is no fee associated with either program or the materials that you
receive from them.
9. Mesa Distance Learning's K-6 Online students may participate in field
trips sponsored by the Eagleridge Enrichment Program!
10. Involvement in the online program provides you with a record of your
child's homeschool work. This is useful in applying to private schools or
universities.
AZ Testing Requirements
Mesa Distance Learning's K-6 Online students are required to take all state-
mandated standardized tests. These will be provided at a set time, date
and location. Parents are responsible for transporting students to the
location for the testing. Currently, students in 2nd and 9th grades are
required to take the TerraNova, and students in 3rd - 8th grades are
required to take the AIMS. Students who do not fulfill the testing obligation
will not be allowed to enroll in a Mesa Distance Learning Program for
the following year.
