Overview and Curriculum
In conjunction with BLaST Intermediate Unit 17, Jersey Shore Online Learning (JSOL), is an online learning option that provides online learning courses for our district students in grades K-12. The curriculum is provided and delivered through our Intermediate Unit. Therefore, it is a separate curriculum than what is taught in our JSASD classrooms. JSOL curriculum is highly engaging, research-based, and provides quality educational services to allow your learner to develop along their personalized learning pathway. Course teachers are provided through the Intermediate Unit and programs. They are highly qualified educators in their field.
Contact
For more information on Jersey Shore Area School District’s Online Learning Program, please contact:
Mrs. Rachel Barth, rbarth@jsasd.org or 570-398-5255
Application Process (ENROLLMENT)
- Students who are interested in enrolling in the JSOL program can begin by filling out the Enrollment Interest Form on the JSOL website, meeting with their assigned guidance counselor, or contacting Mrs. Barth, the JSOL Facilitator.
- Parents or Guardians must be present at enrollment/orientation meetings to enroll their child in the JSOL program.
- At the orientation, courses will be selected as well as the review of the handbook and JSOL policies.
- If a student has an IEP, a meeting will need to be scheduled to indicate the change of enrollment and ensure needs can be met through the JSOL program.
- Students will be required to complete all coursework in the given marking period(s)/semester(s) they are enrolled in the JSOL program.
- To ensure the adequate transfer of course credits and completion, it is strongly advised that students only enroll at the beginning of the JSASD marking periods. If a student knows they are interested in JSOL enrollment, they should schedule an enrollment meeting at least one week before the start of a new marking period. If a student chooses to enroll during a marking period, they may be required to complete all assignments for that entire marking period. Students should be prepared to enroll for at least one marking period upon enrollment in JSOL.
Please note the following scheduled dates for JSASD marking periods for 2021-2022. (*Dates are subject to change due to inclement weather cancellations)
Marking Period | Dates | Enrollment Deadline |
1 | 8/25/22 – 10/27/22 | 8/15/22 |
2 | 10/28/22 – 1/13/23 | 10/21/22 |
3 | 1/14/23 – 3/21/23 | 1/19/23 |
4 | 3/22/23 – 5/25/23 | 3/15/23 |
How will attendance be tracked?
One benefit of choosing to be an online learner is that the student has the flexibility to complete their coursework when it is most convenient for their personal learning style.
- Students will have from Monday – Sunday (at 11:59pm) to complete weekly assignments.
- If the student remains ON PACE or AHEAD with their assignments each week, absences will not be assigned.
- If a student is BEHIND or FAILING any courses, they will be assigned a required Work Day at their assigned building.
- If a student is assigned a work day and fails to attend, they will receive an absence for that day regardless of online login. The purpose of the session, is to work individually with that student and review best academic practices to remain on-track.
- If a student is assigned a work day but is ON PACE and PASSING ALL CLASSES prior to the assigned work day, they are not required to attend.
Why Jersey Shore Online?…and why not cyber charters?
The Jersey Shore Area School District, in conjunction with BLaST Intermediate Unit 17, offers district students the opportunity to enroll in the program of online courses as a means of fulfilling their educational requirements. In addition to courses provided from that partnership, JSASD uses its own teachers to provide online course content beginning in the 2021-2022 school year. Jersey Shore Online Learning students are full-time Jersey Shore Area School District students who may participate in academic, co-curricular, athletic, and social activities available to all District students. A student’s progress and achievement will be monitored and assessed throughout his/her enrollment in the program. JSASD has a full-time Cyber Facilitator and Secretary that are here to help students and families through their learning.
What does the research say?
CyberCharterRPT06-19-18.pdf (pasa-net.org)
What is it costing JSASD?
| Enrollment | Cyber/Charter per student | Total Cost to JSASD | |
| Special Education | 21 | $25, 849 | $542, 829 |
| Regular Education | 102 | $12,266 | $1,251,132 |
| Total: | $1,793,961 | ||
| If those students attended JSOL the cost would be $369,000 | |||
2020-2021 projected cost
Why do people talk about cyber/charter funding?
The Commonwealth Triple Whammy – YouTube
What can be done?
PSBACharterTaskForceReport.pdf
What does the performance data say?
Help Desk
Navigation Issues: Our General Orientation Video, FAQs, and other information is accessible at any time on the district website.
