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Not long ago, there was a survey sent out gathering input regarding the blended learning model and the location for the secondary grades.
I wanted to take this opportunity to give some of the results of that survey, answer some of the questions, and provide a general update on the these topics as we conclude this school year.
I would encourage parents of elementary children to read this information although it may not seem to apply to them at this time. It will help them to be better informed about their children’s future education as well as help them to avoid misunderstandings when discussing this topic.
Here is some conclusive information regarding next year. Below that, you will find information more specific to the details of the survey.
- Due to lack of enrollment for K5, we are not going to have a K5 next year but we do plan to have K5 in the years to follow based on need.
- We are planning to locate the secondary students on the campus of Northland.
Many of the details are still being finalized related to the relocation of the secondary grades as well as the blended learning model but much has fallen into place already. Updates will be provided during the summer, as appropriate, including information regarding an open house that demonstrates the blended learning model. The date for this will likely be near the end of the summer and will be communicated as soon as it is settled.
Regarding the survey results, please note the following:
(These were the 3 key “objective” questions. The subjective comments/questions I have attempted to address below.
18 out of 23 responded
1) My overall rating of the relocation is:
| I am very favorable to the idea | 6 | 33% | |
| I have some concerns but generally am favorable to the idea | 6 | 33% | |
| I am favorable to either location | 2 | 11% | |
| I have some concerns and, while I’m open to the topic, I am generally not favorable to the idea | 2 | 11% | |
| I do not like the idea at all | 2 | 11% |
2) Related to the recent meetings about the blended learning model for PCS secondary school next year, how would you rate the meeting benefit?
| I found the meeting to be very informative and helpful | 10 | 56% | |
| I found the meeting to be somewhat informative and helpful | 4 | 22% | |
| I did not find the meeting to be informative or helpful | 0 | 0% | |
| I was not able to attend either meeting | 4 | 22% |
3) My overall rating of the blended learning model is:
| I am very favorable to the idea | 3 | 17% | |
| I have some concerns but generally am favorable to the idea | 8 | 44% | |
| I have some concerns and, while I’m open to the topic, I am generally not favorable to the idea | 4 | 22% | |
| I do not like the idea at all | 2 | 11% | |
| I did not attend the meeting and still have some questions about the new model | 1 | 6% |
Q/A with Survey responses and questions:
**There were many comments/questions. Below, and in nor particular order, I have attempted to give replies to all the various topics that were brought up. Hopefully, you will find it helpful. If you have any other questions along the way, please pass them along.
- We plan to have some designated tables for our students to eat lunch at in the dining hall to help maintain their “identity” while there. We also plan to have a lunch “package” that you will choose to purchase by the semester or students can bring their own. In either case, lunches will be eaten together and in the dining hall.
- As it relates to student accountability, pace, and student motivation, there will not be much difference from a traditional classroom setting—though when needed, a flexible pace is more easily engaged. Students will remain accountable to the teachers for their pace and completion of their coursework as well as to their parents and teachers for their motivation to learn.
- Regarding games and practices, there will very likely remain the need to utilize the FBC gym for both practices and games throughout the year though we are open to using Northland facilities as able.
- There was one questions about lockers. There will be a storage solution of some sort provided. It probably will not be lockers but it will be effective.
- The learning lab will be the “hub” of activity and learning, but yes, there will be other rooms utilized as needed for live instruction.
- Regarding “separation” from the college students. We do plan to offset the schedule as much as possible from the college schedule as well as have a designated area for lunch.
- There will be a slight offset in start times between the secondary location and the elementary campus to help with meeting start times for those with siblings at each location.
- Point of clarity: There has been some confusion in spite of what has been communicated thus far regarding whether the courses that are not taught live by our teachers will be “online” or not. They will not be “online” courses, they will be video courses augmented by academic support from our teachers.
- Point of clarity: In a small number of survey comments, there was also some question as to what was to be gained with “most” of the courses being in a video format as well as what the benefit of video courses through PCS would be over simply doing the video courses at home.
- First, there will be a decent number of courses taught live by our teachers as well as video courses. The number of live instruction courses vs. video courses will vary by grade level.
- Second, the benefits are numerous and were described at the meetings. Qualified instructors who are able to come along side after a video lesson, either in a group setting or individually, and provide academic support is powerful. The video lecture actually enables instructors to focus more of their time on individual learning and success. There are a variety of ways instructors will support students academically in addition to the video lectures provided.
I trust that you have found this to be helpful. As more details settle in for next year, they will be communicated.
If you have any other questions, please feel free to pass them along.
Thank you.