Envision Schools

By:

Dec 19, 2012

Submitted by Kiera Chase, Blended Learning Coordinator
Note: The information in this profile represents SY2012-13 unless otherwise indicated.


School/organization overview

Name Envision Schools
Type Charter Management Organization
Locale Urban
Headquarters San Francisco Bay Area
First year of operation SY2002-03
Grades served 9-12
Enrollment 1,218
% FRL 61% (SY2010-11)
% Black or Hispanic 32% (SY2010-11)
Per-pupil funding
Website http://www.envisionschools.org/site/

School/organization background

History and context
The mission of Envision Schools is to transform the lives of students – especially those who will be the first in the family to attend college – by preparing them for success in college and in life. We employ the best practices of high school design —rigorous college-preparatory curricula, small and personalized learning environments, and a focus on measurable results—and add a truly innovative model that emphasizes project-based learning, development of Deeper Learning skills, integration of arts and technology into core subjects, real-world experience in workplaces, and a uniquely rigorous assessment system. Within this framework we believe that developing Blended Learning opportunities further supports our students individual learning needs, and prepares them succeed in college and beyond.


Blended-learning program (1 of 3)

Name N/A
Focus General
Year launched SY2011-12
Outside investments/grants $100,000
Enrollment 752
Blended grades 9
Blended subjects Math
Content Khan Academy
SIS PowerSchool
Independent LMS None
Independent gradebook Powerschool
Independent assessment  MDTP
Professional development None

Program model

Program model: Station Rotation

Model description
Students rotate on a fixed schedule between three in-class stations that include online activities, teacher led activities, and differentiated learning opportunities.


Program description

Student experience
Students participate in grade level instruction that is both teacher led and supported by flipped classroom techniques (at times and depending on the teacher). Students participate in more individualized learning opportunities through the implementation of technology in the classroom and partnership with Khan Academy.

Results
This program is in its first year across our network so we do not have quantitative results as of yet. In our pilot projects we determined that this approach allowed students in Algebra I the opportunity to refine their pre-algebra skills and practice their newly acquired Alg I skills. Qualitatively, the teachers and the students found this to increase competence and academic results.


Blended-learning program (2 of 3)

Name N/A
Focus Credit Recovery
Year launched SY2012-13
Outside investments/grants Unavailable
Enrollment 32
Blended grades 9-12
Blended subjects Foreign Language
Content Aventa
SIS PowerSchool
Independent LMS None
Independent gradebook PowerSchool
Independent assessment  None
Professional development None

Program model

Program model: Flex

Model description
Students use a FlexLab to complete foreign language requirements and AP electives.


Program description

Student experience
The students access online foreign language courses in our FlexLab. Teachers work with students in small groups to supplement online curriculum with projects and deeper learning experiences.

Results
One of the biggest challenges when implementing a FlexLab model for us has been ensuring that the teachers are well prepared to work within this new framework.

This is the first year of this program implementation.


Blended-learning program (3 of 3)

Name N/A
Focus Special Education
Year launched SY2011-12
Outside investments/grants $50,000
Enrollment 32
Blended grades 9-12
Blended subjects Math, English Language Arts, Science, History/Social Studies, Foreign Language
Content Khan Academy, Mangahigh, Bookshare, Co:Writer
SIS Powerschool
Independent LMS None
Independent gradebook PowerSchool
Independent assessment  None
Professional development None

Program model

Program model: A La Carte

Model description
Students use a combination of teacher-led and individually-determined learning trajectories that include multiple different technology-based tools and/or programs.


Program description

Student experience
Students access individualized programs in a variety of subject areas. This will include a combination of participation in general education with technology based supports, individualized learning plans, supplemental curriculum, and alternative learning targets.

Results
This program does not provide specific quantitative results because this persists across academic domains and grade levels. Qualitative results based on teacher surveys indicate that this program has made an impact on students individual ability to access learning and succeed.


Contact information

Name: Kiera Chase
Title: Blended Learning Coordinator
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 510-451-2415 X 104