MLSD online learning program expands

MOSES LAKE - As long as there have been schools, there have been kids who didn't fit, or who needed to make up some ground. And as long as there have been schools, teachers have been looking for ways to help those kids. The rise of technology has given school districts a new tool in the fight to help kids, which is what MLSD Digital is all about.

"Nothing replaces a good teacher standing in front of students," said Doug Boole, instructor at MLSD Digital. But for kids who are behind in one or more classes, or don't fit at school, the goal is to make the digital program an alternative.

The digital program is open to middle school and high school students, said Dave Balcom, director of student services for the Moses Lake School District. Students can enroll for one or more classes, or go full time online, he said.

Full time students in the digital program must attend class 25 hours per week, Balcom said, which is the standard for all students. They meet with the program counselor and must spend at least one hour per week with an academic advisor at the MLSD Digital office, he said. They can come to the office for help with schoolwork as well. "They still need that adult connection," Balcom said.

The staff consists of three instructors, Boole, Sarah Sawyer and Brett Hammond; counselor Mary Ann Davis and office manager Priscilla Contreras.

Currently the digital program has about 240 students, Boole said, with about half enrolled full time. The others have fallen behind in a class, or a couple of classes, and are catching back up.

District officials started the program because there were kids who had dropped out or had fallen behind and weren't catching up, Balcom said. "For whatever reason, school didn't fit." Balcom said. "We have a lot of different reasons they're here," Boole said; some of them are trying to make up classes, some are new to the district, some are there by choice. Their circumstances help set each student's curriculum, Boole said.

"We want them either to graduate or go back to school," Boole said.

Eighth grader Shyanne Speed is taking a ninth-grade English class through MLSD Digital, and for her it's working. "The program that I was in before - I failed," she said. The help she received from the teachers has been an important component in helping her meet the class requirements. "They don't make it complicated to understand. And then the study sheets help you."

Kids are referred to the program by a middle school or high school counselor, Boole said. It's not the place to goof off - kids have to be in school that 25 hours per week, and "they're bound by the truancy court just like anybody else. And we have been to truancy court," Balcom said.

"Online learning is not for every student," Balcom said. "There has to be a good deal of self-motivation and initiative."

School isn't for everybody, but neither is online learning, Boole said, and nothing, in his opinion, replaces a good teacher.

"I think we need to be careful with this (the online program)," Boole said. The key to successful online education will be classes that are relevant to kids and rigorous in instruction, he said. "We can't be an easy way out for kids."