Story and Photo by Debbie Glover
St. Tammany News

Distance learning or online courses – St. Tammany Parish School System has been offering courses on computer since 2004. At first, the scope was to help seniors meet graduation requirements. Now, however, a variety of course work, including core courses and electives, are offered to students during the day or after regular hours for either credit recovery or new credit.

Karen DeVillier, principal of the a3 Academy, said that this summer, the online option had over 250 students enrolled in the June session taking 400 half-credits and over 350 students in July taking 500 half-credits. There were more students taking online recovery credit courses this summer than in traditional summer school throughout the parish, De Villier said. “This is the best thing we do for our students that are falling behind,” she said. She said this is a great option for those working parents who would not be able to get student to and from a traditional summer school for logistical reasons.

In additional. There are some high-achieving students that take an eighth-hour course. For example, higher level courses in foreign language may not be available, especially for French or Spanish IV. As long as there are five students in the parish that want to take the course, it can be offered through the Virtual Academy.

DeVillier said that with the new Core 4 TOPS curriculum, there a fewer electives available in students’ schedules. Not only will students need to complete four full credits in English, math, science and social studies, other courses such as physical education, health, the arts and economics are still required, leaving little room for activities such as band, theater or other interests.

Students can pursue other electives as an eighth-hour class, giving them more options.

All courses are taught by St. Tammany Parish School System teachers using the guaranteed curriculum. DeVillier said that the Virtual Academy has allowed for the creation of electives that are not offered on campus.

She said that when a senior student does not do well in the first half of a core course, like English IV, the online option allows them to take it over in the spring and recover that credit while taking the second half of the course so they graduate with their class and on time.

It’s truly becoming a virtual world.

Some of the coursework offered online includes anthropology, environmental science, biology I and II, all Spanish and French courses, health, American history, many math courses, civics, world geography, psychology, study skills, law studies, desktop publishing and more.

De Villier said that as demand continues, the program will only grow.

The program is not meant to replace traditional courses, but rather offer recovery credit and expand options for students at school and at home.