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District leads way with iQ Academy
Published 06:00 a.m., February 21, 2009
The Fergus Falls School District is ahead of the game when it comes to online education.
With the district serving as the sponsor for iQ Academy, an online school catering to students throughout the state, staff and faculty are developing a deeper understanding of what it means to be successful in an online class environment.
“This is a great avenue for students and families who are really wanting their flexibility in their day and their lifestyle,” said iQ Academy Director Molly Johnson.
But Johnson admits she and others have come to realize the program isn’t for everyone.
“It’s not the right fit for everybody,” Johnson said. “Just like no pair of jeans fits everybody,”
Students who are self-motivated and understand the importance of their education are typically those who excel in the program, Johnson said.
That’s the case for Brittany Schlichting, a ninth grade student who attends class from her lap top in her Dalton home.
Schlichting was enrolled in public school up until sixth grade, before switching to a home school option. When the opportunity to attend high school through iQ Academy came around, she jumped at the chance.
Now in her second semester with iQ Academy, Schlichting is enjoying the flexibility, classes and level of support she’s provided.
Although Schlichting has a typical day to day schedule, she’s also able to alter that accordingly.
“I’m a babysitter and it’s really nice to be able to have that flexibility to offer people,” she said.
When coming across a problem related to course work, Schlichting says it’s not difficult to find the answer.
“I’m able to e-mail my teachers at anytime with questions,” she said, “and all are good at getting back within the day.”
Students are also able to discuss questions over the phone and participate in virtual blackboard sessions, where students are able to see teachers work out problems on the computer screen.
But Schlichting says, just as attending class in a traditional, online school does come with its frustrations. She says the key to success is to push on through the problem.
For those considering online education, it doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing. Students are able to enroll full-time and have the option of combining in-school courses with online classes.
In fact, it may become mandatory for students in the future to enroll in at least one online course, as Gov. Pawlenty is pushing to include online high school courses in graduation standards.
Currently, some 200 students throughout the state attend iQ Academy. All those enrolled throughout the state are considered to be students of the Fergus Falls School District, with a portion of the funds benefiting the district.
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