From Fringes to Mainstream: Taking a District-wide Approach to Online Learning

Many districts begin their online learning implementations by addressing a specific need and student population. Typically, this need is credit recovery, and online learning is a cost-effective solution to help students get back on track. As these programs demonstrate their value, district administrators roll out more and more online learning programs to address diverse student populations.

In this presentation, Mary Fluharty, Director of Online Learning at Alexandria City Schools, will discuss how her district has evolved its online programs over the past five years from credit recovery to a district-wide approach that includes blended learning, AP courses, summer school, and even a satellite campus exclusively for online learners.

She will present her experiences and best practices in:

• Overcoming internal resistance to online learning programs
• Writing online learning policies and gaining school board approval
• Aligning online learning with state standards, and keeping ahead of the curve
• Centralizing online learning Technology onto a single platform for ease of administration
• Personalizing online learning courses by combining district-created content with vendor provided content