Online school starts in fall
Published Monday, June 16, 2008
Photo by Zak Holtan
Minnesota iQ Academy Operations Manager, Molly Johnson, presents information about a new Fergus Falls online school to local residents Thursday night at the Comfort Inn.
Technology is changing the face of education throughout the country — and Fergus Falls is no exception. This week marks the launch of iQ Academy, Minnesota’s online public school learning program, available to Fergus Falls students grades six through 12 for the 2008-09 school year.
The tuition-free program allows students to maintain one-on-one teacher relationships, while adjusting education schedules to fit individual circumstances. All homework, testing and correspondence is conducted by computer and Internet programs, provided to students through the Fergus Falls public school district.
The iQ Academy is considered an Independent School District 544 program, and runs under the same set of Minnesota Department of Education standards.
The iQ Academy is an extension of the Virtual School of Minnesota program, which was offered to Fergus Falls students for the past two years.
“The biggest difference is a change in the curriculum we’re using,” said Jesse Thorstad, technology specialist for Fergus Falls schools.
In addition to core, required subjects, the program will offer students an opportunity to enroll in advanced placement classes and a wide variety of language courses that may not otherwise be offered in the classroom. Languages include everything from Spanish to Mandarin Chinese.
The iQ program runs under a “blackboard” software program that allows students to observe teacher demonstrations and presentations on a blackboard that appears on students’ home computer screens.
Online core courses will be taught by Fergus Falls Middle and High school teachers.
The online school will make it possible for the school district to offer education to students who may, for various reasons, be unable to maintain regular attendance in classrooms, said Lisa McClure, director of iQ Academy.
At a time when school districts are concerned with dwindling enrollment numbers, Superintendent Jerry Ness said, in the long run, the program actually helps the school district out.
“That’s better than them dropping out totally,” Ness said.
Fergus Falls iQ students are not included in official district enrollment numbers, but the district does receive funding for each iQ student. The district provides extra funding for each student’s Internet access and computer access, but a portion of funds are reimbursed through iQ’s national partner, KC Distance Learning Center.
Online students have access to extracurricular activities offered through the Fergus Falls district, including athletic programs, and graduates receive Fergus Falls High School diplomas.
Minnesota is the fourth state to take on the iQ Academy as a certified public learning institution.
For more information, contact the iQ Academy at 1-877-994-4766 or info@iqacademymn.org.
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