Submitted by Christopher M. Gegaris, Principal
Note: The information in this profile represents SY2012-13 unless otherwise indicated.
School Overview
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School Description
Crestwood School District implemented hybrid learning to support the district goal to improve PSSA/Keystone assessment scores and the math curriculum. The district is part of the Pennsylvania Hybrid Learning Institute (PA HLI).
Blended Learning Program
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Program Model
Program model: Lab Rotation
Model description
Students rotate between three learning experiences: Direct Instruction, Independent Learning and Collaborative Learning. Students move to a smaller classroom with a teacher to work on digital content.
Program Description
How much time do students spend on campus in this blended-learning program? How much of this time do students spend learning online or with educational software?
Students spend one period per day in the Hybrid Learning program. The algebra students spend approximately 25% of their time on educational software, and the calculus students spend approximately 5-10% of their time on educational software.
Briefly describe the offline components of this blended-learning program.
Students receive direct instruction from the teacher at one of the rotations and work in a small collaborative student group on a project at another station. Collaborative projects can span multiple days.
How does this blended-learning program fit into the rest of the students’ school day?
The Hybrid Learning program fits into their regularly scheduled math class, and therefore seamlessly into their day.
What are the teachers’ roles and responsibilities in both the online and offline components of this blended-learning program?
The teachers are responsible for creating all aspects of the blended learning program. They develop lessons for the direct instruction component, create collaborative activities and assign digital content. They create a “Digital Agenda” for students to access which is a roadmap for their week ahead.
What other adults are involved in this blended-learning program (e.g., paraprofessionals, learning coaches, counselors) and what are their roles and responsibilities?
PA Intermediate Unit 18 Provides an Instructional Coach to meet and work with teachers on a weekly basis. In the algebra class, there is a Special Education Aide who assists primarily in the collaborative activities. There are two certified teachers for the two classes offered. One of them focuses on the online digital content.
Briefly describe the set-up of physical space for this blended-learning program.
The Hybrid Learning classroom is shared with a traditional classroom and teacher. There are desks set up in the classroom for traditional learning, with two tables at the back for collaborative work. The teachers have access to a second classroom with computers, and students assigned to work independently go to that classroom with a second teacher.
How are students grouped within this blended-learning program?
Students are grouped by ability in the algebra class. In calculus, the teacher allows the students to self-select groups for collaborative work.
Do students have some element of control over the pacing of their learning? Are students tied to a semester-based course schedule or can they complete courses at any time? Briefly describe any requirements or benchmarks in place to ensure student progress.
Students can control the pace at which they complete the Independent Learning activities. Students are assigned work individually based on their needs, and therefore all students do not have the same assignments. There are due dates for the independent work.
Describe any other distinctive characteristics of this blended-learning program if they have not been captured above.
As a member of the Pennsylvania Hybrid Learning Institute (PA HLI), Crestwood High School has a comprehensive and customized Evaluation Plan. The purpose of the Evaluation Plan is to provide information designed to improve educational programs and to demonstrate accountability to program objectives. PA HLI uses a rigorous and systematic process to evaluate whether new hybrid school implementations are achieving their desired effects. In the PA HLI Evaluation Plan, every hybrid learning task is tied to a specific desired outcome in order to track results. Data is being collected by a Program Management Analyst through monthly visitations and observations, surveys of students, teachers and parents, and a variety comparative data. Crestwood receives monthly status reports as well as quarterly program reviews in conjunction with their Intermediate Unit so they can work on any identified opportunities.
Describe the academic results of the program, using quantitative data where possible.
Not yet measured.
Contact Information
Name: Christopher M. Gegaris
Title: Principal
Phone: 570.474.6782 ext. 304
Email: [email protected]
Website: csdcomets.org