System Technology Issues:If you are having difficulties specific to the JSOL program, please contact the Intermediate Unit at 570.323.8561
iPad Specific Issues: If you are having issues with the iPad specifically, you may reach out to our Technology Department at 570.398.5257. Please report issues as soon as possible to ensure student access. This is directly ties to attendance reporting.
FAQ
Who can enroll?
The courses are available to students in grades K-12 who are seeking a completely online cyber school education that is done from home.
What computer skills do students need?
It is expected that students will have basic computer skills such as knowledge of Internet navigation, word processing, and email. An orientation will be provided to all students and parents in the use of the software systems prior to the start of classes.
How do I get Help/Support for technology problems?
If you are having trouble with a district-provided device, help/support is available by calling the district technology office. If you are having trouble with the online learning program, you will be shown how to contact them with questions during your virtual orientation.
What if I want to use my own computer?
Courses can be accessed from any computer or device. Students who choose to use their own computers will not be able to use technical support services offered through the school.
Will I earn a High School diploma?
Yes, your student will earn a diploma from the Jersey Shore Area School District if all District policies are followed and courses requirements are met.
Will textbooks be provided?
Most cyber courses have everything you need online. If your course comes with materials or hard copy books, that information will be provided to you.
How do students do lab work for science courses?
Labs are performed in a flash-based virtual environment where students can easily experience the concepts and extend their exploration beyond the lesson.
How much time should I spend on my online courses to be successful?
Cyber courses contain the same content that you would receive in a traditional school so you should plan to spend about 5-6 hours a day, 5-days a week, on your courses. Of course, some courses will require more time than others and the amount of time a course requires depends largely on what you are trying to accomplish. There is no “right” answer to this question so you should consult with your facilitator regularly to be sure you are working at a pace and level of achievement to be successful. The expectation is that log-in to the classes daily and stay up-to-date with the required work for all subjects in which you are enrolled.
How do students meet Physical Education requirements?
Physical education requirements can be met by taking courses delivered through the Cyber program.
How will my student interact with and be supported by the District?
The key to a student’s academic success in JSOL is the student. The Program Administrator’s primary goal is to make sure each one of his/her students is making progress and meeting or exceeding their academic goals. If the Program Administrator sees a student getting off track, it will be addressed immediately, with the student, parent, and instructors as necessary. Students are also supported by online Instructors who help to instruct the students and give feedback on performance.
How do I get help when I have a question about something in my courses?
Any time you have a question about anything in your courses, you should contact the facilitator/instructor for that course. Every course has information about how you should do this – for example, sometimes they recommend e-mail, sometimes they have online ‘office hours’, etc. Be sure to follow the recommended steps for the particular course you need help with.
Are your teachers certified?
Yes, all Online Instructional Staff are Pennsylvania certified and highly qualified to teach their subjects.
Are students required to take standardized tests?
Yes, all students are required to take the same state-mandated exams through the district.
Will there be opportunities for socialization and extracurricular activities?
Students taking online courses remain enrolled in JSASD, so they are eligible to participate in social and extracurricular activities in accordance with school policies.
Are online courses easier for students than regular courses?
Most online courses are not condensed or easier versions of regular courses. They are aligned to rigorous state standards. They require active participation and operate in settings under supervision of state-certified teachers, require students to take state assessment tests, have attendance policies, and have competency-based academic progress requirements in effect. They require high levels of initiative to complete.
Will the curriculum be the same as what my child would have taken?
The classes taken are the same and are aligned as much as possible. For example, if the student would have taken Algebra 1 in the building, they would take Algebra 1 online.
Will my child have JSASD teachers?
To the extent possible, courses will use JSASD teachers, if not all teachers used have PA certificates.
How is attendance determined for JSOL students?
Students are expected to log-in to the JSOL program daily (M-F) and complete work in all of their assigned classes in order to make sufficient progress so that classes are completed by the end of the marking period. Students who do not log- in and complete work daily will receive an unexcused absence. Families taking trips may submit an Educational Trip Form to the appropriate school. Medical and other excuses can be provided to the appropriate school office when necessary. Students with excessive absences or who fail to complete the courses in a timely manner will be withdrawn at the end of the marking period.
JSOL General Orientation Video
JSOL Elementary Orientation Video
Pacing, Progress and Grades (grades 6-12) – video tutorial on how students and parents can accurately view grades-to-date as well as non-running total.