Supt. Barresi, State Board of Education praise Fort Gibson schools for “virtual classes” on snow days
OKLAHOMA CITY (May
5, 2014) — The Oklahoma State Board of Education recently voted to approve a
unique way for Fort Gibson Public Schools to keep school in session on snow
days.
The program allows students to submit work from home, engage
with teachers and receive credit for a school day when schools are physically
closed for inclement weather. With the board’s April 24 approval, the virtual classes
will be able to continue.
“This is a great example of how technology can be used to
enhance education inside the classroom and at home. It’s an innovative way to
empower teachers, teach students responsibility and make good use of time,”
state Superintendent of Public Instruction Janet Barresi said. “With the proper
administration, I think it could be very beneficial. I look forward to seeing
it fully implemented.”
Under the program, teachers can record lessons and upload
them to a central website. Students then access those lessons at home. For
students without easy access to technology, printed packets will be sent home.
Students are required to work with their teachers either by phone or online at
least once a day.
Fort Gibson tested the program during the current school
year. Ninety-five percent of students attended and 85-90 percent of work was
completed, Fort Gibson Superintendent Derald Glover told the board.
Glover said his district has been working on a model for
the program for about five years. It allows for more useful instruction time
than tacking on extra days at the end of the year.
“It’s a true 21st-century approach to
learning,” he said. “We have used virtual, online instruction in our school. We
have used traditional teaching methods, and we have used blended instruction.
We totally believe that blended instruction is, by far, the best way to go.”
Glover said teachers still are the key component to
student growth, but using technology in this manner can also increase parental
involvement.
“We want students to take ownership of their work. I’ll
be honest, this thing exceeded my expectations as far as success,” Glover said.
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