Distance Learning
Springdale Jr-Sr High School will offer a variety of Advanced Placement classes and foreign languages using distance learning. Distance learning can be either online or via satellite. Satellite classes offer daily lectures. Students view the lectures either using tapes or web casting. Assignments as well as tests and quizzes move between SHS and the satellite instructor using fax and mail. There are scheduled times that the student can contact the instructor for questions and clarification. In an online course, all lessons are available to the student from the moment the student registers for the course. There are lessons to view as well as online exercises and quizzes that provide immediate feedback. In an online course, students are required to participate in online discussion. Some assignments and all tests are faxed to the online instructor. In the case of an online course through the local community college, some tests must be taken at the campus. To be successful at distance learning, students must be self-directed, self-disciplined, and highly motivated. The student must be able to set a personal schedule and complete assignments on time. The student’s writing and communication skills should be above average. Although instructors are always available for questions, the student should have some experience in solving problems independently (prior success in an AP or honors level course, for example).
Independent Study
Students have the opportunity to take part in an independent learning activity. This option applies to those students who have met their course requirements and may use this as an elective course. Students select a topic of research that would involve a thorough investigation of some topic, career, or other area of interest to the student. The topics are generally anchored in content-area courses offered in the school and take the students to a higher level of exploration. Students do receive a mentor teacher to work with and in conjunction with this mentor layout a plan of investigation or research. At the conclusion of this elective, students are expected to have a product as a result of their experience, which may include an oral presentation to a committee.
Early College Admission
Students who have exhausted course selections and electives at the high school may take part in an open-ended program with local universities or colleges. Students may enroll in a variety of courses that are not offered at the school district. The student must be accepted at the post-secondary institution and be able to schedule the courses around his/her high school schedule. Students will receive college credit upon successful completion of these courses. Some courses may be transferable between colleges and universities and may count for college credit. Students should prepare for this option as early as possible due to the enrollment process at the university and credit verification within the School District. Students should work in conjunction with their guidance counselor and parent/guardian to pursue this option. The cost of the course and transportation to and from the institution are the responsibility of the student.